International students
The NSW Department of Education and Communities (DEC), established for over 150 years, is Australia's largest education provider.
Our curriculum, learning outcomes and integrated welfare support programs are highly regarded worldwide.
In addition to gaining a first-class education, you will learn about Australian culture and acquire high-level English language skills.
The International Students Program is available to students who enter Australia on a student visa (i.e. subclass 571P). Holders of all other visa types may be eligible to enrol under the Temporary Residents Program.
Download video: NSW Government Schools - A Unique Australian Study Experience
Programs
Secondary High School
(Years 7 to 12)
International students who enrol in senior secondary high school (Years 11 and 12) and successfully complete the course are awarded a Higher School Certificate (HSC).
The HSC is a highly regarded qualification and can lead to further study at top universities, TAFE NSW Institutes and other educational institutions.
Choosing a school
- Over 150 secondary high schools in Sydney and throughout NSW offer places to international students
- Some secondary high schools specialise in languages, technology, performing and creative arts, or sport
- Boys-only secondary high schools, girls-only secondary high schools, or co-educational secondary high schools (boys and girls) are available for international students.
Locate a NSW Government Secondary High School on a map.
Entry requirements
Academic
Junior Secondary (Years 7 to 10): Good passing grades in the student's main academic subjects.
Senior Secondary (Years 11 and 12): NSW School Certificate (Year 10) or its equivalent in Australia or overseas, with good passing grades in the main academic subjects.
English language
At least one of the following:
- Satisfactory results from an approved intensive English course (English Preparation for High School). An Intensive English course can be done at a NSW Government Schools Intensive English Centre, TAFE NSW English Language Centre, or selected private college
- Satisfactory results from an approved English language test:
- For entry into Years 7 to 10: minimum IELTS (International English language Testing System) score of 5.0
- For entry into Years 11 and 12: minimum IELTS score of 5.5
- Equivalent results in another approved English language test (including TOEFL, STEP and SLEP)
- High school taught and learnt in English for at least two years
Subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Languages
- Technology
- Music
- Visual Arts
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Important dates
Students in Years 7 to 10 can start any time up to the beginning of Term 4 (October) of the academic year.
Senior secondary high school students (Years 11 and 12) must commence at the start of the academic year during Term 1 (i.e. February).
See a calendar of term dates.
Accommodation and welfare
International students under 18 years of age must have suitable accommodation and welfare arrangements while they are studying in Australia.
Primary school children in Kindergarten to Year 4 must have a parent living with them at all times.
Students in Year 5 and Year 6 may live with a parent or direct relative.
Secondary high school students may live with a relative or in Homestay accommodation.
Go to the accommodation and welfare page for more information.
How to apply
To apply for an international students program, follow the steps below.
How to apply
Complete an application
You can apply online or download, complete and sign an application form – a parent must sign the application form unless the student is over 18 years of age.
| NSW Government Schools | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Apply online | Application form | ||
| Secondary high school | Apply online | Download (pdf 483 KB) | ||
| Primary school | Apply online | Download (pdf 483 KB) | ||
| Study Abroad (Secondary high school) | Apply online | Download (pdf 483 KB) | ||
If you have already started an online application you can check its progress by logging in to the online application system
School locations
Search for NSW government primary and high schools available for enrolment by international students or temporary residents:
Find out more about studying at a NSW government schoolInternational students
Do you need help?
Ask a question online or contact
DEC International or an authorised agent
for help with choosing a school or enrolling.
Suitability
The International Students Program
is available to students who enter
Australia on a student visa (i.e. subclass 571P). Holders of all other visa types may be eligible to enrol under the Temporary Residents Program.
Brochures
The NSW Government Schools brochures contain information about study options, our schools
and the study experience.
International Student Guide (pdf 2,771 KB)
Study Abroad (pdf 1,612 KB)
Schools Directory (pdf 8,440 KB)
Application Form (pdf 483 KB)
See more and translated documents
Signup for alerts
ESOS Framework
The Australian Government wants international students to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding study experience in Australia.
Read more about the ESOS Framework.
Agent search
DEC International has a worldwide network of representative agents who can help you complete and submit your application to study.
These representatives must provide you with accurate and up-to date information and advice regarding programs, courses, application procedures, living and studying in Australia. They can also assist with your visa application. If you wish to apply through an agent it is recommended that you use an agent on this list. If you choose to use another agent who is not published on this list, then TAFE NSW is not responsible for the accuracy of the advice provided to you.
TAFE NSW English Language Centre agents
TAFE NSW English Language Centres also engage agent representatives and details of these agents can be found on the English Language pages for each of the listed Institutes. These agents may recruit students for intensive English language courses but not for any other courses at TAFE NSW.
- Crows Nest (Northern Sydney Institute)
- Kingscliff (North Coast Institute)
- Liverpool (South Western Sydney Institute)
- Newcastle (Hunter Institute)
- Port Macquarie (North Coast Institute)
- Ultimo (Sydney Institute)
- Wollongong (Illawarra Institute)
