Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL (CRICOS course code 067257K) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by Gippsland Grammar over 6 years. This course is designed for international students seeking a comprehensive secondary education in a supportive, regional Victorian setting. Gippsland Grammar, a private CRICOS-registered provider (00340B), offers the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) pathway, which blends academic learning with practical, hands-on experiences. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student programs, ensuring quality education and student protections under the ESOS Act. Located in Sale, Victoria, students benefit from a safe community environment, small class sizes, and strong pastoral care. This page provides detailed information about the course structure, fees, entry requirements, and visa pathways to help you make an informed decision.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL (067257K) is a comprehensive senior secondary program offered by Gippsland Grammar, a private school in Sale, Victoria. This CRICOS-registered course provides international students with the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL), a recognised senior secondary qualification that emphasises applied learning and vocational skills. The course spans Years 7 to 12, covering six years of education (312 weeks on the CRICOS register). Students develop literacy, numeracy, and industry-specific skills, preparing them for further study or direct entry into the workforce. Gippsland Grammar has been delivering quality education for over 140 years and is committed to supporting international students through dedicated English language support, homestay arrangements, and integration programs. Being a CRICOS-registered provider (00340B) ensures all programs meet Australian standards for international student welfare and education quality.
This course falls under the field of education 'General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes' (120101), part of the broader Mixed Field Programmes. The VCAL curriculum is designed to offer a flexible pathway combining academic learning with practical, work-related experiences. Students study core subjects including English, Mathematics, and Personal Development, alongside industry-specific competencies and vocational education and training (VET) subjects. The focus is on applied learning, where students engage in projects, community service, and workplace simulations. Graduates develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for further studies at TAFE, university, or direct employment. The program also emphasises literacy and numeracy skills through the VCAL literacy and numeracy units, ensuring students meet national standards. It's important to note that this is a single qualification (not dual) and does not include a foundation studies component.
The Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL is a full-time program delivered over 6 years (312 weeks on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English, and students are immersed in an English-speaking environment to accelerate language acquisition. This is a single qualification course; no dual certification is offered. Gippsland Grammar provides face-to-face classroom teaching in a supportive, regional school setting. Classes are conducted during the standard Australian school year, typically from late January to December, with term breaks in between. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. The duration allows for progressive skill development across secondary school levels, from foundational Years 7-10 to the senior VCAL years (11-12). Gippsland Grammar also offers extracurricular activities and English language support to complement the academic program.
The indicative tuition fee for the full 6-year program is A$140,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$27,100, bringing the estimated total to A$167,100. Non-tuition fees may include enrolment, resources, uniforms, excursions, and student services. Please note that fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Gippsland Grammar via their website (www.gippslandgs.vic.edu.au). Additional costs not included in this estimate are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the student visa application charge. For Sale, Victoria, indicative living costs are approximately A$350–A$500 per week for accommodation, A$80–A$120 for groceries, and A$30–A$50 for public transport. These figures are guides only and should be verified with current cost-of-living data.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent in TOEFL, PTE, etc.). This level ensures students can cope with the curriculum delivered in English. Prior academic qualifications expected include completion of equivalent secondary schooling in their home country to a level that allows entry into Year 7 or appropriate year level based on age and prior learning. Gippsland Grammar may also conduct interviews and assessments to determine placement. Foundation or pathway options are not included in this course; students who do not meet language requirements may consider English language intensive courses (ELICOS) before starting. Academic entry requirements are set by Gippsland Grammar and may vary; contact the school directly for specific conditions. As with all CRICOS courses, entry is subject to meeting Australian student visa requirements, including the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, the VCAL framework incorporates applied learning experiences such as work-related skills and community projects, which may involve industry visits or short-term workplacements, but these are not formal work placements as part of the course. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions. Work rights are separate from the course and must not interfere with study obligations.
The Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL is delivered at Gippsland Grammar School in Sale, Victoria (postcode 3850). Sale is a regional city in the Gippsland region, approximately 212 km east of Melbourne. It offers a safe, family-friendly environment with a population of around 14,000. Sale has several primary and secondary schools, excellent parks, and a strong community feel. Public transport to the school includes local buses and train services from Melbourne (via V/Line to Sale station). Living costs in Sale are generally lower than in Melbourne, making it an attractive option for international students. The region has a growing number of CRICOS-registered providers, with over 15 institutions offering various courses. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalised attention at Gippsland Grammar.
International students enrolling in a full-time CRICOS-registered course like this one require a Student visa (Subclass 500). For students under 18, an accompanying parent or guardian may need to apply for a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590). Key visa conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS course, meeting attendance requirements, and having adequate OSHC for the duration of stay. Work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (check specific conditions). Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents, and provide evidence of OSHC. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and cannot guarantee visa outcomes.
The application process for Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL at Gippsland Grammar involves three key steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use resources like HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Gippsland Grammar is CRICOS-registered (00340B) and offers this course (067257K).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Contact Gippsland Grammar's international admissions team. Submit required documents: academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.0-5.5 or equivalent), passport copy, and application form. Check application deadlines and entry requirements.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, the school will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a student visa via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, proof of funds, and meet GTE requirements.
Sale in Victoria's Gippsland region offers a unique study experience away from the hustle of big cities. With a population of about 14,000, it provides a close-knit community perfect for younger students and families. Living costs are lower than in Melbourne: average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$300–A$400, groceries A$80–A$120, and public transport is affordable. Sale has a small but growing international student community, supported by local services. The town has good amenities including shopping, hospitals, and recreational facilities. Public transport includes V/Line trains to Melbourne (about 2.5 hours). Gippsland Grammar is well-regarded, with modern facilities and strong pastoral care. For students seeking a safe, supportive environment with a focus on individual attention, Sale is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer vibrant city life with more cultural diversity and part-time job opportunities, consider Melbourne.
Ready to apply? Start your journey with a CRICOS-registered provider. Use HeadStart Academy to research courses, check CRICOS registration, and apply directly to Gippsland Grammar.
All Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses in Victoria →
Secondary Years 7 - 12 VCAL is a CRICOS-registered programme at Gippsland Grammar. 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.