VIC Public School

VIC Public School is an exceptional institution offering quality education to international students. It provides a diverse and inclusive learning environment with experienced teachers and modern facilities. The school focuses on academic excellence, fostering creativity, and developing critical thinking skills. Students benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities, promoting personal growth and cultural exchange. With a strong sense of community, VIC Public School nurtures global citizens and prepares them for success in the ever-changing world.

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1. Key Reasons to Choose VIC Public Schools

Explore the table for VIC government schools' key strengths, offering a comprehensive overview of their notable advantages and distinctive features.

Features	Description
Quality education – leaders in learning	Victorian government schools enjoy an unrivalled academic reputation. More international school students advance to higher education. Most of those students remain in Victoria for further study. No wonder 270,000 students from all over the world choose Victoria every year.
VCE – an international qualification	The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is a global learning passport that lays the foundation for students to move on to further study. It is highly respected by world education bodies and offers direct access to many renowned international universities.
Excellent English language programs	Victorian language centres are among Australia’s most advanced. With access to new technology and expert teachers, students receive the individual care and practical support needed to grow confident in their use of English.
Multicultural, safe and friendly community	Melbourne is one of Australia’s most multicultural cities, with a long history of embracing people from every race and nation. All schools value and respect individual and cultural diversity. Students stay connected with home through cultural activities both inside and outside school.
Caring individual welfare support	The happiness and security of international students living and studying in Victoria is of great importance. Student care, from arrival to the very last day, is of highest priority for the large network of teachers, friends and families providing support specifically for international students in Victorian government schools. Parents are regularly involved and informed through face-to-face meetings, phone contact and translated student reports.
Wide choice of schools	Students choosing to study in Victoria enjoy a vast choice of over 300 conveniently located schools. A broad range of special programs and outstanding educational opportunities are offered, along with the assurance each school has met strict accreditation standards.
Supportive and safe homestay families	Homestay families offer the safety and support of a real family. Homestay families are carefully selected and rigorously monitored by schools to ensure that students are provided with the best care and support in friendly, safe and secure environments.
Government owned – secure and trusted	In an increasingly complex world, it is reassuring to find an education provider to trust. Victorian government schools have an established reputation for student welfare, support and achievement. With thousands of graduates every year, that leadership will never be in doubt
World-renowned universities	A Victorian education opens windows of opportunity to further learning. Melbourne is home to universities and colleges recognised around the globe as centres for education excellence. International students are positively encouraged in building pathways to degree study.
Outstanding place to live	Melbourne, Victoria is one of Australia’s best student cities, placing top five in the QS Best Student Cities ranking for 2023. Consistently outranking other world cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index, Melbourne boasts superior education and healthcare, culture, infrastructure and services. So students enjoy an outstanding quality of life.

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2. Entry Requirements for VIC Public Schools

Discover the essential entry requirements for VIC Public Schools in this informative table. Gain valuable insights into the necessary criteria and documentation needed for enrollment, ensuring a smooth transition into the VIC public education system.

	English	Admission Requirements
​Prep to Year 6	There are no English Language Proficiency requirements for students attending Prep to Year 6 at a Victorian government school.	-
​Secondary school	a student must provide documented evidence that the student has: been taught at a school for at least 2 years where English is the primary language of instruction; or achieved: a general IELTS test score of at least 5.5 for Year 7- 10 entry; or a general IELTS test score of at least 6.0 for Year 11 entry; If the above requirements cannot be met, then before commencing in a Victorian government school, the student must: undertake additional English language studies in a Victorian government school as part of their course, if available; or successfully complete an English language course in Victoria at a private provider.	​Students must have achieved at least 60% on average in each core academic subject over the past two years.

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3. School Term Dates for VIC Public Schools

Here are the essential terms for VIC public schools. You can use this information to plan your study abroad journey in Australia.

Term	Application Deadline Month	Commences
​Term 1	November	Late January
​Term 2	January	Late April
​Term 3	April	Mid July
​Term 4	July	Early October

** Students enrolling in Year 11 and who wish to undertake a Government English language program prior to commencement must start in Term 3 of the previous year, at the latest.

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4. Academic Pathways in VIC Public Schools

The diagram illustrates the VIC public school system and academic pathway, highlighting the progression from school to university.

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The intensive English language program at the English Language Centre (ELC) allows you to rapidly improve your English skills. To join your new mainstream school, you will need to either meet our English language requirements or complete a 20-week intensive English language program.

The intensive English language program at ELC	Description
​Locations	Approximately 30 schools offer in-school English language programs, and there are 6 English language schools nearby.
Age	​12 - 18 years old
Duration	​20 or 21 weeks (two terms)
Advantages	​An immersive program focused on rapid improvement of English language skills within a short timeframe. Emphasizes speaking, listening, reading, and writing to prepare for mainstream classes. Classes in the intensive program are small, accommodating two to 15 students. Additionally, multicultural aides are available to provide support both in the classroom and on an individual basis. The ELC employs a variety of interactive and digital teaching methods to make the English learning experience engaging and effective. Upon completion of the intensive English language program, students will continue studying English as an Additional Language as part of their mainstream classes.

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5. Academic Pathway to Further Study: The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is a senior high school certificate which provides international students with a global perspective, a world recognised education and pathways to university in Australia and across the globe. The VCE offers a wide range of subjects which help students to create their own learning pathway to further education.

