High Schools in Queensland: Study Abroad at a Queensland High School
Are you interested to study at a high school in Queensland Australia? Then you have come to the right place. AA Education Network is a registered education agency for international students and officially represent the high schools in Queensland. The high school programs we provide in Queensland are supported by the relevant Ministries of Education, so we can offer international students a large number of state high schools in Queensland. Our services for students and parents are FREE!
About Queensland
Queensland is characterised by modern, cosmopolitan cities, beautiful coastal and rural environments, its magnificent reefs and its national parks, rainforests and beaches. The state is youthful and its climate encourages an outdoor lifestyle, with diversity in sports, music and the arts. Queensland’s schools are located in the midst of all of this diversity and excitement.
High schools in Queensland are staffed by university-trained professionals who deliver a world-class curriculum through a flexible education system that includes: online learning, computer labs linked to universities, video conferencing and recording studios, photo labs and multimedia facilities. Students progress through this system by way of assignments, oral presentations, practical exercises and examinations throughout the year.
Specialisation is offered in: aviation, music and performance arts, business, engineering, hospitality and tourism and international sports such as soccer, golf, tennis and surfing and more.
Our high schools in Queensland
You can choose from two types of high schools in Queensland: Government high schools, offered by Education Queensland International (EQI) or selected private schools in Queensland, including: St Hilda's School, All Saints Anglican College and John Paul College.
Most students choose to study at a government high school with EQI.
What are the advantages of high school in Queensland with EQI?
- Lower tuition fees compared to private high schools
- variety of high school programs and a diverse range of subjects to choose from
- The opportunity to develop English language fluency at high school
- a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere
- flexible learning opportunities
- High quality teaching standards
- Familiarity with Australian methods of teaching, learning and assessment
- The support of established friendships in the local community
- Accommodation arrangements
- Students in Queensland high schools receive counselling and advice on career pathways, study options and senior subject choices to help them take the next step towards their career goal.
- Studying in a Queensland Government high school may offer students the advantage of fast-tracked, experiential and even direct-entry pathways to Australian universities, TAFE and vocational education institutions.
EQI is the division of the Queensland Department of Education and the Arts that develops and promotes world-class education programs for international students.
In particular EQI:
- Caters for over 1300 international students from 25 nations.
- Manages over 70 Queensland government schools that offer full-time programs for international students.
- Manages Australia's most popular group study tours program
Queensland high schools offer you as a student a supportive and positive environment in which to develop your true potential. The innovative teaching methods foster independent learning and encourage all students to think outside the box.
State of the Art Technology
Queensland high schools put theory to practice and this is their forte. Learning is integrated into modern technology such as the internet and multimedia and this, in effect, creates global citizens.
Curriculum
All Queensland high schools offer compulsory subjects - English, mathematics, science, arts, technology and foreign languages. There are many non-compulsory subjects on offer as well such as graphic design, music, hospitality, accounting and multimedia.
Extracurricular Activities
All state high schools in Queensland encourage their students to undertake extra-curricular activities such as acting in school plays, singing in the school choir or participating in team sports. The range of sports on offer in Queensland schools such as tennis, football or cricket is so large that students will be spoilt for choice.
International Students
The state high schools in Queensland operate in a multicultural environment and teachers are experienced in dealing with students from different nationalities. As such, many Queensland schools have English language support services to assist needy students with their studies.
How do I get a student visa and how long will it take?
When you apply to study at a state high school in Queensland through us, we help you apply for the australian student visa.
Will I have to wear a school uniform and how much will it cost?
Wearing unform is a requirement in most Queensland schools. For further details about school uniforms, please visit the particular school's website.
Why do I need overseas student health cover (OSHC)?
All international students are required to have OSHC for the duration of their studies.
How will I get to and from school on my first day?
Travel arrangements to and from school will be made by your homestay family until you are familiar enough to travel on your own.
Can I work part-time while I study?
Work permits may be issued subject to approval from the Department of Immigration. If approved, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week but this mustn't compromise your studies.
Where can I study?
All International Student Program participants offer you ideal conditions in which to study. (See Education Queensland International schools)
Do I need to improve my English before I arrive?
This depends on your academic performance and English language ability. Some students may receive a conditional offer stating that they are required to first attend a High School Preparation Program (HSPP).
What happens after I submit my application?
The application will be assessed within 10 days of receipt. Later, a letter will be sent out stating the eligibility for an international student program.
Will somebody meet me at the airport?
If you wish so, you must first complete a Airport Reception Form soon after the application has been processed.
