Queensland Government schools provide high quality learning and excellent pathways to take students through each stage of their education journey, from Prep and primary school, to preparation for tertiary study.
A positive learning environment, academic rigor, balanced lifestyle and highly regarded welfare support programs provide students with a foundation to succeed in their chosen path of study or career.
The Queensland school system
In Queensland, students aged five can enrol in a preparatory year prior to starting primary school. They then study for seven years at primary school, followed by six years of high school to graduate at the end of Year 12.
Queensland school system pathways diagram
Students from Preparatory (Prep) to year 6 can join our Primary school program.
Students from year 7 can join our intensive English ‘High School Preparation’ program to prepare for high school studies.
Both these programs feed into our ‘High School program.
Junior High school is for years 7 to 10.
Senior High school is for years 11 to 12. Students can also choose to study at the Queensland academies from years 10 to 12, or the International baccalaureate program from years 11 to 12.
On completion of High school, students can choose to study further at University, TAFE, or vocational education and training (VET) or to go straight into employment.
Most students will receive a
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) when they graduate.
Students entering Year 11 in 2019 and beyond will be eligible for an
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) which is awarded on completion of Year 12.
Students may then transition to higher level study at a university, TAFE institute or vocational education provider.
Study and career guidance
Each EQI high school has a specialised international student support team that includes a Guidance Officer to provide counselling and advice on academic pathways, subject choices and career and higher education study options. The following pathways are available to EQI students in the Queensland education system:
Primary to high school pathway
The
EQI Primary School Program enables international students to study in Queensland Government schools from Prep to Year 6. Students study the Queensland primary school curriculum and become familiar with the school routine, in addition to learning English with a specialist Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) teacher.
High School Preparation (HSP) pathway
If students do not meet a minimum level of English language proficiency they can undertake two terms of
High School Preparation (HSP) at a Queensland Government school prior to entering mainstream high school study.
The EQI HSP introduces international students to the Queensland school system and gives them the skills and confidence to settle into an everyday school routine. Entry into mainstream high school at the end of two terms of HSP is subject to the student achieving satisfactory progress throughout the HSP program.
High school to university pathway
Queensland Government schools deliver high quality teaching and academically rigorous programs to prepare students for the rigours of university study. Strong partnerships with Queensland’s top universities mean that international students can choose from a wide range of university pathways and experience programs, and can even earn university course credit while still at high school.
High school to TAFE pathway
Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes offer a range of short courses, certificates, diplomas and associate and bachelor degree programs that combine theoretical and practical job-focused training. Australian TAFE study provides graduates with job-ready skills and internationally recognised qualifications.
High school to VET pathway
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to work in specific industries. VET qualifications can also count as credit towards a Queensland Certificate of Education and to support students to transition into other higher education pathways.