Education in Australia

With an education system ranking 8th on a worldwide scale, Australia has a well-developed schooling structure with participation rates and secondary school completion rates among the highest in the world. Australian governments at all levels are continually reviewing and reforming education and training to address the issues that arise from social and economic change. In many cases, Australian models attract international attention and Australia is involved in co-operating with the development of educational programmes in a number of overseas countries.

The Australian education system is divided into three sectors: primary (5-11 yrs), secondary (12-16 yrs) and tertiary (17-mature age students). All children residing in Australia (regardless of immigration status) are required by law to attend school between the age of 5 and 15 years.

Both primary and secondary education are provided free of charge in the public sector. However, there are host of private schools available which cater to the various educational/religious requirements of students.