There are 70 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses offered by 70 CRICOS-registered providers across New South Wales. Whether you are looking for a private school in Sydney or a regional institution, this page helps you compare options for completing your senior secondary education in Australia. Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) programs prepare students for university, TAFE, or employment, and are typically the final two years of secondary schooling in Australia (Years 11 and 12). In NSW, these courses are delivered by a range of independent schools, many with strong academic traditions and excellent facilities for international students. We provide a detailed breakdown of fees, duration, English requirements, and student visa information to help you make an informed decision. All providers listed are CRICOS-registered, ensuring you receive quality education and legal protections under the ESOS Act.
Counted from the official register for NSW: 72 non-expired CRICOS courses across 72 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.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-06). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
The University of Sydney is a government CRICOS provider with 665 active courses matched to Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$634,121.477. Common levels include Doctoral Degree, Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00026A, Government, 665 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The University of New South Wales (UNSW)
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a government CRICOS provider with 665 active courses matched to Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$500 to A$854,000. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Masters Degree (Research), Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00098G, Government, 665 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a government CRICOS provider with 526 active courses matched to Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$320,031. Common levels include Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00099F, Government, 526 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Macquarie University (Macquarie)
Macquarie University (Macquarie) is a government CRICOS provider with 458 active courses matched to Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$397,192. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework), Doctoral Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00002J, Government, 458 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
The University of Newcastle (UoN)
The University of Newcastle (UoN) is a government CRICOS provider with 456 active courses matched to Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$3,999 to A$514,259. Common levels include Bachelor Honours Degree, Doctoral Degree, Masters Degree (Research).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00109J, Government, 456 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
University of Wollongong (UoW)
University of Wollongong (UoW) is a government CRICOS provider with 352 active courses matched to Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$7,253 to A$312,683. Common levels include Bachelor Honours Degree, Bachelor Degree, Doctoral Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00102E, Government, 352 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Western Sydney University is a government CRICOS provider with 315 active courses matched to Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$2 to A$429,100. Common levels include Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00917K, Government, 315 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian Catholic University Limited
Australian Catholic University Limited is a government CRICOS provider with 175 active courses matched to Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$10,640 to A$210,176. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Doctoral Degree, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00004G, Government, 175 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Torrens University Australia Limited
Torrens University Australia Limited is a private CRICOS provider with 167 active courses matched to Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$500 to A$134,455. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03389E, Private, 167 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Southern Cross University (SCU)
Southern Cross University (SCU) is a government CRICOS provider with 142 active courses matched to Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales. Indicative course totals on register from A$13,880 to A$144,000. Common levels include Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01241G, Government, 142 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Similar to a register-first directory: every claim you can act on should be checkable against an official source. Full ranking rules: methodology.
Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-06).
The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) is the qualification awarded upon completion of senior secondary schooling in Australia. While it is not formally listed as an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level, it is widely recognised as equivalent to AQF Level 2 and provides a pathway to further study at university (AQF Level 7) or vocational education (AQF Level 5–6). International students typically need to have completed junior secondary education (equivalent to Australian Year 10) and meet English language requirements. Successful completion of the SSCE opens doors to undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and other tertiary programs. In New South Wales, the SSCE is often the Higher School Certificate (HSC), but CRICOS-registered programs may follow alternative curricula.
Tuition fees for Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses in New South Wales range from A$6,976 to A$125,065 for the full course duration. The duration varies from 1 year 6 months (~80 weeks) to 2 years, depending on the provider and the specific program structure. These fees are indicative and set by individual institutions. Additional costs include non-tuition fees (e.g., enrolment, materials, excursions), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which costs approximately A$600–A$800 per year, and living expenses. In Sydney, weekly living costs (rent, groceries, transport) range from A$500 to A$700. Regional areas may be more affordable. The table below provides a breakdown by field of education.
Several CRICOS-registered providers in New South Wales offer Senior Secondary Certificate of Education programs. Here are some of the leading schools:
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses in NSW are offered in two fields according to the CRICOS register: Mixed Field Programmes (broad code 12) and Education (code 07). The vast majority of courses fall under Mixed Field Programmes, which encompass a broad general education covering multiple subjects such as English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and languages. These programs are designed to prepare students for further study or employment. Education field courses focus on foundational knowledge in educational theory and practice, but at the senior secondary level these are rare. Most international students enrol in Mixed Field Programmes to obtain a well-rounded qualification recognised by universities worldwide.
International students applying for a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales typically need an IELTS overall band score of 5.0 to 5.5, or equivalent scores in other recognised English language tests such as TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic. Some providers may have higher requirements for certain subjects or if the student plans to transition to a university pathway. It is important to check the specific English language entry requirements of each school, as they can vary. If you do not meet the minimum score, some providers offer English language preparatory courses as a pathway.
International students studying a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in New South Wales typically require a Student visa (Subclass 500). If you are under 18, a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) may be needed for an accompanying parent or guardian. As part of the visa application, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, provide evidence of sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC is mandatory for international students and provides health insurance during your stay. For a detailed step-by-step guide, refer to our Student Visa Subclass 500 page. All CRICOS-registered providers are required to comply with the ESOS Act, which protects your rights as an international student.
New South Wales is the most popular destination for international students in Australia, home to over 150,000 international students. Sydney, the state capital, offers a vibrant multicultural environment, world-class universities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Regional centres like Newcastle, Wollongong, and Orange also provide excellent educational opportunities with a lower cost of living. NSW has excellent public transport, making it easy to travel between campuses and explore the state. For students under 18, many schools provide homestay arrangements or boarding facilities to ensure a safe and supportive environment. The state's temperate climate and stunning natural attractions, from beaches to mountains, make it an ideal place to live and study.
Follow these three steps to enrol in a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education program in New South Wales:
Ready to start your senior secondary education in NSW? Use our search tool to find the perfect CRICOS-registered provider and begin your application today.
Showing 72 senior secondary certificate of education courses from 72 CRICOS providers in New South Wales.