Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 10) (CRICOS course code 041428K) is a Junior Secondary Studies delivered by The Council of The Illawarra Grammar School over 4 years. This program is designed for international students who want to complete Years 7 to 10 in Australia and build a strong foundation for senior secondary studies. As a CRICOS-registered course (02300E), it meets Australian Government standards for international education. The course is taught in English and includes the full Junior Secondary curriculum typical of New South Wales schools. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource – we are not a migration agent. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
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This course falls under Field of Education 1201 – General Education Programmes, specifically General Primary and Secondary Education. Students undertake a broad range of subjects typically including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Languages, and the Arts. The aim is to develop foundational skills in critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. While HeadStart Academy does not prescribe a specific syllabus, schools use the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum. Graduates of this level are prepared for senior secondary programs (Years 11–12) leading to the Higher School Certificate (HSC). International students gain cultural and academic exposure in an Australian school environment.
The course duration is 4 years (208 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. Study mode is full-time, on-campus at The Illawarra Grammar School. Language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course – no dual qualification or foundation study component is included. Students progress through Years 7, 8, 9, and 10 at the school. The school year in NSW typically runs from late January to December, with four terms and breaks in between. International students must maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress to comply with student visa conditions.
Tuition fees for Junior Secondary (Years 7–10) are A$119,620 indicative for the full 4-year program. Non-tuition fees (such as enrollment, materials, and activities) are A$14,640, bringing the estimated total to A$134,260. These are indicative figures sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by The Council of The Illawarra Grammar School and may change – always confirm current fees directly with the school. Additional costs NOT included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., accommodation in Wollongong averages A$300–$450 per week for rent), daily transport and groceries, and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500). Students should budget at least A$29,710 per year for living costs as advised by the Department of Home Affairs.
For Junior Secondary (Years 7–10), English proficiency typically requires IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent, e.g., TOEFL iBT 35–46, PTE 36–42, or Cambridge English 154–162). Students must also have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 6 before starting Year 7. Previous academic records and age requirements (usually 11–15 at commencement) apply. The school may conduct interviews or require additional assessments. For students who do not meet English requirements, the school may offer pathway options such as Intensive English Language (ELICOS) – check directly with The Council of The Illawarra Grammar School for available programs. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the school's international admissions for precise requirements.
No work component included. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, student visa holders (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holiday breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are granted automatically upon visa grant. Students under 18 are subject to additional workplace restrictions. Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs for current work conditions.
This course is delivered at The Illawarra Grammar School campus in WEST WOLLONGONG, NSW. The school is located approximately 80 km south of Sydney, with public transport options including trains and buses to Wollongong Station. The Illawarra region has a vibrant student community, with over 40 CRICOS-registered providers in the area offering diverse courses. Living costs in Wollongong are generally lower than in Sydney, with average weekly rent for a shared apartment around $250–$350. The campus itself offers modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and sports fields. International students enjoy a supportive environment with dedicated pastoral care and study support.
International students studying Junior Secondary (Years 7–10) on a full-time basis require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Students under 18 years of age must also have adequate welfare arrangements – this may require a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for a parent or guardian accompanying them. Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, sufficient OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), satisfactory academic progress and attendance, and notification of address changes. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement must be satisfied – demonstrating genuine intention to study in Australia. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Processing times vary – apply early. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for official guidance.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers that offer Junior Secondary Studies in your preferred location. Use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter by course level and city. The Council of The Illawarra Grammar School is a private school with CRICOS 02300E. 2. Apply directly to the school – prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and passport copy. Check application deadlines (typically mid-year for Term 1 start). The school's website (www.tigs.nsw.edu.au) provides details on international admissions. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the school, then apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) with the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC evidence and financial capacity documents. Once approved, you can travel to Australia.
Wollongong is a coastal city about 90 minutes south of Sydney by train. It offers a balanced lifestyle with beaches, parks, and a lower cost of living than major capitals. The city has a population of around 300,000, with a significant international student presence due to the University of Wollongong and several schools. Public transport is reliable, and the Illawarra Grammar School campus is accessible by bus or train. Consider the climate (mild winters, warm summers) and the community feel. If you prefer a quieter, outdoor-oriented study environment, Wollongong may be ideal. Compare with other NSW cities – more options exist in Sydney, Newcastle, or the Central Coast.
Ready to start your Junior Secondary studies in Australia? Begin by checking the latest fees and entry requirements on The Council of The Illawarra Grammar School's website. Then apply directly and prepare for your student visa application with help from HeadStart Academy's free resources.
View the full The Council of The Illawarra Grammar School profile →
Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 10) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The Council of The Illawarra 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.