Australian Education

About Australian education

Education in Australia is primarily the responsibility of the eight states and territories. This means that they provide funds and regulation for their schools. Both public schools (government) and private schools (non-government) exist in each state. The curriculum taught in each state or school may vary but the learning areas are the same in all.

The School Education section of edna provides links to the education departments and the curriculum, assessment and certification authorities for each state/territory.

Preschool education is undertaken for one year however it is generally not compulsory. For links to Early Childhood Education authorities, and for directories of providers of preschool, kindergarten and child care, see the Early Childhood Education section of edna.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a system of national qualifications in schools, vocational education and training (TAFEs and private providers) and the higher education sector (mainly universities). More information about AQF qualifications can be found on the AQF site.

To find registered training providers see the VET pages on edna.
For universities, see the Higher Education pages.
Wikipedia provides a more detailed overview of education in Australia.

Studying in Australia

Overseas students wanting information about studying in Australia, including information on courses, scholarships, institutions, the application process, visa requirements and more, should refer to the Australian Government 'Study in Australia' website.

edna also provides some information on its International Education page.

Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)

AITSL provides information about teaching as a career, and skills assessment for migration.

Term and semester dates

Australian school term dates for the current year and the next year are published by Australia.gov.au.
Australian TAFE term dates are the same as for schools.
Semester dates for universities are available on the Australian Universities website.

Finding a course

Going to uni and myfuture both provide course searches, including online courses, for Australian students. See also the online courses available through Open Universities Australia.
International students should use the course search tool on Study in Australia.

Returning to study

A student wishing to complete their secondary school certificate should contact their state assessment board. A list of these organisations can be found at http://www.edna.edu.au/edna/browse/0,4653. The advice may vary slightly for each state.

TAFE and some other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) offer adult students the opportunity to gain entry into courses based on education, life experience, employment etc. You could also choose to do an introductory certificate or a diploma course related to your career, or area of interest, and use this as a basis for gaining entry to a university course of your choice. For specific advice it would be best to make an appointment with a counsellor at your nearest RTO.

Education statistics

The MCEETYA National Report on Schooling has statistics about Australian schooling.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides statistics on Australian schools in its annual publication Schools Australia
The Productivity Commission provides an annual Report on Government Services that has sections on early childhood, education and training.
Higher Education Statistics are provided by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

Acronyms in Australian education

edna Acronym buster (276 Kb)
- A list of definitions and acronyms used in the education and training sector (2004)

edna.edu.au