Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) (CRICOS course code 073980K) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by NSW Department of Education over 2 years. This program is designed for international students aiming to complete their secondary education in Australia. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00588M), it leads to the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or equivalent, providing a pathway to Australian universities and vocational education. Students study a broad curriculum in the General Education field, preparing for further study or entry into the workforce. All international students are protected under the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026).
Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) (CRICOS course code 073980K) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by NSW Department of Education over 2 years. This program is for international students who wish to complete their secondary education in an Australian government school. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), guaranteeing that it meets Australian standards for international education. Graduates receive a nationally recognized qualification that is accepted by universities and employers across Australia.
This course falls under the field of Mixed Field Programmes (1201 – General Education Programmes), specifically General Primary and Secondary Education. Students undertake a comprehensive curriculum that includes core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and humanities, along with elective choices. The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education requires successful completion of Year 11 and Year 12, with assessments including examinations, assignments, and practical tasks. This broad academic foundation prepares students for tertiary study or direct employment. The program is delivered entirely in English, helping students develop language proficiency alongside academic skills.
The course runs for 2 years (104 weeks on the CRICOS register). Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification with no dual certification, meaning students earn one qualification upon completion. Full-time study is expected, typically with 25-30 hours of class time per week plus self-study. Students must attend an approved NSW Government School in Eveleigh, NSW. The school environment is supportive, with dedicated staff to assist international students with academic and personal matters.
Tuition: A$29,000. Non-tuition fees: A$0. Estimated total: A$29,000 for the full 2 years. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included. OSHC costs approximately A$600-800 per year for a single student. Living expenses are estimated at A$21,041 per year according to the Department of Home Affairs. For current fees, always check the provider's website: www.deinternational.nsw.edu.au. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change – do not consider them guaranteed.
International students typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.0-5.5 or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL iBT 35-45, PTE 36-42). Prior qualifications: completion of Year 10 or equivalent (usually 10 years of schooling). Some students may need to complete a foundation program before entry; check with NSW Department of Education for specific prerequisites. Meeting the minimum English requirement does not guarantee admission – the provider may have additional academic standards. For visa purposes, you must provide evidence of English proficiency, but the institution sets the entry bar.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, student visa holders (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work rights are subject to visa conditions and must not interfere with studies. Students should ensure they have sufficient financial support without relying solely on work. For accurate work rights information, refer to the Department of Home Affairs.
This course is delivered at approved NSW Government Schools in Eveleigh, NSW. Eveleigh is a suburb in inner Sydney, close to the city centre. Sydney has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering secondary education. Public transport options include trains and buses, making campuses accessible. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than other Australian cities – indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment ranges from A$300 to A$500. Students should budget for groceries (A$80-120 per week) and transport (A$40-60 per week). Eveleigh's central location allows easy access to cultural and recreational amenities.
New South Wales offers a high standard of education with numerous CRICOS-registered schools. Sydney, the state capital, is a vibrant multicultural city with excellent public transport and world-class universities. However, living costs are among the highest in Australia. Consider your budget and preferences. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring ESOS Act protections, including tuition fee protection and refund policies. If you choose NSW, you'll join a large international student community – over 200,000 international students study in NSW each year.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Students under 18 may need a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for an accompanying parent or guardian. Visa conditions include: maintaining OSHC, meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating sufficient funds, and adhering to work limitations. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) at NSW Department of Education: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy's directory to find providers offering senior secondary programs in your preferred city. Filter by course level, field, and location. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution. Submit your academic records, English test scores, and any other required documents. Pay attention to application deadlines – some schools have intakes in January and July. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Your CoE is required for the visa application. Apply early – processing times can take several weeks. Once your visa is granted, you can prepare for your journey to Australia.
Ready to start your senior secondary journey in Australia? Begin your research using HeadStart Academy's free CRICOS directory. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) – find your course today.
All Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses in New South Wales →
Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) is a CRICOS-registered programme at NSW Department of Education. 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.