Department of Education (CRICOS provider code 00861K) is a government CRICOS-registered provider offering 3 active courses to international students. As part of the Victorian Government, this provider oversees public primary and secondary education across the state. International students can study in Australian government schools, experiencing high-quality education in a safe and multicultural environment. The Department of Education manages numerous campuses in Melbourne suburbs and regional Victoria, providing students with a pathway to further study or career opportunities. All courses are aligned with the Australian Curriculum and are delivered by qualified teachers. With a capacity of 5,546 students, the department is well-equipped to support international learners. Note that this profile covers the central provider; individual schools may have additional CRICOS registrations.
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In Australia, CRICOS-registered providers fall into two main categories: Government and Private. Government providers include public universities, TAFE institutes, and government schools. The Department of Education is a government provider, meaning it is owned and operated by the state government of Victoria. This status assures international students that the institution adheres to strict government standards for education quality, teacher qualifications, and student welfare. Government schools are often more affordable than private alternatives and offer a curriculum that leads to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent. Unlike private providers, government schools do not charge full cost-recovery fees, making them a cost-effective choice for families. Additionally, government providers are subject to regular audits by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and must comply with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, providing strong legal protections.
The Department of Education delivers courses across multiple cities and suburbs in Victoria, focusing on both metropolitan Melbourne and regional centres. Delivery sites include government primary and secondary schools. Below is a list of sample locations grouped by city/suburb, with full addresses as per the CRICOS register:
International students can choose from numerous schools across these areas, each offering a supportive learning environment. When selecting a school, consider proximity to public transport, local amenities, and accommodation options. For a full list of registered campuses, refer to the official CRICOS register.
The Department of Education offers two main course levels for international students: Primary School Studies and Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Primary School Studies cater to students from preparatory year to Year 6, focusing on foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies. Senior Secondary Certificate of Education is the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) for Years 11 and 12, which is the qualification required for university entry in Australia. There are 3 active courses listed on CRICOS, covering these levels. No certificate, diploma, or higher education courses are offered through this provider; however, students completing secondary school can progress to vocational or university studies at other institutions. The VCE is widely recognised by Australian universities and international institutions.
The courses offered by the Department of Education fall under the ASCED (Australian Standard Classification of Education) field 12 - Mixed Field Programmes. This broad category encompasses general education at the primary and secondary levels, including combined programmes that cover multiple subject areas such as English, mathematics, science, humanities, and arts. Since primary and secondary education are comprehensive, they are classified as mixed field rather than specialised. This classification is standard for school-level education in Australia. International students will receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for further study or vocational training.
International students intending to study with the Department of Education must obtain a Student visa (Subclass 500) for courses longer than 12 weeks, or a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) if accompanied by a parent. The visa application requires evidence of enrolment (Confirmation of Enrolment - CoE), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, overseas student health cover (OSHC), English language proficiency (usually IELTS or equivalent), and financial capacity to cover tuition fees and living costs. For primary and secondary students, schools often provide support with visa documentation. The Department of Home Affairs sets minimum age and accommodation requirements for minor students. As a CRICOS-registered provider, the Department of Education complies with ESOS Act protections, including tuition fee protection and student grievance procedures. Always check current visa conditions at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to begin your study journey with the Department of Education:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm that Department of Education (00861K) offers the school and level you need. Review entry requirements, including academic records and English proficiency.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact the Department of Education or the specific school for application forms. Submit required documents: previous school reports, English test scores (if applicable), passport copy, and proof of guardianship for under-18 students. Note application deadlines, which vary by school and intake.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, the department will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa online. Include GTE statement, OSHC, financial evidence, and health insurance. Visa processing times vary; apply early.
Always confirm that an institution is CRICOS-registered before enrolling. You can verify Department of Education (code 00861K) on the official CRICOS register at cricos.teqsa.gov.au. As of April 2026, there are 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses in Australia. HeadStart Academy sources its data directly from this register, ensuring accuracy. All listed institutions comply with the ESOS Act, which protects international students' tuition fees and ensures quality education. Trust signals: this is a free resource with no referral fees, and we do not sell student data. For visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent.
Victoria is a popular destination for international students, with over 1,000 CRICOS-registered providers in Melbourne alone. The state offers a high standard of living, diverse culture, and excellent public transport. For families, government schools in Victoria are well-regarded. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate: indicative weekly rent for a family home can range from AUD 400-600, groceries AUD 150-250, and a weekly Myki public transport pass around AUD 50. Regional centres like Ballarat and Bairnsdale offer lower costs and a quieter lifestyle. Consider your child's schooling preferences, accommodation options, and support networks when choosing a location. HeadStart Academy has state-specific guides to help you compare.
Start your journey to study in Australia with Department of Education. Explore courses and apply today.
Department of Education (CRICOS 00861K) is a Government provider in Melbourne, VIC with 3 currently non-expired CRICOS courses [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Example course from the register: Primary (Prep to Year 6) (CRICOS 019047G) is listed at 360 weeks with tuition A$112,000 and estimated total A$126,620 [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Important: This page is general information only and not migration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) evidence requirements and current financial settings, verify directly with the Department of Home Affairs [checked 2026-08-21].