There are 32 Junior Secondary Studies courses offered by 29 CRICOS-registered providers across South Australia. These courses prepare international students aged 12–15 for senior secondary education, covering Years 7 to 10 in the Australian school system. South Australia is home to Adelaide—a vibrant, affordable student city—as well as regional centres like Mount Gambier and Port Pirie. With tuition fees ranging from A$25,000 to A$215,115 and durations from 1 to 7 years, families can find options to suit their budget and timeline. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, meaning they meet Australian Government standards for international education. As a free resource, we help you compare courses and providers without any referral fees.
Junior Secondary Studies is a precursor to the senior secondary certificate (e.g., SACE in South Australia). It typically corresponds to Australian Year 7 to 10 and covers a broad preparatory curriculum including English, mathematics, science, humanities, and electives. While not a standalone AQF qualification, it provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed for senior secondary study. International students entering Junior Secondary Studies usually need to have completed primary school and demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0–5.5. Upon completion, students can progress to Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 11–12) or equivalent courses.
Tuition fees for Junior Secondary Studies in South Australia vary by provider and program length. Indicative fees range from A$25,000 to A$215,115 total. Duration ranges from 1 year (typically for intensive bridging programs) to 7 years (for students starting in Year 7 and completing Year 12, though the Junior Secondary stage is Years 7–10). Below is the breakdown by field of education. Note: tuition does not include non-tuition costs such as application fees, uniforms, excursions, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), or living expenses. Adelaide's average weekly living costs are around A$450–A$550 for rent, groceries, and transport.
Several reputable providers offer Junior Secondary Studies in South Australia. Here are the top five by number of courses:
- **Department for Education (00018A)**: Government provider with 2 courses, operating public schools across metropolitan Adelaide and regional SA. Known for inclusive, well-resourced programs. - **Westminster School Inc (00602G)**: Private school in Marion (Adelaide) offering 2 courses. Strong academic records and extensive co-curricular activities. - **St John's Grammar School Inc (02301D)**: Private school in Belair (Adelaide Hills) with 2 courses. Emphasises outdoor learning and small class sizes. - **Concordia College Inc (00360J)**: Private Lutheran school in Highgate (Adelaide) with 1 course. Known for pastoral care and arts programs. - **Immanuel College (00362G)**: Private school in Novar Gardens (Adelaide) with 1 course. Focuses on character development and academic excellence. All providers are CRICOS-registered and subject to ESOS Act protections.
In South Australia, Junior Secondary Studies fall under the field of **Mixed Field Programmes** (broad field 12). This field encompasses general education across multiple subject areas, as required by the Australian Curriculum. Students study English, mathematics, science, history, geography, and select electives such as languages, technology, or physical education. The mixed-field nature prepares students for specialised study in senior secondary. No other specific fields (like Hospitality or IT) are offered at this level—the focus is on foundational learning.
International students entering Junior Secondary Studies in South Australia typically need an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent, such as TOEFL iBT 35–46 or PTE Academic 36–42). Some schools may accept English scores from previous studies or offer internal English tests. Providers may also require students to attend English language support programs. Always confirm the exact requirement with your chosen institution.
To study Junior Secondary Studies in Australia, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). For students under 18, a parent or legal guardian may apply for a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) to accompany them. All visa applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement—demonstrating that they intend to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity must be shown, covering tuition, OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), and living costs. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of the visa. For detailed guidance, see our [Student Visa Subclass 500 page](/visa/student-visa-subclass-500).
Follow these three steps to start your Junior Secondary Studies journey in South Australia:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Review entry requirements, fees, and duration for each provider. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Submit your application with academic transcripts, English test results, and any other required documents. Note application deadlines—some schools have intake in January, April, July, or October. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use it to apply for your visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. For under-18 students, also consider the Student Guardian visa.
South Australia offers a balanced lifestyle for international students. Adelaide, the capital, has a population of 1.3 million and is known for its affordability, safety, and festivals. Weekly rent for a shared apartment is about A$200–A$300, and public transport with a student concession pass is reasonable. The state has strong public and private school options, with many providers located within 30 minutes of the city centre. Regional schools offer a more nature-focused experience. Consider your family preferences, budget, and whether you want a metropolitan or regional setting. All providers listed are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality standards under the ESOS Act.
Ready to explore Junior Secondary Studies in South Australia? Use our free search tool to find CRICOS-registered providers and compare courses today.
Showing 32 junior secondary studies courses from 29 CRICOS providers in South Australia.
Counted from the official register for SA: 32 non-expired CRICOS courses across 29 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.