Relocating to a new country is not a small decision; Ambler Collins aims to provide you with the most up-to-date and reliable information on important aspects
of life in the country your interested in moving to. Please see the menu below for more information on life in
Australia.
Education in Australia
The Australian Education system is controlled at a state level although there are a number of elements that are controlled from a federal level. World wide, the Australian education system is constantly among the top 10 in international education ranking systems. Schooling is compulsory for children from 6 to 15-17, depending on the state. There are both independent and public schools at all levels, with around 2 thirds students attending public schools. Academic years run over the course of the calendar year, with schools normally starting in February or March, and ending in November or December.
Pre-school education and services for children under 5 or 6 normally comes in the form of day care or parent run play-groups. With the exception of Northern Territory and Queensland these are not state funded and rely on the support of the community and local councils.
Primary education is compulsory from 6 years of age in Australia. Depending on the state, children spend 7 or 8 years at primary school and then move onto high school, middle school or college. College uniforms are normal at both independent and public schools, and both independent and public schools are required to follow the same curriculum. Students sit state university entrance exams in year 12 at secondary school.
Tertiary Education
Tertiary Education in Australia is of a world standard and is regulated through the Australian Education Framework. There are 2 differing varieties, made up of Universities, and other higher education providers, normally Technical and Further Education Colleges (TAFE), who provide more vocational related education. Australia regularly has around 10 universities in the top 250 universities in the world of which and The University of Melbourne, The University of Sydney, and the Australian National University are generally considered the top 3 in the country.
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