Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) – CRICOS 041564B at Meriden School

Course overview

Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) (CRICOS course code 041564B) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by Meriden School over 2 years. Meriden School, a CRICOS-registered private provider (02318F), offers this full-time program designed for international students aged typically 16 to 18 years. The course covers a broad general education syllabus leading to the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in New South Wales. Students study a range of compulsory and elective subjects, developing critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. The program is taught in English and does not include any mandatory work component. As an ESOS-protected course, international students enjoy legal safeguards including tuition assurance and complaint handling through the Overseas Students Ombudsman. For a complete list of courses at Meriden School, visit our institution profile page.

What you'll study

This course falls under the field of education '120101 - General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes', which is part of the broader 'Mixed Field Programmes' category. At the senior secondary level, students typically study a combination of compulsory subjects (such as English, mathematics, and science) and elective subjects selected from a range of disciplines including humanities, languages, arts, and vocational education. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the HSC examinations, which are the standard for university entry in NSW. Graduates of this program will have developed strong academic foundations, critical analysis skills, and the ability to engage with complex ideas—essential for tertiary study or professional careers. Please note that this description provides general guidance; specific subject offerings are set by Meriden School and may vary. For precise syllabus details, contact Meriden directly or visit their website at www.meriden.nsw.edu.au.

Duration and study mode

The Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) course is delivered over 2 years, corresponding to 104 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a full-time, single qualification program (no dual award or foundation studies component). The language of instruction is English. This is not a VET (Vocational Education and Training) course, so no VET national code applies. Students are expected to attend classes on campus at Meriden School in Strathfield, NSW. The program does not include any mandatory work component. For those seeking a senior secondary pathway that leads directly to university entrance, this course provides a structured academic environment with small class sizes and individualised support.

Fees (indicative – set by Meriden School)

Indicative fees for the Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) at Meriden School, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, are as follows:

• Tuition: A$115,000
• Non-tuition fees: A$10,000
• Estimated total: A$125,000

These fees cover the full 2-year program but do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Additional costs to budget for include: - OSHC: approximately A$600–A$1,200 per year depending on cover level - Living costs: the Department of Home Affairs recommends at least A$21,041 per year for a single student - Visa application fee: currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500

Please note that fees are set by Meriden School and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider before applying. Visit Meriden School's website for the most up-to-date fee schedule.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

International students applying for Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) at Meriden School must meet the following general entry requirements:

• English language proficiency: IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent such as TOEFL iBT 46–59 or PTE Academic 42–49)
• Academic requirement: completion of Year 10 or equivalent in your home country
• Age requirement: students are typically 16 years old upon entering Year 11

For students who do not meet the English language requirement, Meriden School may offer pathway programs or recommend additional English language study. Students under 18 must have approved welfare arrangements, which may include accommodation with a parent or guardian, boarding at the school, or a homestay provider. These requirements are general guidance; specific entry criteria and application deadlines are determined by Meriden School. Contact the school directly for precise details.

Work component

This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holiday periods, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are automatically granted with the visa and do not require a separate application. Students should ensure that any employment does not interfere with their studies. For more information on student work rights, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Delivery locations

Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) is delivered on campus at Meriden School (SCHOOL Operations) — STRATHFIELD, NSW 2135. Strathfield is a well-connected suburb in Sydney's inner west, approximately 14 km from the city centre. The school is accessible by train (Strathfield Station is a major transport hub with frequent services), bus, and car. The area is home to a diverse community and offers a range of amenities including shopping centres, parks, and libraries. Sydney has the largest number of CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, with over 400 institutions offering courses to international students. Living costs in Sydney are relatively high: indicative rent for a shared apartment is A$350–$500 per week, groceries around A$80–$150 per week, and a public transport weekly ticket approximately A$40–$60. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, beaches, and world-class universities. Explore other study options in New South Wales via our NSW study hub page.

Student visa

To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). If you are under 18, a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) is required for an accompanying parent or guardian. Key visa conditions include: - Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement: you must demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia for study - Financial capacity: show you have sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel - Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks - Maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and satisfactory course progress

All CRICOS-registered courses are covered by the ESOS Act, which provides tuition assurance and refund protections. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. For OSHC information, see our OSHC health cover page. For general student visa guidance, refer to our Student visa Subclass 500 page.

How to apply

Applying for Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) at Meriden School is straightforward. Follow these three steps:

1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy or the official CRICOS register to confirm that Meriden School is CRICOS-registered (02318F) and that this course (041564B) is current. Search by course level and location to compare options.

2. **Apply directly to Meriden School**: Visit the school’s website at www.meriden.nsw.edu.au to review entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application online along with supporting documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy). Meriden typically has specific intake dates for Year 11 (Term 1 start) – check their international admissions page.

3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once Meriden accepts your application, they will issue a CoE via the PRISMS system. Use this CoE to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and a GTE statement. Visa processing times vary – apply early (typically 4–6 weeks before course start).

Is New South Wales right for your senior secondary studies?

New South Wales (NSW) is a popular destination for international students, with over 300 CRICOS-registered providers offering senior secondary programs. Sydney, the state capital, is renowned for its cultural diversity, educational excellence, and lifestyle. However, cost of living is one of the highest in Australia. Advantages of studying in NSW include access to the HSC qualification (recognised nationally) and proximity to leading universities. Consider your budget: weekly student costs (rent, food, transport) can total A$500–$700. If you prefer a smaller city or lower living costs, states like South Australia or Queensland may be alternatives. Ultimately, NSW offers a dynamic environment for senior secondary students, with excellent support services for international students at most schools. For a full list of senior secondary courses in NSW, visit our dedicated page.

Ready to apply? Visit Meriden School's website to start your application.

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