What happens on the first day at school?
A Welcome & Orientation Program.
I do not know where I can live when I attend high school in Queensland. What should I do?
Homestay accommodation can be arranged by Education Queensland International.
Are there any additional costs to what I will pay to Education Queensland International?
We will advise you of all costs
EQI Queensland High School Programs
High School Preparation Program
EQI's High School Preparation (HSP) course is an intensive English course designed to prepare students for high school classes.
You will improve your English skills and learn the language and school skills necessary to thrive in subjects such as math, science, technology, sociology and literature.
The HSP program includes the following:
- Modules of 10 weeks
- A maximum of 18 students per class
- 25 hours of lessons per week
- School integration
- Qualified English teachers
- Duration of the program: 10-40 weeks *
- Age group: 12-18 years
- Visa Required: Student Visa
- Travel and excursions: According to EQI's travel policy
- Start: Pupils can enroll after the school holidays.
* Depending on the English language skills of the respective participants.
High School Program
The high school program is for students who are aiming for a high school degree in Queensland and thereby attain university entrance qualification in Australia or abroad.
Choose from over 50 schools across Queensland. Each school adheres to the highest teaching standards and also offers specialty courses, sports, arts and foreign language classes.
After successfully completing years 11 and 12, students receive the Queensland Certificate of Education.
We recommend that you check with your home country if the Queensland Certificate of Education is recongised there.
- Duration of the program: 2-6 years
- Age group: 12-18 years
- School years: 7 - 12
- Visa Required: Student Visa
- Travel and excursions: According to EQI's travel policy
- Start: Pupils can enroll for school years 7 to 11 after the school holidays
Study Abroad Program
This program will give you an insight into high school life and help you achieve personal, cultural, and academic goals.
Pupils will be integrated into the school community, improving their English skills and learning about Australian culture before continuing their education back home. High school education in Queensland is recognised by numerous educational systems abroad. *
- Duration of the program: 1 quarter - 4 quarters (3–12 months)
- Age group: 12-18 years
- School years: 7 - 12
- Visa Required: Student Visa
- Travel and excursions: According to EQI's travel policy
- Start: Pupils can enroll for school years 7 to 12 after the school holidays. †
* EQI recommends that students check the crediting of academic achievements in their home country.
† Pupils in school year 12 cannot start in the 4th quarter (term 4) due to the final exams at the end of the year.
Regional Study Abroad Program
A Unique Australian Experience!
The Regional Study Abroad Program (RSAP) is the latest addition to the suite of programs offered by Education Queensland International (EQI).
The program is offered in unique locations throughout Queensland and provides an opportunity for students to experience school life in the ‘real’ Australia.
Each location has been carefully selected and offers both high quality school programs within friendly, welcoming communities.
Students become active participants in school and local community life, and explore unique natural surroundings while enjoying a world-class education program.
Program Highlights
- friendly host families
- choice of location
- accredited schools
- affordable program fees and living costs
- small international student numbers
- fully packaged fees including tuition,
- homestay, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), airport reception, school curriculum field trips, and textbooks
- supervised school holiday adventure programs (optional)
Program Details:
- Duration of the program: 1 quarter - 4 quarters (3–12 months)
- Age group: 14-18 years
- School years: 9, 10, 11 and 12
- Visa Required: Student Visa
- Travel and excursions: According to EQI's travel policy
- Start: Term (quarter) 1,2,3 or 4 †
* EQI recommends that students check the crediting of academic achievements in their home country.
† Pupils in year 12 cannot start in the 4th quarter (term 4) due to the final exams at the end of the year.
Study Abroad + Regional Study Abroad
Get the best of both worlds with the "Choose your own adventure" program
As part of the "Choose your own adventure!" program, students can combine both a regional high school (regional study abroad) and metro high school (study abroad) at a cheaper price than just the Study Abroad Program.
This allows you to experience a unique and authentic Australian life style and study experience. You can choose from the outback, rainforest, beach or reef regions and receive the same quality education while developing your English skills and making new friends for life.
For example, spend a semester at Harvey Bay and then a semester at Balmoral High School, just 4 miles from Brisbane CBD.
Any range of duration combinations are possible, for example 3 months + 3 months, or 3 months + 6 months, or 6 months + 6 months. When chosen wisely, this combination may nicely match the seasonal highlights of the different geographic locations e.g. the reef is best in winter months, the surf coasts are the best in the summer months.
You could even add a Holiday Adventure program between your education destinations or at the end of your program.
Contact us to find out more.
