How can I search and compare the best schools for my child?

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

Understanding the school system and the types of schools in a preferred destination country, will assist parents to select the school that will best meet their child’s needs.

First, consider the destination country.  For parents looking for a country where English is the primary language, consider destinations such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom or the USA.

Australia

Australian secondary schools usually enrol approximately 24,000 international students with approximately 10,000 new commencements each year. There are many reasons why international students enrol in Australian schools.

Quality Education

Australian schools are regulated by a strict framework put in place by the Australian Government, in collaboration with State and Territory Governments. They adhere to a national standard.

Many schools also offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB).

English Language Education

Australia’s national language is English. International students studying in Australia receive a high quality education while improving English language skills. This prepares them to succeed in future careers in the global economy.

Pathway to the world’s best universities

Australian universities have an outstanding reputation. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2020, listed twelve Australian universities in the top 200. Australian schools prepare students for an Australian tertiary education, or for enrolment at universities overseas.

A safe, multicultural and prosperous nation

Australia is a safe and welcoming destination. Australia is a muticultural nation where people from many different cultures live peacefully side by side. Australia is a country that has welcomed millions of people migrating from over 200 countries. Australia is also a safe destination with strict gun and weapons laws.

What else do I need to consider when choosing an Australian school?

Independent or private schools are well established, some with very long histories. Many are considered by Australian families to be very prestigious. Tuition fees range from approximately AUD$18,000 to approximately AUD$40,000 per year. Higher fees may mean that such schools are able to provide a wider range of specialist programs and contemporary facilities.

  • Some schools have small student populations of around 500 students while others are larger with around 3000 students.
  • Many have religious affiliations but many are also secular. All schools enrol students from a wide variety of backgrounds.
  • Choices of school type include girls, boys, coeducational schools. Some schools offer parallel learning for boys and girls in middle school years.
  • Schools provide either boarding or homestay accommodation for international students with some schools providing both boarding and homestay accommodation.
  • Private schools usually limit the number of international students to up to approximately 10 per cent of the total student population and some only have small numbers of around 10-30 international students.
  • Some private schools also provide intensive English language programs within the school while others have relationships with English language colleges.
  • Private schools are also subject to Australian and state government regulations.

The governments in each Australian State or Territory have international student programs with students enrolled in nominated government or public schools. Government schools include select entry schools in some States with many students often achieving high academic outcomes upon completion of secondary school.  Tuition fees are approximately AUD$14,000-$18,000 per year

Most government schools are coeducational and provide only homestay accommodation.

Government schools also provide a quality pathway for international students.

There are two choices for international students to consider – (1) Intensive English language programs (ELICOS) delivered by private English language colleges or (2) English language preparation programs within a school.

English Language Colleges

  • English language colleges are available in major cities in each state and many regional locations.
  • In Australia, intensive English language programs are referred to as English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS).
  • Many English language colleges have High School Preparation programs which are specifically designed to prepare international students for studying in Australian schools. These are usually full time intensive courses that students attend before they commence at a school.
  • International students should complete an AEAS Test to determine the number of weeks intensive English language they should study before commencing at their school.
  • Many Australian schools have preferred relationships with English language colleges.
  • International students may contact an English language college directly or their preferred Australian school for advice.

English Language Programs in Schools

  • Some schools provide their own intensive English program (ELICOS) within their school.
  • Some schools provide an English language preparation program with students attending English language classes for less than 20 hours per week and other general classes with local and international students.
  • The majority of Australian schools also offer ESL (English as Second Language) or EAL (English as an Additional Language) for between two to ten hours per week.
  • International students should check with their preferred school on the type of English language support available and the number of hours each week they can access.

AEAS can help you search for, compare and apply to the best schools in Australia and around the world!

Search and compare schools on the Australian Schools Information System

The Australian Schools Information System (ASIS), developed by AEAS, is an innovative online marketing platform, making it simple and easy for parents, students and education agents to search for information about school education in Australia.

Visit the Australian Schools Information System

Find a school that meets my needs and accepts my AEAS Report

AEAS works with the best schools around the world. These schools make sure their international students are fully prepared for their school studies.  Submitting an AEAS Report with the application allows schools to support their students based on trusted and accurate information.

Find a school that accepts the AEAS Report