Are you an international student planning to complete secondary schooling in Victoria? Secondary (7-12) (CRICOS course code 019048F) is a 6-year Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by Department of Education, the Victorian government’s education provider. This comprehensive program covers Years 7 through 12 and is taught at multiple high schools across the state, including Alkira Secondary College, Ashwood High School, and Auburn High School. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00861K), it adheres to Australian quality standards for international education. Indicative tuition fees are A$132,200, with non-tuition costs of A$22,372, bringing the estimated total to A$154,572. Students also need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa fees. The course is taught entirely in English and requires an IELTS score of 5.0-5.5 or equivalent. With ESOS Act protections in place, international students can study with confidence. This page provides full details on entry requirements, delivery locations, and application steps.
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Secondary (7-12) (CRICOS course code 019048F) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by Department of Education over 6 years (312 weeks). This course is registered under CRICOS provider 00861K and falls under the field of General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes (120101). It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. The language of instruction is English. The course does not include a mandatory work component. For course-specific details, visit the Department of Education’s website at http://www.study.vic.gov.au.
This program falls under the broad field of Mixed Field Programmes, specifically General Education Programmes (1201) and General Primary and Secondary Education Programme (120101). Students in this stream undertake a comprehensive secondary education curriculum designed to prepare them for further study or employment. Typically, graduates develop foundational knowledge in English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and languages, along with critical thinking and communication skills. The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is the standard qualification for university entry in Australia. While the exact subject offerings vary by school, the course aims to meet the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) standards. This general education framework ensures a well-rounded academic foundation for international students.
According to the CRICOS register, the duration of Secondary (7-12) is 6 years, equivalent to 312 weeks. This is a full-time program delivered in English, with no dual qualification. The course is a single qualification leading to the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Students attend school during standard academic terms and are expected to maintain satisfactory attendance and progress as per student visa conditions. The extended duration allows comprehensive coverage of the secondary curriculum, from preparatory Year 7 through to the final examinations in Year 12.
The indicative tuition fee for Secondary (7-12) at Department of Education is A$132,200. Non-tuition fees amount to A$22,372, bringing the estimated total to A$154,572. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees with the provider before applying. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges. For updated fee information, visit the Department of Education's website. A summary of indicative fees is shown in the table below.
For entry into Secondary (7-12), applicants typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.0-5.5 or equivalent English language proficiency. Prior academic qualifications appropriate for the student's year level are expected. The provider may assess prior learning and place students in the appropriate year. Foundation or pathway options are not part of this course; however, the provider can advise on bridging programs if needed. International students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. Always check with the Department of Education for the most current entry requirements.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may be eligible for part-time work: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work rights are subject to visa conditions and should be verified with the Department of Home Affairs. The absence of a work component means the course focuses entirely on academic study, with no compulsory work placement.
Secondary (7-12) is delivered at the following Victorian government schools: Alkira Secondary College in Cranbourne North, Ashwood High School in Ashwood, Auburn High School in Hawthorn East, Bairnsdale Secondary College in Bairnsdale (regional Victoria), Ballarat High School in Ballarat, and Balwyn High School in Balwyn North. These schools are located across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, offering students diverse study environments. All schools are CRICOS-registered and meet Australian education standards. Students can choose a location based on preferences for city or regional lifestyle, with each school providing support services for international students.
International students enrolling in Secondary (7-12) typically require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Students under 18 may need a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for an accompanying parent or guardian. Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks. All students must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Financial capacity requirements must be demonstrated. For detailed visa information, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.
Apply for Secondary (7-12) at Department of Education in three steps: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers offering this course. Use the CRICOS register to verify provider code 00861K. Step 2: Apply directly to the provider. Contact the school of your choice to submit application materials, including academic records and English test scores. Check application deadlines. Step 3: Upon acceptance, receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. Start early to meet visa processing times.
Victoria is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering secondary education. When selecting a school, consider location, support services for international students, and school facilities. Living costs in Victoria vary: in Melbourne, rent for a student room averages A$250-350 per week, plus groceries and transport. Regional areas like Bairnsdale may have lower costs. Public transport is available near most metro schools. Also consider your long-term goals: the Senior Secondary Certificate can lead to university or vocational pathways. Research specific school programs and visit the provider's website for details. All listed schools are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality and compliance with Australian standards.
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All Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses in Victoria →
Secondary (7-12) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Department of Education. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.