The information below will give you a good overview of education in Victoria, Australia.
The Victorian school education system offers:
You can choose from over 250 accredited primary and secondary schools, each offering welfare and English language support specifically for international students.
The Australian school system has a range of schools including:
Most Victorian government schools are co-educational but there are also some single-gender schools.
The school principal is the leader and manager of the school and its education program. Each school has a ‘school council’ with parent, community and staff representatives that help to make sure it’s operating at its best.
Education in Victoria is compulsory for children aged 6 to 17 years. In the Australian school system, students attend school for a total of 13 years across both primary and secondary school.
Primary school students are usually aged between 6 and 12 years old. Classes are divided from Preparatory (Prep) and Years 1 to 6.
Secondary school students are usually aged between 13 and 18 years old. Classes are divided from Years 7 to 12.
Our secondary school class sizes and student/teacher ratios are better than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average.
Most of our schools have a compulsory school uniform for students to wear. These often include a winter and summer uniform in the school colours.
Students have the choice of wearing:
Students can wear clothing particular to their religion or culture in Victorian government schools. For example, female Muslim students can wear a hijab.
For more detailed information on school uniforms, see: Pre-departure
Almost 25 per cent of students at our schools are from language backgrounds other than English. We have such an extensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) program and many of our schools are staffed with multicultural education aides to support students’ English learning.
Each school is different with many having a diverse mix of cultures and nationalities in their classes.
At Victorian government schools, our educators are highly skilled and committed to maintaining exceptional educational standards. They deliver a diverse and innovative curriculum tailored to meet the needs of each student, ensuring personalised attention and support. Our teachers, drawn from around the world, bring a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching that encourages a dynamic learning environment. We believe that great leadership drives excellence in the classroom, that's why we see our teachers as leaders, as well as our school principals. Their dedication is instrumental in nurturing the potential of every student through comprehensive and globally-minded education.
You’ll usually talk to your teacher using their title and surname: Ms, Mrs or Mr X. Teachers usually talk to students by their first name.
Our schools have experienced staff providing international student support:
Our principals at Victorian government schools are leaders that focus on high standards in both teaching and student outcomes. They manage schools strategically, promoting an inclusive environment and empowering staff and students to excel. Committed to continuous improvement, our principals enhance educational practices and build a community of lifelong learners.
Our teachers will support, challenge and inspire you. They are easy to approach, treat you as individuals with respect and make the effort to connect with you on a personal level.
Our teachers will guide you all the way through your student journey, in any of our Victorian government schools. They are there to help when you may not understand something.
Students need high-quality teachers and school leaders in order to learn. We place great importance on investing in our teachers' skills. All of our teachers are university qualified. As part of their degree, they have hands-on experience in schools through a supervised practical placement program, also known as ‘teaching rounds’.
We believe that every Victorian student deserves the best education system in Australia. The Victorian government strives for passionate and talented principals, teachers and education support staff.
See our Practice Principles for Excellence in Teaching and Learning to find out what guides the way we teach and the way our students learn.
Our International Student Coordinators are probably the most important contact when you arrive. They understand what most international students feel and go through and can give you advice on making the most of your experience.
They also keep your parents involved and informed with written reports, regular phone calls and face-to-face meetings at least once a year.
You can reach out to your International Student Coordinator for all kinds of support, inside and outside of your studies.
In Victoria, our government schools are thoughtfully designed with a focus on the future, incorporating flexible and dynamic spaces that transform learning into an exciting, hands-on experience that extends beyond traditional classrooms.
