Victorian Certificate of Education (Years 11 and 12) (CRICOS course code 087997G) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education delivered by Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd over 2 years. This course is designed for international students seeking to complete a senior secondary qualification in Australia, providing a pathway to higher education or employment. As a CRICOS-registered program (02934D), it meets Australian Government standards for overseas students. HeadStart Academy connects you with verified CRICOS data to make informed study decisions.
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The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is the senior secondary qualification in Victoria, recognised nationally and internationally. At Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02934D), the VCE program (Years 11 and 12) is a 2-year full-time course delivered in English. The qualification is classified under Field of Education 12 – Mixed Field Programmes, General Education Programmes (1201). Students typically study a range of subjects to develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills, preparing for university or vocational pathways. This program is ideal for international students who want to complete their secondary education in Australia and gain an ATAR for university admission.
As a General Education Programmes course (120101 - General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes), the VCE curriculum covers a broad range of subjects including English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and languages. Students select units from various study areas to meet the VCE requirements. The course focuses on developing academic skills, independent learning, and preparation for tertiary study. While specific subject offerings are determined by Southern Cross Education Institute, all CRICOS-registered VCE programs must satisfy the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) standards. Graduates receive a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, which is a prerequisite for most Australian university courses.
The course duration is 2 years (104 weeks) on the CRICOS register. It is a full-time, face-to-face program delivered in English. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. This is a single qualification course, meaning students focus solely on completing the VCE. The program is not classified as a VET course, so no VET national code applies. Classes are held at the North Melbourne campus (41 Boundary Road), with no mandatory work component.
Tuition fees for the Victorian Certificate of Education (Years 11 and 12) are A$40,000, with non-tuition fees of A$8,000, giving an estimated total of A$48,000. These fees are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and set by Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Always check the provider's website (www.scei.com.au) for the most current fees. International students should budget additional costs: OSHC (single student approx. A$500-700/year), living costs (Melbourne: approx. A$500-600/week for rent, groceries, transport), and the student visa application fee (A$710 as of 2025).
International students typically need an IELTS overall band score of 5.0-5.5 or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL, PTE). Prior academic qualifications should be equivalent to Australian Year 10 completion for entry into Year 11, and Year 11 for entry into Year 12. Southern Cross Education Institute may have additional requirements, such as academic transcripts and a satisfactory interview. For students who do not meet the English language requirement, pathway options (e.g., ELICOS) may be available – contact the provider for details. All applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion for their student visa.
This course has no mandatory work component. However, international students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work is not a requirement of the course but can help with living costs.
The program is delivered at 41 Boundary Road, North Melbourne, Victoria. North Melbourne is a suburb close to Melbourne’s CBD, with excellent public transport access via tram and train. Melbourne is home to over 60 CRICOS-registered providers offering senior secondary courses. The city has a large international student population (over 170,000) and offers diverse cultural experiences. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to other Australian capitals; average weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$250-350.
International students studying this course typically require a Student visa (Subclass 500). If the student is under 18 at the time of visa application, a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) may be needed for an accompanying parent or guardian. Visa conditions include maintaining OSHC, meeting the GTE requirement, and having sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + travel). Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA).
Applying is straightforward with these three steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. Confirm Southern Cross Education Institute (02934D) is CRICOS-registered and offering CRICOS course 087997G.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Contact Southern Cross Education Institute via their website (www.scei.com.au) or admissions office. Submit required documents: academic transcript, English test results (IELTS 5.0-5.5 or equivalent), passport copy, and any other requested forms. Check application deadlines and acceptance procedures.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – After acceptance, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare for GTE assessment, OSHC purchase, and financial evidence. For visa assistance, consult a MARA-registered agent.
Melbourne is consistently ranked one of the world’s most liveable cities. It has a vibrant international student community, excellent public transport, and world-class universities. The VCE qualification is widely recognised, and many graduates progress to universities in Melbourne and beyond. However, consider the cost of living (approx. A$500-600/week for a single student) and the climate (variable, with cool winters). If you prefer a smaller city or warmer climate, other states offer senior secondary options. HeadStart Academy lists over 26,000 courses across Australia, so you can compare options.
Ready to start your VCE journey? Explore more Senior Secondary courses or contact Southern Cross Education Institute directly.
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Victorian Certificate of Education (Years 11 and 12) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Southern Cross Education Institute Pty Ltd. 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.