About the Educational System

The school year begins in end February and runs through early December. The year is divided into four terms, with a short break between each term, and a month long summer holiday at the end of the year.

Educational system in Australia

Primary School [Ages 6 to 12]

• 6 years
• Years are called "grades"
• Curriculum is nationalised across Australia
• Students learn English, math, science and languages

Australian children usually attend a year of kindergarten at the age of five before beginning primary school. Primary students pass from grades one to six without examinations, though their abilities are tested at key points. The course curriculum is nationalised across Australia. Students learn academic subjects such as English, math, science and languages, as well as social and environmental studies, technology, health, personal development and physical education.

Secondary School [Ages 12 to 16]

• 4 years
• Grades 7 - 10 are compulsory
• Students choose an academic or vocational path
• All students prepare for and sit for their School Certificate exams

Students begin secondary school at grade seven, usually at the age of 12 or 13. Secondary school is compulsory for four more years, during which students gain a deeper understanding of their primary school subjects or, if they wish, begin taking vocational subjects that prepare them for a career. At the end of tenth grade, students sit for their School Certificate examinations. They can then choose to leave school altogether and enter the workforce, they can attend a vocational school or they can continue to study for two more years to complete their Year 12 Certificate.

Year 12 Certificate [Ages 16-18]

• 2 years
• Students follow academic subjects to prepare for university entrance
• In second year, students prepare for and are awarded the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education

Bachelors Degrees [Ages 18+]

• 3 or 4 years
• Years are divided into three terms
• A bachelor’s degree is awarded upon completion
• Students take course subjects in their degree area, and sit for final exams

Before you leave EF University Preparation will host a Pre-Departure Meeting where EF University Preparation staff and former students will advise you on what to expect and what to bring and answer any questions you may have. You will also be given a comprehensive information packet on your target destination.

Postgraduate Degrees [Ages 21+]

• 1 to 6 years
• A masters degree or MBA is awarded upon completion
• Students must complete coursework, write a masters thesis and sit for final exams
• Masters students can continue studying for a doctoral or PhD degree

Postgraduate programmes are offered in Australia for Masters Degrees (MA, MSc or MBA) and Doctorate Degrees (PhD). Masters programmes generally follow a three or four year Bachelors degree and last for either one or two years. Doctorate programmes, however usually require four to five years of additional advanced study. MBA degrees generally require one to two years and candidates will need at least two years managerial level work experience in addition to a Bachelors Degree.