Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) – CRICOS 118977G

What you'll study in Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12)

This course falls under the broad field of Education (Field of Education 07 – Education, n.f.d.), which encompasses general senior secondary studies. Students typically study a combination of compulsory subjects (such as English, Mathematics, and Science) and elective subjects chosen to align with their interests and career goals. The curriculum aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and subject-specific knowledge required for university entrance or further vocational pathways. While the exact syllabus is set by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the provider, graduates of this level are expected to demonstrate proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and the ability to engage with complex ideas across multiple disciplines. The course also focuses on study skills, time management, and research capabilities, preparing students for the rigour of higher education. As a senior secondary program, it is the final stage of compulsory schooling in Australia and opens doors to a wide range of undergraduate courses both in Australia and overseas.

Duration and study mode

Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) is delivered over 2 years, comprising 104 weeks according to the CRICOS register. The program is undertaken full-time on campus at Salamah College in Chester Hill, NSW. All instruction is in English, and students must maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress to comply with student visa conditions. This is a single qualification course (dual qualification: No, Foundation studies: No). There is no VET national code as this is a non-VET course. The structured nature of the program ensures international students receive a high-quality education that meets Australian standards. Class sizes are typically small to medium, encouraging personalised attention and active participation. Students are expected to be in school during term time, with scheduled breaks aligned with the NSW school calendar.

Fees (indicative – set by Salamah College Limited)

The indicative fees for Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) at Salamah College Limited are sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026). Tuition is A$40,800 for the full 2-year program. Non-tuition fees, which may include enrolment, materials, and other administrative charges, are A$11,600. The estimated total comes to A$52,400. Please note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and typically costs between A$500 and A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Sydney (where Chester Hill is located) are around A$25,000 to A$35,000 per year, including accommodation ($250-$550 per week rent), groceries, transport, and other personal expenses. For the most current fee schedule, always confirm directly with Salamah College Limited before applying.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0 to 5.5 overall. Prior academic qualifications are expected: typically completion of Year 10 or equivalent in the student's home country, with satisfactory grades. Some students may need to undertake a foundation or pathway program if they do not meet the direct entry requirements. For specific academic and English language requirements, contact Salamah College Limited directly. The provider may also conduct interviews or placement tests. All applicants must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa. It is essential to check the latest entry criteria with the institution, as requirements can change.

Work component

This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students may undertake part-time work during their studies, subject to student visa conditions (see Student Visa section below). However, the academic program itself does not contain any compulsory work placement or internship.

Delivery locations

Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12) is delivered at Salamah College's campus in Chester Hill, a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales. Chester Hill is located approximately 24 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD, accessible by train (Chester Hill station) and bus services. The area has a diverse community and offers a range of affordable housing options compared to inner Sydney. Sydney itself is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and is Australia's largest city for international students, offering a rich multicultural environment, world-class universities, and extensive public transport. Students studying at Chester Hill benefit from proximity to Sydney's amenities while enjoying a quieter suburban setting. Typical weekly rent for a room in Chester Hill ranges from $180 to $300, and a monthly transport pass (Opal card) costs around $135 for unlimited travel.

Student visa information

International students enrolled in this course require a Student visa (Subclass 500). As this is a senior secondary program, students under 18 years old must also ensure they have appropriate welfare arrangements – often a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for an accompanying parent or guardian. Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks, subject to standard visa conditions. All applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrate access to sufficient funds (including tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel), and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay. ESOS Act protections apply, guaranteeing quality education and tuition fee protection. For detailed visa guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA migration agent. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.

Is Sydney, NSW right for your senior secondary studies?

Choosing the right location for your senior secondary education is crucial. Sydney offers a vibrant, multicultural environment with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia – more than 200 are in Sydney alone. The city has excellent educational resources, including libraries, museums, and student support services. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, but Chester Hill provides a more affordable suburban option. Public transport is efficient, with trains connecting to the city and other suburbs. The climate is mild year-round, and there are ample recreational opportunities. However, students under 18 will need to consider guardianship arrangements. If you prefer a quieter lifestyle with lower costs, regional NSW might be an alternative. HeadStart Academy can help you compare schools across Australia using the CRICOS register data.

Start your senior secondary journey in Australia – explore all CRICOS-registered high school courses on HeadStart Academy today.

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