Features	Description
​Benefits of the VCE	​The VCE offers international students with flexible study options and a number of key benefits including: Pathways to Melbourne’s top-ranking universities and tertiary institutions across Australia and worldwide An individually tailored education English language tuition and support specifically for international students A wide range of over 90 subject choices Prior learning recognition.
A wide range of subjects	A diverse and flexible curriculum - one distinct advantage of a Victorian education is the varied and dynamic subject choices. VCE students can choose from over 90 subjects, in nine key learning areas, including Languages (other than english) which offers the flexibility to achieve further study or workforce goals. Learning areas include: English Languages (other than english) Mathematics Science Business Studies Humanities The Arts Technology Health and Physical Education
​Prerequisites	To enrol into the VCE, international students must have completed Year 10 or equivalent and achieved at least 60% on average in each core academic subject over the past two years. Additionally, students will need to meet minimum English language requirements or complete 20 weeks of intensive English language.
​Studying towards your VCE	​Each VCE subject is also made up of two units. For example, Mathematical Methods 1–2 is made up of Unit 1 and Unit 2. Students need to complete a total of 16 of these units (8 subjects) in order to satisfactorily complete their VCE. Additionally, to be awarded the VCE, students must also satisfactorily complete English or English as an Additional Language (EAL) as a compulsory subject. International students can choose all other subjects depending on their planned tertiary study pathway, academic strengths and individual interests.

EXAMPLE	YEAR 11	YEAR 12	PATHWAY TO UNIVERSITY
Example 1	​English / EAL 1–2 Mathematical Methods 1–2 Information Technology or Legal Studies 1–2 Accounting or Economics 1–2 Business Management or Visual Communication Design 1–2	​English / EAL 3–4 Mathematical Methods 3–4 Information Technology or Legal Studies 3–4 Accounting or Economics 3–4 Business Management or Visual Communication Design 3–4	​Accounting Architecture Arts Banking and Finance Business Commerce Global Studies Legal Practice Marketing
Example 2	​English / EAL 1–2 Mathematical Methods 1–2 General or Specialist Mathematics 1–2 Chemistry 1–2 Biology or Psychology 1–2	​English / EAL 3–4 Mathematical Methods 3–4 Further or Specialist Mathematics 3–4 Chemistry 3–4 Biology or Psychology 3–4	Nursing/Midwifery Medicine and Surgery Physiotherapy Podiatry Psychology
Example 3	English / EAL 1–2 Mathematical Methods 1–2 Physics 1–2 Chemistry 1–2 Specialist Mathematics or Geography 1–2	​English / EAL 3–4 Mathematical Methods 3–4 Physics 3–4 Chemistry 3–4 Specialist Mathematics or Geography 3–4	Agricultural Science Chemistry Engineering Environmental Science

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6. VIC Public School Curriculum by Grade Levels

Explore the VIC Public School curriculum, tailored to different grade levels, to understand the comprehensive education provided. This table showcases the curriculum highlights for each grade, fostering a well-rounded learning experience for students.

​Primary School
Age range	​5 - 12 years old
School year(s)	Prep and Year 1 to 6
Intakes	​​At the beginning of any school term (January, April, July, October)
Curriculum	​Victorian government primary schools offer: high-quality learning in a caring environment, a warm welcome to international students a mix of academic programs with extra-curricular activities such as sports, dance and theatre.

Secondary School
​Age range	12 - 18 years old
​School year(s)	​Year 7 - Year 12
Intakes	​At the beginning of any school term (January, April, July, October) ​ ** Students enrolling in Year 11 and who wish to undertake a Government English language program prior to commencement must start in Term 3 of the previous year, at the latest.
Curriculum	​You can choose any combination of subjects from any learning area, combined with either one or two compulsory subjects. English and Maths for Year 9 and 10 students and English for Year 11 and 12 students. The rest of your study plan is your choice. There are over 90 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) subject areas across nine key learning areas: English Languages other than English Science Mathematics Technology The Arts Humanities Business Studies Health and Physical Education.

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7. School Life at VIC Public Schools

This table provides an overview of the structure and activities of a typical school day in Victorian schools, including attendance, class arrangements, breaks, homework, and student assessment.

Features	Description
School Days and Schedule	Victorian school days typically run from Monday to Friday, starting at around 8:30 am and ending at 3:30 pm.
Primary School Structure	In primary schools, students are assigned to a dedicated class group with a specific teacher.
Secondary School Structure	Secondary students in Victorian schools have a more flexible arrangement. They move between classes and purpose-built facilities, which may even include outdoor spaces for interactive teaching.
Breaks and Activities	Throughout the school day, students might spend time with friends, visit the library or join a lunchtime team sport activity.
Homework and Assessment	​Students are issued with homework according to their level of study. Homework completion is expected and forms part of the regular student assessment for parent reporting.

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​A day in primary school
​8:50am	​Class begins
​8:50am to 11:00am	Classroom activities
11:00am to 11:30am	Recess (snack time) - under teacher's supervision
11:30am to 1:30pm	Classroom activities
1:30pm to 1:45pm	Lunch in class - under teacher's supervision
1:45pm to 2:30pm	Play time
2:30pm to 3:20pm	Classroom activities
3:20pm	Study support / Home time

​A day in secondary school
8:30am	Class begins
8:30am to 9:25am	Teaching period 1
9:25am to 10:15am	Teaching period 2
10:15am to 10:45am	Recess
10:45am to 11:35am	Teaching period 3
11:35am to 12:20pm	Teaching period 4
12:20pm to 1:20pm	Lunch time
1:20pm to 2:10pm	Teaching period 5
2:10pm to 3:00pm	Teaching period 6
3:00pm	Study support / Home time

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8. International Student Fees for VIC Public Schools (2024)

Explore the comprehensive table summarizing the annual fees and additional costs for international students studying at VIC Public Schools in 2024.