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Cairns State High School

Three reasons to choose us

  1. ​​​​The school values traditions and implements the latest innovations
  2. Extensive and broad subject choices across courses and disciplines, with highly qualified and experienced teaching and support staff
  3. Close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage rainforest​

Principal's welcome

​​​Cairns State High School extends a warm welcome to our international students. Our school has a long and proud tradition of educating international students. We share a strong commitment to broadening the diversity of the student population and establishing long term relationships into the future.

We welcome and embrace the opportunity to broaden our global connections in hosting students from a diverse range of countries. I believe our school reflects and celebrates the diverse backgrounds of its community in a safe and secure environment.

Our dedicated and experienced International Student Team is committed to delivering a high quality program and memorable experience. I am confident our innovative programs and extra-curricular activities will enhance your experience as a Cairns State High School student.

School overview

Number of students

Year school established

School website

Cairns State High School is located in the heart of Cairns—the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Our reputation for academic excellence complements our outstanding achievements in music, performing arts, visual arts and sport.

The programs we offer allow you to follow a broad range of academic and vocational pathways. We encourage you to be inquiring and knowledgeable, and show a commitment to reach your potential as a global citizen.

We value and promote wellbeing and safety for all students and we are committed to diversity and international relationships. We are proud of our longstanding tradition of educating international students.

We appreciate the strong connections forged with our long-term homestay families and offer quality experiences.

EQI programs offered

HS
High School
HSA
High School Study Abroad

Special programs

  • Centres of Excellence—chorale music, orchestral music, dance, technical theatre, drama, visual arts, soccer, hockey, basketball, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
  • Aerospace systems
  • Aquatic practices
  • Multimedia studies
  • Recreational and tourism studies
  • Photography
  • Euroka—media arts in practice
  • Extensive range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications

Extracurricular activities

  • Centre of artistic design fashion parade
  • Dance and drama evenings
  • Swimming and athletics carnivals
  • Instrumental music and school musicals
  • Charity events
  • Scuba diving courses (PADI certification)
  • Work experience programs
  • New Zealand ski trip
  • Italy study tour
  • Japan tour
  • Daintree rainforest classroom
  • Sports—swimming, cross-country, athletics, basketball, netball, football, cricket, softball and​ hockey

School facilities

  • Performing arts centre
  • Swimming pool
  • Recording studio
  • Community hall
  • Sports complex
  • Science and technology centre
  • Modern, refurbished library
  • Science laboratories
  • Auditorium

Tertiary pathways

​​​Links to all Australian universities:

  • The University of Queensland (UQ)
  • Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
  • Griffith University (GU)
  • James Cook University (JCU)
  • Central Queensland University (CQU)​

Languages

  • Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Distance School of Education (Spanish, French and German)

Homestay and accommodation

By living with an Australian host family international students become part of the local community and have a fantastic opportunity to practise their English in a safe and caring home environment.

Students have their own bedroom with study facilities, three meals a day, and access to transport to and from school, and to school activities.

Read more about homestay and accommodation options.

Holiday adventure programs

Holiday adventure programs are an exciting and safe way for students to travel and sightsee during school holidays.

All holiday adventures are fully guided and escorted by qualified teachers and staff to ensure student safety.

Find out more about our holiday adventure programs.

Contact details

Disclaimer

The information and data in this webpage is subject to change without notice. Before submitting your application, if you are interested in:

  • a particular subject, sport, program or extracurricular activity offered by an EQI school; or
  • particular school facilities;

please contact EQI or the school directly to confirm it will be offered and/or available in the year you intend to study.

Last updated 29 May 2023