Education in Australia

Overview

Education in Australia encompasses a range of academic disciplines and vocational courses which prepare individuals for the workforce, and tertiary courses which lead to the attainment of a higher degree. The education system in Australia is divided into three broad areas: primary school, secondary school and tertiary education. All three tiers are compulsory and governed by the Australian Education Act 2013. 1(https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00040)

A typical Australian school building with a flagpole in the front yard.

Primary Education

Primary education in Australia is compulsory and begins at age 5 or 6. It lasts for seven or eight years and is designed to give children a strong foundation in learning and understanding, along with social skills. The curriculum is designed to develop students' skills in areas such as literacy, numeracy, science, arts and physical education. 2(https://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/foundation-year-10)

Secondary Education

Secondary education in Australia follows primary education and lasts for five to six years. The curriculum is more subject-oriented, with students typically studying a variety of subjects across the arts, sciences, and humanities. The final two years of secondary education culminate in the completion of the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE), which is necessary for entry into most tertiary education courses. 3(https://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/senior-secondary-curriculum)

A large building with multiple windows, representing a typical Australian high school.

Tertiary Education

Tertiary education in Australia is provided by both government and private institutions, and courses are often extremely competitive. The sector includes both higher education (including universities) and vocational education and training (VET). 4(https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/australian-education)

Higher Education

Higher education in Australia is renowned worldwide for its high academic standards and rigorous quality controls. It includes undergraduate and postgraduate study, as well as more advanced research degrees. The sector is dominated by universities, which offer bachelor degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees. 5(https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/australian-education/universities-and-higher-education)

A large, modern building with a spacious lawn in front, representing a typical Australian university.

Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia is designed to deliver workplace-specific skills and knowledge-based competencies in a wide range of occupations. VET is provided by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), which include Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and private providers. 6(https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/australian-education/vocational-education-and-training)

Quality and Regulation

The Australian education system is regulated by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment. The department oversees the implementation of national policies and programmes that help Australians access quality education and training. 7(https://www.dese.gov.au/)

A large, modern office building with the Australian flag flying in front, representing the Australian Department of Education.

International Education

Australia is a leading global provider of education to international students. The country offers a diverse range of study options for international students, with more than 1,200 institutions and over 22,000 courses to choose from. 8(https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/)

References

1. [Australian Education Act 2013](https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00040) 2. [Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority](https://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/foundation-year-10) 3. [Senior Secondary Curriculum](https://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/senior-secondary-curriculum) 4. [Study in Australia](https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/australian-education) 5. [Universities and Higher Education in Australia](https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/australian-education/universities-and-higher-education) 6. [Vocational Education and Training in Australia](https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/english/australian-education/vocational-education-and-training) 7. [Department of Education, Skills and Employment](https://www.dese.gov.au/) 8. [Study in Australia - International Education](https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/)