Victorian College of the Arts Secondary Course (7-12) (CRICOS course code 028651A) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by Department of Education over 6 years. This unique course combines a rigorous academic curriculum with specialist arts training, preparing students for tertiary study or careers in the creative industries. Located at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in Southbank, Melbourne, the program is designed for talented young artists who wish to pursue their passion while completing their secondary education. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00861K), international students can study under the Australian Government's quality assurance framework, with ESOS Act protections ensuring their rights. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
| Metric | Value |
|---|
This course is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) program, equivalent to Years 7 to 12 in the Australian education system. It falls under the field of education '12 Mixed Field Programmes' with a focus on general primary and secondary education (120101). Students not only study core subjects like English, mathematics, and science but also receive intensive training in areas such as music, dance, drama, and visual arts. The Department of Education, a government provider (CRICOS 00861K), delivers the program exclusively at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in Southbank, Melbourne. Melbourne is home to over 400 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a vibrant student community with excellent public transport links to Southbank via tram and train. Indicative living costs in Melbourne are around A$500–700 per week for rent, groceries, and transport.
As a mixed field programme, this course integrates general education with specialist arts subjects. Students typically study a broad range of disciplines including English, humanities, sciences, and mathematics at the senior secondary level. Additionally, they engage in practical and theoretical arts training tailored to their chosen specialisation. The curriculum aims to develop critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills, preparing graduates for further education in universities or conservatoires. While the specific syllabus is set by the provider, graduates of such programs are equipped with a well-rounded academic foundation and a portfolio of creative work.
The course duration is 6 years (312 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a full-time program delivered in English. This is a single qualification course, meaning students receive one certificate upon completion – the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The extended duration allows students to develop their artistic talents progressively from early secondary through to senior years.
Indicative fees for this course, sourced from the CRICOS register, are as follows:
| Fee Type | Amount (A$) | |----------|-------------| | Tuition | $179,400 | | Non-tuition | $18,022 | | Estimated Total | $197,422 |
Please note: these fees are indicative and set by the Department of Education. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$21,041 per year as per Department of Home Affairs), and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500). Always confirm current fees with the provider at their website before applying.
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall. For this level (Senior Secondary), prior qualifications typically include completion of lower secondary education (Year 10 or equivalent) or evidence of academic ability in arts disciplines. Some providers may also require an audition or portfolio. Foundation or pathway programs may be available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements – contact the Department of Education for details. All applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
This course is delivered exclusively at: - Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School — SOUTHBANK, VIC
Southbank is a vibrant cultural precinct in central Melbourne, home to the Arts Centre Melbourne, National Gallery of Victoria, and numerous theatres. The campus is easily accessible by public transport. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city with a student population exceeding 200,000. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, Melbourne alone hosts hundreds, offering a diverse and multicultural study environment.
International students studying this course require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Students under 18 years of age typically need a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for an accompanying parent or guardian. Key requirements include: - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay - Sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel - English language proficiency as per entry requirements
Student visa work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term; unlimited during scheduled breaks. Always check the latest Department of Home Affairs policies or consult a registered migration agent (MARA) – HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
To apply for the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary Course (7-12) at Department of Education, follow these three steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use the official CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to verify that both the provider (Department of Education, CRICOS 00861K) and course (028651A) are registered. Consider course level, field, and location.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Submit your application to Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. This includes meeting entry requirements (English test scores, prior qualifications, audition/portfolio if required), and meeting application deadlines. Applications are made directly – no agent needed.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Then apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs, including OSHC and GTE evidence.
Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the world's most liveable cities, offering a rich cultural scene, diverse food, and excellent education infrastructure. With over 400 CRICOS-registered providers, the city is a hub for international students. Living costs are typically higher than other Australian cities but offset by part-time work opportunities. Southbank, in particular, is a cultural hub with easy access to the CBD. Consider your personal preferences for climate, lifestyle, and proximity to the arts when choosing Melbourne.
Ready to start your journey? Explore more courses on HeadStart Academy.
All Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses in Victoria →
Victorian College of the Arts Secondary Course (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.