Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) (CRICOS course code 041246E) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by The Hills Grammar School over 2 years. This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), which means it meets Australian Government standards for international education. As a CRICOS-registered provider, The Hills Grammar School can enrol students from overseas. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is part of that trusted system. For international students seeking a high-quality senior secondary education in a supportive school environment, this program offers a pathway to Australian tertiary education. The Hills Grammar School is located in Kenthurst, a semi-rural suburb in the Hills District of Sydney, New South Wales. This area offers a safe and family-friendly environment with good access to Sydney's city centre via public transport. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, with data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Please note that HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent, and visa outcomes are determined by the Department of Home Affairs.
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Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) (CRICOS course code 041246E) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by The Hills Grammar School over 2 years. The course is classified under the field of 'General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes' (Field of Education code 120101). This means the curriculum follows the standard Australian senior secondary framework, preparing students for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or equivalent qualifications. The program is designed to develop students' knowledge, skills, and critical thinking across a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, sciences, and humanities. Graduates typically receive a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, which is the foundation for university admission or vocational training. The Hills Grammar School is a private, independent school and has been CRICOS-registered (provider code 02260G) since its approval to enrol international students. All courses offered by CRICOS-registered providers are protected under the ESOS Act, which ensures tuition fee protection, student support services, and compliance with national standards. For international students, this means their education investment is safeguarded.
As a Senior Secondary course under the General Primary and Secondary Education Programme, students engage in a broad liberal arts curriculum that aligns with the Australian Curriculum and state-specific syllabi. Typically, students in Year 11 study a set of compulsory and elective subjects to build a foundation, while Year 12 focuses on subjects required for the HSC. Common subjects include English, mathematics (general and advanced), science (biology, chemistry, physics), humanities (history, geography, economics), languages, and creative arts. The course also emphasises skills in research, communication, problem-solving, and independent learning – all essential for success in higher education. While the specific syllabus is set by the school and the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), the overall goal is to prepare students for tertiary study or vocational pathways. International students benefit from a multicultural classroom environment, helping them develop English language proficiency and cross-cultural competence. The Hills Grammar School provides small class sizes and personalised attention, ensuring each student can achieve their academic potential.
The course duration is 2 years, equivalent to 104 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. Students are expected to attend full-time on-campus study at The Hills Grammar School in Kenthurst, NSW. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification program (not a dual qualification) and does not include foundation studies or VET components. Students typically commence in Term 1 (late January) or Term 2 (late April), aligning with the Australian school calendar. Full-time study load is at least 20 hours per week scheduled classes, plus additional self-study and homework. It is important for international students to maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress to comply with student visa conditions. The school provides support services including English language assistance, academic counselling, and orientation programs to help international students settle in.
Tuition fees for Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) are indicative and set by The Hills Grammar School. According to the CRICOS register (April 2026), the indicative tuition fee is A$74,144 for the full 2-year program. Non-tuition fees (such as enrolment, orientation, materials, and excursions) are estimated at A$1,066, bringing the estimated total to A$75,210. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. International students are required to purchase OSHC for the duration of their visa – typical costs range from A$500 to A$700 per year for a single student. Living costs in Sydney, where Kenthurst is located, are estimated at around A$30,000 per year (including rent, food, transport, and personal expenses). For example, rent for a single room in shared accommodation can be A$250-350 per week, groceries A$80-150 per week, and public transport A$40-60 per week. All fees are subject to change – please verify directly with The Hills Grammar School at www.hillsgrammar.nsw.edu.au. HeadStart Academy provides fee data from the CRICOS register for guidance only and does not guarantee these figures.
International students applying for Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. The general guideline for this level is IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge score). Some students may be admitted with a lower score if they undertake additional English language preparation. Prior academic qualifications expected: successful completion of Year 10 or equivalent in the student's home country. Students under 18 years of age may require a guardian or appropriate welfare arrangement. The Hills Grammar School may also conduct interviews or assessments. For students who do not meet the direct entry requirements, foundation or pathway programs may be available – contact the school for details. Note that entry requirements are set by the institution and may change. International students should also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for a student visa. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for specific visa advice.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. This allows students to gain work experience and supplement their living costs. The Hills Grammar School may provide guidance on finding casual work, but no work placement is integrated into the curriculum. Students must ensure that work does not interfere with their studies and that they maintain satisfactory attendance.
The course is delivered at The Hills Grammar School campus in Kenthurst, New South Wales. Kenthurst is a suburb in the Hills District of Sydney, approximately 35 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district. The area is predominantly residential, with a semi-rural character. Public transport options include buses to nearby train stations such as Castle Hill or Hornsby, providing access to the Sydney rail network. The school is located at 9-11 School Parade, Kenthurst. Sydney has the largest student population in Australia, with over 600,000 enrolled students across numerous universities and schools, including many CRICOS-registered providers. The city offers a vibrant multicultural lifestyle, with world-class amenities, cultural attractions, and beaches. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, but the area provides excellent educational and career opportunities.
International students enrolling in Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) typically require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Students under 18 years of age may need an accompanying parent or guardian to apply for a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590). The Student visa allows the primary student to study full-time, work part-time (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during holidays), and bring dependants (if applicable). Applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, provide evidence of English language proficiency, and demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, OSHC, living costs, and travel. At current estimates, the total financial capacity for a single person per year is at least A$30,000 for living costs plus tuition and OSHC. The visa application charge is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). All international students must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa duration. The ESOS Act provides legal protections, including the requirement for providers to offer refunds if courses are not delivered. For accurate, current visa information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy encourages prospective students to consult a registered migration agent for personalised advice.
Kenthurst offers a peaceful, family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community. It is ideal for students who prefer a quieter setting while still having access to Sydney's city life through regular bus and train connections. The Hills District has a growing multicultural population, with good schools, shopping centres, and recreational facilities. The Hills Grammar School itself is known for its academic excellence and supportive international student programs. If you are considering senior secondary education in a safe, suburban setting with high-quality teaching, Kenthurst could be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a bustling city centre or a more urban campus experience, you might explore schools in Sydney's inner suburbs or other Australian cities. Australia offers diverse study destinations – from the metropolitan capitals to regional areas – each with its own cost of living and lifestyle. HeadStart Academy's course database allows you to filter by location, so you can compare options.
Follow these three steps to apply for Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) at The Hills Grammar School:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's database to explore providers offering senior secondary education. Filter by course level, field, and city to find the right fit. Confirm that the provider is currently CRICOS-registered (verify at cricos.teqsa.gov.au).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit The Hills Grammar School's website (www.hillsgrammar.nsw.edu.au) for specific application procedures, entry requirements, and deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy, and any other required documents. Submit your application online or by mail as instructed.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, the school will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, GTE statement, and health insurance. Visa processing times vary – apply early. Remember, visa conditions include maintaining enrolment, attendance, and course progress.
Explore more senior secondary courses in New South Wales or contact The Hills Grammar School directly for personalised advice.
All Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses in New South Wales →
Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The Hills Grammar School. 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.