Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) (CRICOS course code 041429J) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by The Council of The Illawarra Grammar School over 2 years. This course prepares international students for tertiary study or employment, offering a comprehensive curriculum in English. The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS) is a private, co-educational school located in West Wollongong, NSW, CRICOS registered provider 02300E. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, choosing the right course is critical — and this page gives you the facts from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you decide. All fees shown are indicative only; always confirm with the provider.
Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) (CRICOS course code 041429J) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by The Council of The Illawarra Grammar School over 2 years. This course is designed for international students seeking to complete their secondary education in Australia. The program covers a broad range of subjects within the General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes field (code 120101), leading to the award of the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Students develop critical thinking, research skills, and subject-specific knowledge, preparing them for university or vocational pathways. The Illawarra Grammar School is a private institution in West Wollongong, a coastal city south of Sydney with a vibrant student community. Wollongong is home to over 50 registered providers and a large international student population, offering affordable living costs compared to Sydney. As a CRICOS-registered provider (02300E), TIGS adheres to the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and student protections.
This course falls under the broad field of General Education Programmes (12) and the specific field of General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes (120101). At the Senior Secondary level, students typically study a combination of compulsory and elective subjects aligned with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum. While the exact subjects vary by school and student choice, common areas include English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Languages. Students work towards achieving a Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and potentially the Higher School Certificate (HSC) if they complete Year 12. The course aims to develop critical literacy, numeracy, and analytical skills, along with personal and social capabilities. Graduates are equipped to pursue tertiary education or enter the workforce. It's important to note that this is a single qualification, not a dual or VET course.
The course duration as listed on the CRICOS register is 104 weeks (2 years). This is a full-time, on-campus program delivered in English. There is no part-time or online option for international student visa holders, as full-time study is a condition of the Student visa (Subclass 500). The language of instruction is English, so students must demonstrate proficiency through an accepted English test (see entry requirements). The course is a single qualification — it does not lead to a VET diploma or foundation studies. Students attend classes at The Illawarra Grammar School campus in West Wollongong, NSW. The school follows the Australian school year, typically with four terms starting in late January/early February.
The indicative fees from the CRICOS register are: tuition A$63,540, non-tuition fees A$10,420, and an estimated total of A$73,960 for the full 2-year program. Non-tuition fees may include application fees, enrolment charges, textbooks, excursions, and other school-related costs. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included. For international students in Wollongong, indicative living costs are approximately A$450–A$600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport, depending on lifestyle. OSHC is mandatory and costs roughly A$600–A$1,000 per year for a single student. Always check the provider's website (www.tigs.nsw.edu.au) for the most current fee schedule, as fees are subject to change.
For international students applying to Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) at The Illawarra Grammar School, a minimum English proficiency of IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) is typically expected. Students must have completed Year 10 (or equivalent) in their home country. Academic records and references may be required. Some students may need to complete an English language intensive course or a foundation program before entry if their English level is below the requirement. These pathway options are offered by the school or affiliated language centres — contact the provider for details. HeadStart Academy does not assess eligibility; only the institution can confirm accepted qualifications and English tests. Always verify entry requirements directly with The Council of The Illawarra Grammar School.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are attached to the Student visa (Subclass 500), not the course itself. For students under 18, a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) may be required for an accompanying parent or guardian; this visa does not include work rights. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current work limitations.
This course is delivered at: The Illawarra Grammar School — WEST WOLLONGONG, NSW. West Wollongong is a suburb of Wollongong, a city approximately 80 km south of Sydney. Wollongong is a popular study destination with several universities and schools, a welcoming community, and beautiful beaches. Public transport connects the campus to the city centre and surrounding areas. Living costs in Wollongong are generally lower than in Sydney, making it an attractive option for families. The school is registered with CRICOS (02300E) and offers a safe, supportive environment for international students.
International students studying this course typically need a Student visa (Subclass 500). For students under 18, a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) is required for an accompanying parent or guardian. The Student visa allows work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, provided visa conditions are met. Applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, show sufficient financial capacity (including tuition, living costs, and OSHC), and obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is issued by the school after acceptance. Remember, HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only; for personalised advice, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) at The Council of The Illawarra Grammar School: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers (filter by course level, field, and city) — use HeadStart Academy's search to find Senior Secondary courses in NSW. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution (entry requirements, English test, application deadlines) — contact The Illawarra Grammar School for their application form and submit required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) — once accepted, you'll get a CoE, then lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.
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Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) 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.