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New south wales

New South Wales Public Secondary School System

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  • Published: 28 February 2024

In recent years, high school study abroad in Australia has gradually attracted a large number of international students. Based on a summary of international student data from the Australian Department of Education, the number of international students enrolled in 2023 increased by 33% compared to the previous year*. In particular, with a long history of activities and an ever-improving teaching system, the New South Wales (NSW) public high school system in Australia is an educational network that gathers the most breakthrough quality secondary schools.

So what are the advantages of attending high schools in New South Wales? What are the entrance requirements and tuition fees for high school? Let's find out with IDP!

1. New South Wales Education System

In New South Wales, the educational pathway is regulated as follows:

  • Kindergarten (Optional)

  • Primary: grades 1 - 6

  • Middle school: grades 7 - 10

  • High School: grades 11 – 12

Once you have completed Years 11 and 12 in NSW, you will be awarded the High School Diploma (HSC), which allows you to continue your undergraduate studies, apprenticeship, or job search.

For students who have graduated from high school and plan to study at the university level, you can apply for the Australian University Placement Examination (ATAR), which is a score that ranks students across Australia based on their academic performance in grades 11 and 12. When enrolling in any course, you must meet the respective entry requirements and English proficiency.

2. Why Study High School in New South Wales

Excellent teaching quality

When studying in New South Wales secondary schools, teachers ensure a high level of qualification and experience recognized through the NSW Educational Standards Agency (NESA). Small class sizes allow teachers to closely follow each student, meet their needs, and ensure each student reaches their full potential.

Strict lecture system

The system of secondary schools in New South Wales always improves the quality of teaching, providing a safe and friendly learning environment for students. In addition to teaching basic knowledge and English skills, schools also offer gifted courses and subjects that encourage students to challenge themselves to achieve their best.

State-of-the-art facilities

New South Wales is one of the provinces that has always been at the forefront of investing in the quality of education. Most schools offer state-of-the-art facilities including science and language labs, libraries, auditoriums, sports and entertainment facilities designed to maximize the quality of student learning.

The school's curriculum is integrated with digital technology, supported through WiFi connections, tablets, laptops, and interactive whiteboards.

Easily integrate into a new environment

Studying abroad right from high school is considered the ideal time for you to get acquainted and approach international education in the most natural way. You will be trained in soft skills such as presentations and teamwork. For those of you who choose to live with a host family (Homestay), you will easily integrate into life and learn more about the culture of the natives, and at the same time hone foreign language skills that will be useful for later study.

A stepping stone to transfer to top universities

Degrees from Australia are consistently high-quality and globally recognized, making it easy to transfer to top universities in Australia and beyond. If you maintain high academic grades, you can easily hunt for scholarships that will help alleviate some of the costs.

Read more: Reasons to study in Australia in New South Wales

3. Entry Requirements and Tuition Fees

Similar to other countries around the world, you need to meet the conditions and regulations of the school and education system when you want to study high school in Australia. In terms of academic level, depending on each state, the requirements for qualifications will vary. You need to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 6.5 or higher.

High school programs in Australia do not require IELTS. When you enter the school, you will take an English test and be placed in a class based on your level. Tuition fees for high school will range from AUD 14,800 - AUD 16,600 per year.

Find out the list of High Schools in New South Wales!

Studying abroad at a high school in New South Wales gives you the opportunity to study in a safe, friendly environment with international standard teaching quality. If you want to learn more about secondary schools in New South Wales, contact IDP for detailed advice!

When planning to study abroad for high school with IDP, you will be able to study Abroad Advice in Australia and choose the school that suits your aspirations. IDP also provides guidance on applying for admission and practice Australian Student Visa Interviews with a success rate of up to 95%.

You can also participate in Study Abroad Days or IDP Events throughout the year to meet directly with representatives of the university and consider scholarships to study in Australia up to 100%.

Contact IDP to start your study abroad consultation in Australia today!

See more:

Conditions and scholarships to study abroad in Australia

Australian Education System

Victorian Public Secondary School System

Victoria, Australia - Ideal Study Abroad Destination

Discover 11+ interesting differences in Australian culture - what international students need to know!

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