Education Queensland International

Education Queensland International (EQI) provides the opportunity to benefit from a world-class overseas education at an early age.

EQI is one of the largest providers of programs for international students in Australia. It is the international division of the Queensland Department of Education and works with leading schools to offer high-quality education.

Over 90 schools are part of the EQI International Student Program, where there are lifestyle options to suit all different kinds of learners. Students can:

• Enjoy short and long-term study options
• Choose from a wide variety of subjects
• Gain internationally-recognized qualifications
• Get ready for post-school success and earn university credit at high school

Internationals enjoy living and studying in Queensland. As well as the exceptional education system, the location boasts an affordable local lifestyle, beautiful beaches and parks, and many exciting extracurricular activities.

Programs available include:

• Primary school from Prep to Year 6
• Secondary high school from Year 7 to Year 12
• High school preparation
• International Baccalaureate (IB), with a 3-year immersion program for Year 10 to Year 12
• Various flexible pathway programs

The Queensland government strives to provide students with an inspiring education full of learning experiences. It has close partnerships with universities, researchers and industry. This ensures innovative opportunities in the classroom environment.

Quality assurance

All EQI schools provide exceptional learning experiences for international students. Programs are quality assured, so learners can expect high standards of teaching, accommodation, facilities and support services. EQI schools are also accredited in line with national code requirements.

Teaching

The Queensland government has one of the most effective education systems in the world. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) names Australia as one of the best-performing countries for education, as students perform higher than the global average.

Internationals benefit from an excellent curriculum, highly qualified and dedicated teaching staff, small classes, and diverse learning environments. Classes usually have 25–28 students, and many teachers hold postgraduate qualifications.

Student satisfaction

2020/2021 student satisfaction survey feedback

• 98 per cent overall program satisfaction rate
• 94 per cent would recommend their school to other students
• 98 per cent felt their high school expectations were partially met / met / or exceeded

Students and parents are encouraged to check the complete list of academic and English language requirements for each course on the Education Queensland International website.

Primary

The International Student Program is available to students on a student visa from 6 years of age. For years 2 to 6, children need to have met the requirements and passed core subjects in their first two years of schooling. There are no English language requirements for entry to the primary program.

High school preparation

Students must have passed all core subjects in the previous two years of schooling. There are no English language entry requirements.

Junior and senior high school

Students must have passed core subjects in the previous two years of schooling and -

• Achieved a minimum English language test result (undertaking HSP may be required to meet the English entry requirement) OR
• Have completed schooling taught in English for a minimum of two years

There are different requirements for the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program at the junior level.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Students applying to the IB Diploma program for Years 11 to 12 will need -

• Successful results in Years 9 and 10 of school
• Satisfactory English language test results or have been taught in English at school for a minimum of two years
• They may also have to attend an interview or complete a test

Tuition fees depend on the course, level and duration of study. All curriculum schooling and teaching costs and related excursions are included in the total fee.

The following fees are for 2024 and are approximate (subject to change) -

• Primary school – AUD 14,676 per year
• High school preparation – AUD 490 per week
• Junior high school – AUD 16,064 per year
• Senior high school – AUD 18,160 per year
• International Baccalaureate (IB) – AUD 20,754 per year
• Queensland Academies IB – AUD 25,699 per year

Students must pay their fees in Australian dollars. If the course is longer than 25 weeks, students don't need to pay more than 50 per cent of their total tuition fees before they begin the course.

There are also additional non-tuition fees that include accommodation in a homestay, school uniforms, digital devices and administration fees. These costs depend on the chosen school. When students first arrive in Australia, there is a free meet-and-greet service at the airport. EQI does not charge an application fee.

EQI's priority is to provide a supportive education that leads to future success. Each program offered by Queensland Government schools is designed to prepare students for their next steps, whether in education or a career.

Pathway programs

Many high school students progress to prestigious universities after completing an EQI university pathway program.

Other pathways include the High School to Vocational Education and Training (VET) program. This involves theoretical and practical industry training. Students have the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications and job-ready skills.

Study and career support

Through their studies, students can access academic and career guidance to help them towards their goals. During year 10, students will be provided with comprehensive guidance and advice to plan their senior subject selections and university course preferences. International students can access guidance counselling, which is available for anything related to:

• Subject choices
• Educational pathways
• Career ambitions
• University opportunities
• General wellbeing and support

International Baccalaureate Diploma

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) is available in selected Queensland government schools, which makes EQI the most affordable option.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma program is a challenging pre-university program for high achievers. An International Baccalaureate Diploma is a qualification recognised by the world's leading universities, making it a popular choice for international students who wish to study for a university degree in Queensland or overseas.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma program supports students to develop strong academic skills and set them up to do well at university. It develops thinking, communication, self-management, teamwork and research skills to be one-step ahead for university.

Curriculum: Students study 6 subjects including one each from theory of knowledge, extended essay and creativity, activity and service.

It requires a 2-year commitment in Years 11 and 12, or 3 years for studies with the Queensland Academies.

School choice: Choose to study at one of four high schools or three3 Queensland Academies:

• Calamvale Community College
• Cleveland District State High School
• Indooroopilly State High School

Queensland Academies

Queensland Academies are selective-entry state schools for high-achieving students. The academies prepare high-school students for university study and life beyond:

• Queensland Academies Creative Industries (QACI)
• Queensland Academies Health Sciences (QAHS)
• Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT)

For more information students can download the EQI IB Diploma brochure and the Queensland Academies brochure.

Queensland government primary and secondary (high) schools are all coeducational in which students from the age of five can enrol.

Subjects

Students can access an education in a wide range of subject areas, which become more specialised the higher the level of study. Subject opportunities include:

• Agricultural science
• Boating
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Sports excellence
• Sailing
• Football excellence
• Marine science
• Leadership excellence
• Performing arts
• Science
• Technology

Pathway programs

To help internationals prepare to study in a new country, EQI offers extensive pathway programs. They gain extra support in building their English language skills, understanding the Queensland school system, preparing for graduate jobs, and more.

Pathway programs include preparation for high school and university. There are also programs in vocational training and further education.