The education system in Australia consists of three stages: • Kindergarten/preschool: This is a one-to-two-year program for children before they start primary school. Kindergarten/preschool is not compulsory in Victoria, but it’s recommended to help your children develop social, mental, and physical skills in preparation for school. Many private schools offer preschool programs as well as primary and secondary education. • Primary school and high school: School is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 15. Students complete the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) in their final two years, enabling entry to university or other tertiary education. Alternative assessment programs (for example, the International Baccalaureate) are also available at some schools. • Tertiary education: Victoria’s post-secondary system includes ten universities, a network of internationally-recognized vocational training institutions known as TAFEs, and hundreds of private colleges and training institutes that offer a diverse range of career skills and qualifications, English language, professional and executive development programs. For more information about our school system, curriculum, qualifications, teaching methods, and English language support, visit study.vic.gov.au.
