Patrick Hafenstein, Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner, (centre) with the New Taipei City Yuteh Private School Year 12 graduates.
Welcome to our first semester and the 2021 school year.
I am very excited that through the collaboration of Education Queensland International (EQI) and our 6 offshore recognised schools, more students now have an opportunity to access our world-class education in their hometown, making their dreams of studying abroad a reality.
The most highly prized result is the Year 12 Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), which provides a multitude of skills, including critical thinking, creativity, communication and teamwork, preparing students for their future and essential life skills. Regions offering offshore programs are China, Nauru, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
We have facilitated various relationships between our Queensland government schools and offshore recognised schools. The relationships offer additional opportunities to develop an inter-cultural understanding for students and cultivate them into global citizens. Please refer to our story within this enews to learn more.
No one would have believed that with Covid-19, combined with the new ATAR system, that our international students would excel with such resourcefulness and resilience. Incredible stories of excellence have emerged from many schools, including 5 students from Brisbane’s Centenary State High School who have achieved remarkable results.
Thi Khanh Thy (Vietnam) ATAR 98.3, Wenjing (China) ATAR 97.88, Soi Qi (Malaysia) ATAR 95.8, Yi Ting (China) ATAR 87.15 and Thi Thu Ha (Vietnam) ATAR 87.95. All have accepted University placements ranging from Optometry to Law and Business. We will learn more about these students with further stories in a future enews edition.
As you are aware, Queensland remains a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for international students – we are also one of the most inspiring places in the world to study. Facilities are among the world’s best and the natural hinterland environment coupled with our world renowned coastline attracts students from around the world.
Our globally acclaimed research institutions and achievements in science and technology all contribute to Brisbane being an ideal destination to visit and access the brightest minds across Australia and indeed the world.
Our schools, universities, training providers and governments have a wealth of expertise in providing a richly rewarding experience for international students that sets them up for success and we so look forward to their return.
Kind regards
Jack Stathis
What is an offshore school?
EQI provides access to world-class curriculum, related resources and services that meet leading international education standards.
Schools offering the Queensland curriculum access internationally recognised teaching and learning programs with support from EQI and the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).
Students who live outside of Australia but want to graduate from year 12 via the Queensland school curriculum can access Queensland’s education program in 1 of the 5 recognised offshore schools:
- Australian International School Sharjah – United Arab Emirates offers Prep to year 12
- Qingdao Guokai Middle School – People’s Republic of China offers years 11 and 12
- Hangzhou Dongfang School – People’s Republic of China offers years 11 and 12
- Nauru Secondary School – Republic of Nauru offers years 1 and 12
- New Taipei City Yuteh Private School – Taiwan offers years 11 and 12
The Lihir International School – Papua New Guinea is also an offshore school offering Kindergarten to year 10.
The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) program equips students with the skills to plan their own career paths and decide on the course that best suits them post-graduation. They can then apply to universities in Australia and around the world.
Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea
Our offshore schools success
New Taipei City Yuteh Private School
The first ever class of students studying for a QCE at the New Taipei City Yuteh Private School in Taiwan, graduated last year.
Yuteh Private School, Taiwan
In a difficult year with COVID-19, more than 70% of the students achieved excellent ATAR ranks, with the highest being 92. These students have successfully secured their places at Group of Eight (Go8) universities in Australia.
Hangzhou Dongfang High School
A very successful graduation ceremony was held, with 73 students graduating from the 2020 QCE program at Hangzhou Dongfang High School.
Amazing news is that 75% of the graduates were accepted into the world’s top 30 universities and 100% of the graduates accepted into the world’s top 100 universities. A number of students were successful in receiving scholarships from the University of Sydney, Australian National University and Monash University.
Hangzhou – West Lake, China
Qingdao Guokai Middle School
There were 31 students who graduated from the QCE program at Qingdao Guokai Middle School, with more than 70% of graduates choosing Australia as their university destination. 50% of the graduates have accepted offers from the Go8 universities and look forward to starting their new journeys ahead.
Do you know a school ready to join the offshore program?
Offshore schools/organisations interested in delivering the QCE program are required to:
- meet and maintain established quality benchmarks, including holding accreditation or registration as required under the regulation of the local authority or jurisdiction
- satisfy the due diligence requirements of the department.
For more information on EQI’s offshore programs, please contact the Offshore Programs team via
internationalprojects@qed.qld.gov.au.
To find out more about EQI schools, please contact your EQI Regional Manager by using the links below to either email or visit the EQI website.
Find a school
Contact the EQI recruitment team
Education Queensland International
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