Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL (CRICOS course code 066855G) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED over 6 years. This course is designed for international students seeking a comprehensive secondary education in Victoria, Australia. The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) offers a hands-on, practical approach to learning, preparing students for further study, training, or employment. St Aloysius College, located in North Melbourne, is the delivery location, providing a supportive environment for students from Year 7 through Year 12. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00871G), MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED ensures compliance with Australian quality standards for international education. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, drawing on data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
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Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL (CRICOS course code 066855G) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED over 6 years. This course falls under the field of General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes (Field of Education 120101) and is classified as a Mixed Field Programme. It provides a broad-based education covering Years 7 to 12, culminating in the VCAL qualification. The VCAL is a recognised senior secondary credential in Victoria, offering practical learning options alongside traditional academic subjects. International students enrolled in this course at St Aloysius College benefit from the college's long-standing experience in educating students from diverse backgrounds. MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED is a private, Catholic education provider with a strong commitment to holistic development. As a CRICOS-registered institution, it meets the strict standards set by the Australian Government for delivering courses to overseas students. HeadStart Academy notes that all data is sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026), which lists 1,556 providers offering 26,433 courses.
The Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL curriculum covers a range of subjects in general primary and secondary education. At this level, students typically study core disciplines such as English, mathematics, science, humanities, and languages, along with VCAL-specific strands like literacy and numeracy skills, industry-specific skills (related to vocational education and training), work-related skills, and personal development skills. The VCAL program emphasises practical applications, preparing students for the workforce or further vocational training. Students engage in project-based learning, community projects, and structured workplace learning opportunities. The course is designed to develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities. It is important to note that this is a single qualification course (no dual qualification) and does not include a foundation studies component. For a detailed syllabus, prospective students should contact MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED directly.
According to the CRICOS register, the course duration is 6 years, equivalent to 312 weeks of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. Students attend classes at St Aloysius College in North Melbourne during standard school terms. The course is a single qualification, meaning students graduate with the VCAL certificate after completing Year 12. There is no work component included in this course, though VCAL may involve structured workplace learning as part of its curriculum – but this is not a mandatory employment component. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. HeadStart Academy advises that study load and attendance requirements are set by the provider and must be adhered to for visa compliance.
Tuition fees for Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL at MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED are set by the provider. The indicative total fee listed on the CRICOS register is A$99,600 for the entire 6-year period. This does not include non-tuition fees such as application fees, materials, excursions, or uniforms. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$25,000–30,000 per year for a single student, including rent, groceries, and transport. As a guide, weekly rent for a student may range from A$200–400. Public transport in Melbourne is extensive, with trams, trains, and buses serving North Melbourne. Always confirm current fees with MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED by visiting their website at www.aloysius.vic.edu.au. HeadStart Academy provides indicative fees sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) – these are subject to change.
General entry requirements for Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses include an IELTS overall band score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent English language test). Students must have completed previous schooling equivalent to Australian Year 6 or above for entry into Year 7. Specific academic prerequisites are determined by MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED. Some students may need to undertake foundation studies or pathway programs if they do not meet direct entry requirements – check with the provider. Applicants must be at least 6 years of age for Year 1, but this course starts at Year 7. International students under 18 must have appropriate welfare arrangements, which may include a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for a parent or guardian. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED directly for precise entry criteria and application details.
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 holiday breaks. Work must not interfere with study commitments. Some VCAL programs may incorporate structured workplace learning (SWL) as part of the curriculum, but this is not classified as a work component on the CRICOS register. Students should confirm any SWL arrangements with the provider. It is the student's responsibility to comply with visa work conditions.
Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL is delivered at St Aloysius College, located in North Melbourne, Victoria. North Melbourne is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Melbourne, close to the central business district. The area is well-served by public transport, including trams and trains, making it accessible for students. Melbourne is home to over 300 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a wide range of study options. The city has a large international student population, with affordable living costs compared to Sydney. The state of Victoria has a strong education system, and Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities. Students studying at this location benefit from proximity to cultural attractions, libraries, and community facilities.
International students enrolling in Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Students under 18 must have adequate welfare arrangements, typically through a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for an accompanying parent or guardian. The visa application must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirements, sufficient financial capacity, and OSHC for the duration of stay. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, unlimited during scheduled breaks. After receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED, students can apply for their visa. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only – for personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Verify that MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED (CRICOS 00871G) and this course (066855G) meet your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED for application forms, entry requirements, English language test scores, and deadlines. You may need to provide academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and other documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Then lodge a visa application through the Department of Home Affairs, including OSHC evidence and financial statements. HeadStart Academy does not facilitate applications – always apply directly to the institution.
Melbourne offers a welcoming environment for international students, with a multicultural community and a strong education sector. Studying Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL in Melbourne means access to a range of cultural experiences, from arts festivals to sports events. Living costs are manageable, with many student-friendly housing options around North Melbourne. The city has a reliable public transport network. However, the fast-paced urban lifestyle may not suit everyone. Consider your personal preferences, climate, and academic goals. Victoria's education system is well-regarded, and completion of the VCAL can lead to vocational or higher education pathways. Research thoroughly before deciding.
Ready to take the next step? Apply directly to MERCY EDUCATION LIMITED for Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL. Visit their website at www.aloysius.vic.edu.au for the latest information.
All Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses in Victoria →
Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL is a CRICOS-registered programme at MERCY EDUCATION 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.