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Cairns State High School

Three reasons to choose us

  1. ​Quality education with a wide range of academic and practical subjects.
  2. Supportive, multicultural school community for international students that is central to the city.
  3. Opportunity to join specialised Centre of Excellence programs in music, arts and sport that support connections to the local community.​

Principal's welcome

At Cairns State High School, we are proud to extend a warm and genuine welcome to our international students. Our school has a rich history of hosting students from around the world, and we remain deeply committed to celebrating cultural diversity and fostering lifelong global connections.

We value the unique perspectives and experiences that international students bring to our school community. Cairns SHS offers a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive academically, socially​ and personally.

Our International Student Program team is here to ensure your journey is both successful and memorable. From innovative classroom programs to exciting extra-curricular opportunities, we're confident that your time at Cairns State High will be a rewarding and enriching chapter in your life.

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 16 September 2025