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) is a globally recognised school leaving certificate that can be obtained at selected schools in Queensland.
For more information about the IB programs offered at selected state high school in Queensland, please visit our page "International Baccalaureate in Queensland".
Accommodation Options for Students
When enrolling in an EQI high school program you can choose to live with an EQI approved homestay provider, a parent or legal guardian or a relative approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
One of the highlights of the state high schools in Queensland is that homestay can be arranged for students directly through EQI.
Your host family offers you a loving and caring environment in which you can really feel at home during your school stay. Those who live with an Australian host family participate in school and family life and improve their English skills very quickly.
All families have been carefully selected by EQI and have a government-issued blue card that allows them to accept foreign students.
Included in a stay with a host family:
- Three meals a day, seven days a week
- Own bedroom with space to study
- Help with commuting from home to school and back
- All foreign students arriving in Queensland are picked up from the airport free of charge.
List of the Government High Schools in Queensland
- Alexandra Hills State High School
- Balmoral State High School
- Brisbane State High School
- Cleveland District State High School
- Corinda State High School
- Craigslea State High School
- Ferny Grove State High School
- Indooroopilly State High School
- Kedron State High School
- Kelvin Grove State College
- Kenmore State High School
- Mitchelton State High School
- Mount Gravatt State High School
- North Lakes State College
- Rochedale State High School
- Sunnybank State High School
- The Gap State High School
- Whites Hill Statwe College
- Yeronga State High School
- Cairns State High School
- Smithfield State High School
- Trinity Bay State High School
- Redlynch State College
- Benowa State High School
- Elanora State High School
- Helensvale State High School
- Keebra Park State High School
- Merrimac State High School
- Miami State High School
- Palm Beach Currumbin State High School
- Robina State High School
- Upper Coomera State College
- Southport State Higsh School
- Bribie Island State High School
- Caloundra State High School
- Chancellor State College
- Coolum State High School
- Kawana Waters State College
- Maleny State High School
- Maroochydore State High School
- Mountain Creek State High School
- Sunshine Beach State High School
- Meridan State College
- Nambour State College
Further schools
Our high school program includes schools in and around Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Regional Queensland, Cairns and Townsville.
Sunshine Coast
The so-called "Sunshine State" has great weather with an average of 300 days of sunshine; The tropical to subtropical climate ensures warm summers over 30 ° C and mild winters with temperatures over 20 ° C.
Brisbane
Brisbane is the federal capital of Queensland and is one of the liveliest cities in Australia. The botanical gardens and South Bank, a beautiful man-made lagoon on the Brisbane River, invite you to relax. A great café and restaurant culture as well as many shops on Queen Street make Brisbane a liveable and lovable city.
About 90km north of Brisbane is the Sunshine Coast. It's less touristy here; you also have the opportunity to enjoy the beach to yourself. Other unique attractions include the surrounding rainforest and mountains, which are ideal for hiking.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is just under an hour's drive south of Brisbane. The tropical climate, the wonderful beaches and the incomparable nature have made the region world famous and is a year-round destination for tourists and surfers.
Cairns
Cairns in the north of Queensland not only has a beautiful city center but also countless attractions. Most snorkeling and diving tours to the most impressive coral reef on earth, the Great Barrier Reef, start from here. Day trips to Cape Tribulation reveal the natural beauty of the rainforest and the northern coast.
The staff and the responsible guidance counselor in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast or Cairns are responsible for choosing a host family and look after the international students in all matters. They answer all questions that arise and give comprehensive advice if questions and problems arise.
Townsville
Australia’s largest tropical city, famous for its diverse natural resources and beautiful rainforests, reefs, beaches and islands.
Regional Queensland
EQI’s regional schools are located across Queensland, starting from our ‘Garden City’ Toowoomba in the South West, to the tropical farming town of Atherton in the State’s North.
Fees and Term Dates
For school fees and term dates, please visit our "School Fees and Term Dates" page. Our education advisors are more than happy to assist with any questions you may have.
The school year at Queensland state high school is divided into four terms — from late January until December. There is a short holiday between each term and a long summer holiday in December and January.
During the holidays you can explore Australia with one of the EQI Holiday Adventure Programs. Choose from safari tours that cover most of Australia, including Cairns, Sydney, The Outback, Fraser Island, Northern Territory and the east coast. You can snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, see the Blue Mountains, explore Coober Pedy or see Uluru — plus much more. Tour durations vary from about three to 15 days.
Find out more here eqi.com.au/holiday-adventures
