Especially international students attending a High School in Australia, but also Australian students, can decide on passing the International Baccalaureate, which is internationally recognised.

There are two versions of the International Baccalaureate:

That is a five-year program for students aged between 11 and 16. It follows the Primary Years Programme while offering an alternative educational approach to traditional school subjects. Moreover, it is an excellent preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

In Australia, the last two years of secondary school (Year 11 and 12) are devoted to the preparation for university studies and graduation from high school.

In the final senior secondary year all students have to undertake a State Government administered program which will qualify them for admission to an Australian university.

Matriculation

In grade 12 Australian high school students get prepared for their high school graduation or matriculation, which grants them access to the universities and colleges in Australia.

Each state or territory has its own name for the Year 12 matriculation certificate (high school graduation):

• Australian Capital Territory: ACT Year 12 Certificate
• New South Wales: Higher School Certificate (HSC)
• Northern Territories: Senior Secondary Studies Certificate
• Queensland: Queensland Senior Certificate (QSC)
• South Australia: South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
• Tasmania: Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)
• Victoria: Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
• Western Australia: Certificate of Secondary Education

While the successful passing of the Year 12 exam (high school graduation) qualifies a student for university entry, it does not automatically guarantee a place. Entry into most Australian courses is on a competitive basis for overseas and local students alike.