The followings are an overview of the Australian education system. It varies with states; please consult with AES about the education system in the state of your interest.

Age
Australian Schools Age
Prep Age 5
Primary School Year 1~6 : Age 6~11
Secondary School Year 7~10 : Age 12~15
Year 11~12 : Age 16~17
*For international students, a student visa may be granted only to Age 6 or above.
Curriculums

*Melbourne case

Primary School

Year 1~6

English, Math, Social studies, Science, The Arts(Music, Arts, Drama, etc.), Health & Physical Education

Secondary School

Year 7~10

English, Math, Science, LOTE, Economics, The Arts, etc.

 

Year 11~12

More elective subjects are available to help students prepare university entrance and study college majors and related subjects. University entrance is mostly assessed with VCE results and ENTER.
Terms and Semesters
(as of 2010)

The first term of the year starts at the last week of every January. Age 5, as of April 30 can enter a Prep school; however, international students should be over Age 6 to enrol a public school.

Term School Days Break/Vacation

Term 1

27 January ~ 23 March (8 weeks

2 weeks

Term 2

12 April ~ 25 June (11 weeks)

2weeks

Term 3

12 July ~ 17 September (10 weeks)

2weeks

Term 4

4 October ~ 17 December (11weeks)

5 weeks
(a long break)

University entrance preparation

Two years in secondary education may be aimed for university entrance preparation. Starting from the Term 1 in Year 11, academic performance of a student can be used for the university entrance assessment. Minimum 16 units are required for the graduation; most students complete 22~24 units. e.g. 5~6 subjects per year, Unit 1&2 in Year 11 and Unit 3&4 in Year 12.
Compulsory subjects to graduate with the VCE

• English (compulsory)  : > 3 Unit
• Three subjects other than English : > 3, 4 Unit
• Subjects in Human Sciences, Classical studies, Social Studies:  > 2 Unit
• Math, Science, Technology related subjects: > 2 Unit