Senior High School (Years 11-12) (CRICOS course code 082521G) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by Department of Education over 2 years. This program is designed for international students in Years 11 and 12, culminating in the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or equivalent. As a CRICOS-registered course (082521G), it is offered at multiple Queensland state high schools including Alexandra Hills, Aspley, Balmoral, Benowa, Bribie Island, and Brisbane School of Distance Education. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000+ courses in Australia, this senior secondary pathway prepares students for university entry or vocational pathways. The course is taught in English and requires an IELTS score of 5.0-5.5 or equivalent. Indicative fees total A$73,192 including non-tuition costs, but exclude OSHC, living expenses, and visa application charges. At HeadStart Academy, we provide free, data-driven information from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions. Remember, all listed institutions are CRICOS-registered and protected under the ESOS Act.
HeadStart Academy presents Senior High School (Years 11-12) (CRICOS 082521G), a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education offered by the Department of Education (CRICOS 00608A), a government provider. This 2-year program is designed for international students aiming to complete their secondary education in Queensland. Upon successful completion, students receive their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), which qualifies them for university entry in Australia and overseas. The course is delivered in English at six Queensland state high schools and via the Brisbane School of Distance Education. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets rigorous Australian educational standards. All data here is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) – a free resource with no referral fees. Remember, ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.
This program falls under Field of Education 120101 - General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes. Students study a broad range of subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and elective courses such as Languages, Arts, or Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects. The curriculum aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and preparation for tertiary study. Assessment includes assignments, exams, and practical projects. The program is flexible, allowing students to choose subjects aligned with their career goals. Graduates are eligible to apply for university courses in Australia, subject to meeting entry requirements. It's important to note that this is a general secondary program, not a foundation or bridging course. For specific subject offerings, consult the provider's website.
The course runs for 2 years (104 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. It is a full-time program conducted in English. Students attend classes during standard Australian school terms, which typically run from late January to December, with four terms of approximately 10 weeks each. This structure allows students to progress through Years 11 and 12 systematically. The program awards a single qualification (Senior Secondary Certificate of Education) and does not lead to dual qualifications. The language of instruction is English, so proficiency is essential. Students are expected to participate fully in school activities. Classes are held at physical campuses or via distance education. The course does not include any mandatory work component.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$36,320, with non-tuition fees estimated at A$36,872, bringing the total to A$73,192. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. Please note that fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students. For current fees, always visit the Department of Education website (www.eqi.com.au). HeadStart Academy provides this as a guide only; always confirm directly with the provider. As a reference, living costs in Queensland are approximately A$20,000–A$25,000 per year, covering accommodation (shared: A$250–350/week), groceries (A$80–120/week), and transport (A$30–50/week).
To enrol, international students typically need an IELTS score of 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent) and have completed Year 10 or equivalent in their home country. Academic transcripts from previous schooling are required. Some students may need foundation or pathway programs if they do not meet the academic or English requirements. The Department of Education offers preparatory pathways through its international student programs. For specific entry criteria, contact the provider. Note that meeting entry requirements does not guarantee admission; each application is assessed individually. Students must generally be under 18 at the start of the program, though age requirements vary by state.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake work placement as part of their senior high school studies. However, students on a valid student visa may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work rights are subject to visa conditions. It's important to balance work with study commitments. For more details on work rights, refer to the Department of Home Affairs or consult our student visa page.
The course is delivered at six locations across Queensland: Alexandra Hills State High School (Alexandra Hills, QLD), Aspley State High School (Aspley, QLD), Balmoral State High School (Morningside, QLD), Benowa State High School (Benowa, QLD), Bribie Island State High School (Bongaree, QLD), and Brisbane School of Distance Education (Coorparoo, QLD). These schools are in or near Brisbane and the Gold Coast region. Each campus offers modern facilities and support services for international students. The Brisbane School of Distance Education provides remote learning options for students in regional areas. When choosing a location, consider factors like proximity to accommodation, public transport, and lifestyle preferences.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. If the student is under 18 at the time of study, they may require a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for an accompanying parent or guardian. Key visa conditions include maintaining enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and adequate OSHC cover. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion must be satisfied. Financial capacity must be demonstrated to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. OSHC must be arranged before visa grant. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Senior High School (Years 11-12) at Department of Education: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (like Department of Education CRICOS 00608A). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Meet entry requirements (English test, academic transcripts), and submit an application by the deadline. The Department of Education (EQI) manages applications for international students – visit www.eqi.com.au. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. For detailed guidance, refer to our student visa page.
Queensland is a popular destination for international students, with over 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering senior secondary programs. The state offers a warm climate, diverse communities, and world-class education. Living costs in Brisbane (the capital) are relatively affordable: average weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$200–$300, groceries A$80–$150, and public transport A$30–$50. With a student visa, students can enjoy weekends at the Gold Coast or explore Queensland's natural attractions. Public transport is accessible near most school campuses. When choosing a location, consider the school's reputation, support services, and proximity to homestay or boarding options. HeadStart Academy provides data on all CRICOS-registered providers in Queensland to help you compare.
Ready to apply? Visit the Department of Education's EQI website or explore more courses on HeadStart Academy.
All Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses in Queensland →
Senior High School (Years 11-12) is a CRICOS-registered programme at 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.