High school comes with some big decisions. We have information to help you make the best choices for you.
High school options
Going to high school looks different for everyone. Each state and territory has a different school system. You can even start things like an apprenticeship while still at school!
For information about high school, it’s best to check with your state or territory education department.
In the meantime, here are some different ways you can complete high school:
In Australia, the last few years of high school are called senior secondary education. When you finish you get a senior certificate.
These look different in each state and territory. Find out more on your state or territory education department website.
From grades 9 to 12 you can do vocational education and training (VET) while still in school.
Doing a VET course while still at school means you can gain industry-specific skills.
You can find more information on your state or territory education department website.
You can complete an Australian School-based Apprenticeship while still in high school.
It takes one to 4 years to finish, but don’t worry – you can also finish it after you graduate school.
To find out more and get started, visit the Australian Apprenticeships website.The International Baccalaureate (IB) is offered in some schools instead of the usual senior certificate. When you do the IB, you learn different things and get a different qualification.
The IB qualification is recognised in Australia and internationally. It makes it easier to go to university overseas.
Learn more about it on the IB websiteDifferent states have different rules about when you can leave school to either work full- time, complete a year 12 equivalent or other types of full-time education and training.
Find out what the rules are in your state:
Resources for high school students
There are a lot of great resources to support you at high school.
You could be eligible for financial help if you are:
- 16 to 24 and doing a full time Australian Apprenticeship
- 16 to 17 and independent or need to live away from home to study.
The Student Wellbeing Hub has lots of free resources to help you improve your wellbeing.
It can help you with things like:
- keeping your mind and body healthy
- taking action against bullying
- developing respectful relationships.
ABSTUDY
ABSTUDY helps First Nations high school students with the costs of studying and training. It can help pay for school fees, living costs, and travel costs.
It even continues to help if you choose to keep studying or start an apprenticeship.
Find out more about ABSTUDY at the Services Australia websiteBoarding school
The Boarding Schools Expo Australia website can help you find and choose a boarding school. It also has a scholarship database!
Commonwealth Regional Scholarship Program
If you’re at boarding school, you might be able to get a Commonwealth Regional Scholarship to help with boarding costs.
To find out if you’re eligible, head to the Department of Education website.
Finishing school
You’ve made it! Now what? There are services that can help with financial support, finding a job and study opportunities.
Find out more on the Your Career website.
There is also lots of information to assist on the Services Australia website.
Regional Education Commissioner
Australia has a Regional Education Commissioner who makes sure all students can get a high-quality education.
You can read more about the Regional Education Commissioner on the Department of Education website.
Regional Education CommissionerYour rights
There are resources to help you and your caregivers understand your rights.
Learn about your rights on the Department of Education website.
Department of EducationIf you are struggling with your mental health, it’s important to know that you are not alone. For more information and resources, see our mental health page.
Mental healthThe ATAR
The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is a rank from 0.00 to 99.95 that compares your final exam results with other students.
Most universities and TAFEs will consider your ATAR when you apply for a course. You can find out more about the ATAR on the Study Assist website.
Maybe you didn’t get an ATAR or it was not the ATAR you wanted. That’s ok. If you would like to go to university here are some other ways you can get in:
Most universities have ways to study that don’t need an ATAR. Some even consider work experience!
Maybe you've heard of ‘bridging courses’ and ‘certificates’. These are courses unis can offer to get you ready for a degree. They’re also called sub-bachelor courses, enabling courses or Uni Ready courses.
If you want to know more, reach out to universities to ask about your options.
If you experience challenges while you’re in high school, you could be eligible for an educational access scheme.
This means that when you apply for university, they will consider your circumstances.
Significant challenges could include:
- severe family disruption or responsibilities
- financial challenges
- coming from a rural, regional or remote school.
Go to your state or territory’s tertiary admissions centre website for more information.
