Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) (CRICOS course code 041384F) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by The McDonald College Limited over 2 years. This course is designed for international students aiming to complete their secondary education in Australia and gain a recognised qualification for university entry or further training. The McDonald College, a private institution in North Strathfield, NSW, offers a supportive environment with a focus on academic excellence and personal development. As a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 02293K), the college meets Australian Government standards for delivering courses to overseas students. All international students are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. Whether you plan to pursue higher education or enter the workforce, this course provides a solid foundation in general education, covering a broad range of subjects within the Mixed Field Programmes category (Field of Education 120101 – General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes).
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Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) (CRICOS 041384F) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education course offered by The McDonald College Limited. This programme is the Australian equivalent of upper secondary school, preparing students for university, vocational training, or employment. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and subject knowledge across a variety of disciplines. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the strict quality standards set by the Australian Government, ensuring that international students receive a high-quality education. The course is delivered on-campus at The McDonald College in North Strathfield, NSW, a suburb of Sydney. With a duration of 104 weeks (2 years), students have ample time to adapt to the Australian education system and achieve their academic goals. The McDonald College is known for its small class sizes and individualised attention, making it an ideal choice for international students seeking a personalised learning experience.
This course falls under the field of general primary and secondary education (Field of Education 120101), meaning it provides a broad-based education without specialisation into a specific vocational area. Students typically study a combination of compulsory and elective subjects, including English, mathematics, science, humanities, and languages. The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) is a widely recognised qualification that can lead to university admission in Australia and many other countries. While the specific syllabus is determined by the state education authority (NSW Education Standards Authority – NESA), international students can expect a rigorous academic programme that emphasises both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Graduates develop strong communication, problem-solving, and research abilities, preparing them for further study or career pathways. The course does not include a foundation studies component, as it is intended for students who have completed junior secondary education and are ready for senior secondary level.
The course runs for 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is conducted in English, and students must have sufficient language proficiency to engage with the curriculum. The McDonald College delivers this course as a single qualification (no dual qualifications). This means students focus entirely on completing the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education without pursuing an additional vocational certification. The study mode is full-time, on-campus attendance at the North Strathfield location. Classes typically run Monday to Friday, with school hours consistent with Australian secondary schools (approximately 8:30 am to 3:30 pm). The academic year in Australia generally runs from late January to mid-December, with four school terms and breaks in between. International students are expected to maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress as a condition of their student visa (Subclass 500).
The indicative tuition fee for the entire 2-year course is A$106,064, as shown on the CRICOS register. Non-tuition fees (including enrolment, materials, and student services) are estimated at A$9,936, bringing the total indicative cost to A$116,000. Please note that these fees are set by The McDonald College Limited and are subject to change. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Sydney, where the campus is located, are among the highest in Australia. As a guide, weekly expenses for rent, groceries, and transport can range from A$400 to A$700 depending on lifestyle. For the most current and accurate fee information, always visit the provider’s website: www.mcdonald.nsw.edu.au.
To enrol in Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12), international students typically need to have completed Year 10 (or equivalent) in their home country with satisfactory grades. English language proficiency is a key requirement; an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) is generally expected for entry at this level. Some students may need to undertake additional English language preparation if their current level is below the threshold. The McDonald College may also accept other English tests such as TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English. It is important to note that these are general guidelines; specific entry requirements are determined by the provider. Students with qualifications from non-English speaking backgrounds should check with the college for detailed conditions. Foundation or pathway options are not available for this course, but students who do not meet academic prerequisites may consider a foundation programme elsewhere before applying.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a holder of a Student visa (Subclass 500), you may be eligible to work part-time while studying. During term time, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and during scheduled university holidays, there are no limits. This work is not part of the course curriculum and does not contribute to academic credit. Students should ensure they comply with visa conditions and focus on their studies. The McDonald College may also offer optional extracurricular activities, but these are separate from the academic programme.
This course is delivered on-campus at The McDonald College (SCHOOL Operations), located in North Strathfield, New South Wales. North Strathfield is a suburb of Sydney, approximately 15 kilometres west of the city centre. Sydney is Australia’s largest city and a major educational hub, home to over 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering a wide range of courses for international students. The campus is accessible by public transport, with North Strathfield train station and several bus routes nearby. Living in Sydney offers students a vibrant multicultural environment, but the cost of living is high. Indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$300–A$500, and a weekly public transport pass costs about A$40–A$50. Students should budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and transport. The McDonald College is a private institution known for its focus on performing arts as well as academic studies, but this particular course is purely academic.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). For students under 18 years of age at the time of application, a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) may be required for a parent or guardian who wishes to accompany them to Australia. Key conditions of the Student visa include: maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, satisfactory attendance and progress, valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay, and meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited work during scheduled course breaks. The visa also requires you to have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. For detailed advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only and does not offer migration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) at The McDonald College Limited: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that The McDonald College (CRICOS 02293K) meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Contact The McDonald College admissions team, submit your academic transcripts, English test results (if required), and complete the application form. Meet any deadlines for international applications. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, the college will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
New South Wales offers one of the most diverse education landscapes in Australia, with over 150 CRICOS-registered providers offering senior secondary courses. Sydney, where North Strathfield is located, has a large international student community and excellent transport links. However, the cost of living in Sydney is high; budgeting for accommodation, food, and transport is essential. The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in NSW is governed by NESA and is widely accepted by Australian universities. If you are under 18, consider the arrangements for a guardian and ensure you have adequate support. The McDonald College is a private school with a strong focus on individual attention, but its fees are higher than some government schools. Compare options using HeadStart Academy’s database of 26,433 courses across all states. Always verify CRICOS registration status at cricos.teqsa.gov.au.
Ready to apply? Follow our 3-step guide above or visit The McDonald College website at www.mcdonald.nsw.edu.au for the latest information.
All Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses in New South Wales →
Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The McDonald College Limited. 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.