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Merrimac State High School

Three reasons to choose us

  1. ​​​​Merrimac has strong Academic results.
  2. Merrimac offers an extensive range of educational pathways and activities, supported by safe, high quality homestays
  3. Merrimac is a multi-cultural school that values the differences and contributions that all of our students offer to create a wonderfully inclusive environment​

Principal's welcome

​​​​I am proud of the excellent program we offer international students.

Merrimac State High School has achieved prestigious world-wide accreditation, from the Council of International Schools for our school international focus. We have a student population that welcomes international visitors. The staff have engaged the local community to offer high quality and safe local home stays, to compliment your son/daughter engaging in our high achieving academic programs.

The diverse mix of international students cared for in a school with strong emphasis on Respect, Responsibility and Reliability.

Situated close to shops, beaches, universities and quality public transport, Merrimac SHS offers an outstanding international experience.

I extend a warm welcome.

School overview

Number of students

Year school established

School website

As an internationally recognised school with an outstanding reputation, Merrimac State High School delivers world-class education built upon the core principles of respect, responsibility and reliability.

With multiculturalism at the forefront of our ethos, we warmly welcome international students to whom we are proud to offer an enriching local homestay courtesy of our strong engagement with the school community.

Our school motto, ‘Pride in Excellence’, emphasises our unwavering pursuit toward greatness. We believe this is best achieved when students, parents, teachers and community work together as a family to deliver the best possible educational outcomes.

Through our selective entry programs, students are challenged in areas that extend beyond the classroom. This is based on the understanding that fostering student interests and offering opportunities for extension allow students to reach their highest potential.​

Owing to our solid relationships with Griffith, Bond and Southern Cross Universities, as well as The University of Queensland, students are provided with flexible pathways to tertiary education, while our industry partners offer a diverse range of traineeships and school-based apprenticeships.

Located in the heart of the Gold Coast and readily accessible via public transport, Merrimac State High School boasts world-class facilities, a highly experienced teaching staff and a supportive school community; an environment where students thrive.

EQI programs offered

HS
High School
HSA
High School Study Abroad

Special programs

  • Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Academy (Years 7–9)
  • Academic Excellence (Years 7–9)
  • Sporting Excellence (Years 7–9)
  • Dance Excellence (Years 7–9)
  • Music extension (Years 7–9)
  • Direct pathways for university entry (Years 11–12)
  • Leadership development programs
  • Extension programs for high-performing students
  • International program
  • Instrumental music, stage band and jazz band (Years 7–12)
  • Personal support for English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) learners (Years 7–12)

Extracurricular activities

  • Academic competitions
  • School camps
  • Debating
  • Ski trip
  • Surf camp
  • Cultural immersion trips to China, Spain and Japan
  • Marine studies to Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef
  • School trips to Cairns and Moreton Bay Island

School facilities

  • Cutting-edge robotics laboratory (world championship winner)
  • Confucius classroom
  • Enhanced science laboratories
  • Infrastructure to support bring-your-own (BYO) laptops
  • Dance studios and drama theatre
  • Engineering workshops
  • Boating facilities on campus
  • Swimming pool
  • Extensive sporting facilities including an oval, gymnasium, and tennis, netball and basketball courts

Tertiary pathways

  • Entry programs to Griffith, Bond and Southern Cross Universities and the University of Queensland (UQ)
  • Individual career pathways counselling available with a guidance officer (Years 10–12)
  • Tertiary institution student recruitment presentations to Year 12 cohort
  • Year 12 extension tertiary programs
  • Student for a Semester (tertiary subjects studied while in Year 11 or 12)
  • Tertiary student experience days
  • Direct entry applications to TAFE and local universities
  • Individual scholarship application support
  • Support with online applications for Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)​​

Languages

  • ​Chinese (face-to-face)
  • Spanish (face-to-face)
  • Japanese (face-to-face)​

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