Study at High School
South Australian government high schools are well-equipped with creative learning spaces that include technology labs, performance centres and hospitality, vocational learning and specialist sporting facilities.
You can choose a school that is near the beach, close to the city centre or in the country.
As part of your high school program you will live with a supportive homestay family or you can nominate to live with a relative or family friend.
Program Fees
Fees are in Australian dollars (AUD) and may be subject to change without notice. Fees may include 1, 2, 3 or 4 terms of Intensive Secondary English Course.
Download fee schedule for program fees, inclusions and additional school and living expenses. Fees do not include travel expenses to and from Australia or visa costs.
Download fee schedules
Our Programs: 13 – 18 years of age
Compare and choose from our three high school programs.
| High School Graduate Program | High School Study Abroad Program | Regional Study Abroad Program |
|---|---|---|
| Study for over 1 year, up to 5 years | Study for 1-4 terms | Study for 1-4 terms |
| Academic achievement and completion of South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) | Education and cultural experience | Education and cultural experience |
| Metropolitan or regional location | Metropolitan location | Regional location |
| Intensive Secondary English Course and ongoing English language support | Intensive Secondary English Course and ongoing English language support | English language support |
| Curriculum and qualification | ||
| View program inclusions | View program inclusions | View program inclusions |
Download program brochure
| Americas/Europe | North Asia | South East Asia |
|---|---|---|
| English | Chinese (Simplified) | Thai |
| German | Chinese (Traditional) | Vietnamese |
| French | Korean | |
| Italian | Japanese | |
| Portuguese | ||
| Spanish |
School Term and Application Dates
| 2023 | School term dates | Last date to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 30 January - 14 April | 28 October 2022 |
| Term 2 | 1 May - 7 July | 31 January 2023 |
| Term 3 | 24 July - 29 September | 27 April 2023 |
| Term 4 | 16 October - 15 December | 20 July 2023 |
| 2024 | School term dates | Last date to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 29 January - 12 April | 31 October 2023 |
| Term 2 | 29 April - 5 July | 30 January 2024 |
| Term 3 | 22 July - 27 September | 23 April 2024 |
| Term 4 | 14 October - 13 December | 16 July 2024 |
| 2025 | School term dates | Last date to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 28 January - 11 April | 30 October 2024 |
| Term 2 | 28 April- 4 July | 28 January 2025 |
| Term 3 | 21 July - 26 September | 22 April 2025 |
| Term 4 | 13 October - 12 December | 15 July 2025 |
About our High Schools
Our accredited high schools delivering the International Student Program are located across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia. Their large open spaces and natural environments provide a clean, quiet and beautiful area to learn in.
| High school | Year levels | Student age |
|---|---|---|
| Junior high school | Years 7 - 9 | 13 - 15 years |
| Senior high school | Years 10 - 12 | 16 - 18 years |
Academic year
The academic year is made up of 4 terms (2 semesters) and starts in late January and ends mid-December.
- Semester 1: terms 1 and 2
- Semester 2: terms 3 and 4
There are approximately 10 weeks in each term followed by holidays.
A typical school day
Students attend school Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm.
Lessons take place in a range of school locations including classrooms, science laboratories, specialist workshop and studio spaces, gymnasiums and outdoor sports fields. Some aspects of study may take place a work-place environment.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8.30am | Arrive at school. Home group for attendance and daily notices. |
| 8.45am | Lessons such as English and Information Technology |
| 10.45am | Recess (a short break for a drink and snack) |
| 11.00am | Lessons such as Geography and Mathematics |
| 12.45pm | Lunch (time to eat lunch with your friends, attend activity clubs, music lessons or play sport) |
| 1.30pm | Lessons such as Home Economics and Science |
| 3.30pm | School finishes. Many students participate in after school sports or music practice. |
School uniform
Each school has its own uniform which includes a summer, winter and sports uniform.
Curriculum and Qualification
The Australian curriculum is designed to cater to the specific academic needs and interests of students and guide them towards their ideal future pathway.
The core learning areas are English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, The Arts, Languages, Health and Physical Education, Technologies and Work Studies. Schools offer a broad range of specialised subjects and special interest programs within the core learning areas which challenge students to develop essential skills and capabilities.
Specialised subjects include marine biology, hospitality, surfing, outdoor education, dance, music and photography. If you want to try a new subject, you should consider this when choosing your school.
Special interest programs are available to students with a talent or passion in a particular subject area such as languages, music, performing arts and sport. Entry into these programs may require evidence of student aptitude, an audition or try-out prior to acceptance. Additional fees may apply.
Students can also participate in a range of co-curricular activities including sport, music bands, engineering design competitions, debating and drama productions.
South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
The SACE is an internationally recognised qualification awarded to students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12 in a South Australian high school. The SACE is divided into Stage 1 and Stage 2. In planning your senior secondary study, you will complete a Personal Learning Plan in Year 10 or when you start Year 11. You need to get 200 credits to achieve the SACE, through a mixture of compulsory and free-choice subjects and courses. Credit towards the SACE may be given to students who have successfully completed Year 11 in their own country. Visit the SACE website for more information.
Students receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) based on their academic results. The ATAR is recognised for entry into Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions, and is used by many universities around the world to select students for degree courses.
School versus Foundation Studies
South Australian Government Schools do not offer Foundation Studies.
Schools offer a broader range of subjects and greater in-depth study which will provide more options for your university studies. Importantly, most students in Year 12 study the subject English as an Additional Language (EAL) to prepare them for the rigours of university study and enable them to enter without an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.
Our schools also provide the personalised care and support to help you succeed in your studies including in-class support and personal, subject and pathway counselling. Every school has an International Student Program manager dedicated to your success, safety and wellbeing.