Queensland Government International student programs Image courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland Welcome to Queensland Academic excellence, competitive living costs and a safe and healthy lifestyle make Queensland the best choice for international study. As part of the Queensland Department of Education and Training (DET), Education Queensland International (EQI) has extensive and proven experience in developing international student programs in Queensland Government schools. Our dedicated and culturally diverse team of professionals specialise in managing the needs of international students. EQI school provides ongoing support to ensure students can focus on learning and enjoy Queensland’s unrivalled lifestyle and experiences. We look forward to welcoming you to Queensland. Queensland Contents Why study in a Queensland Government school .............. 5 Queensland Academies ............................................... 117 Studying in Queensland ..................................................6 Study tours ..................................................................119 The Queensland education system ................................. 7 EQI Holiday Adventure Programs ................................ 120 School term calendar ...................................................... 7 Guide to year level equivalents by country ..................121 Your study options ..........................................................8 Glossary of abbreviations ............................................121 EQI Scholarships .............................................................9 School subjects & sports guide .................................. 122 Higher education pathways .......................................... 10 EQI homestay ................................................................11 Brisbane .....................................................................13 Cairns and Townsville ................................................49 Central Coast and Mackay ......................................... 63 Fraser Coast................................................................71 Gold Coast ................................................................. 79 Sunshine Coast ......................................................... 97 Toowoomba .............................................................. 111 Why study in a Queensland Government school Queensland’s world-class education system, Pathways to tertiary study in beautiful environment and relaxed lifestyle attract Queensland and beyond more than 85,000 international students from 160 countries each year. As an international student Post-secondary education and training give young studying in Queensland you’ll enjoy numerous people the skills they need to drive innovation, benefits and opportunities. engage in industry and contribute to building stronger economies. As a Queensland high school Develop knowledge and skills for the future student you have the advantage of fast-tracked, experiential and even direct-entry pathways to EQI study programs enable you to fulfil your Australian universities, TAFEs and vocational academic and personal potential. With a diverse education institutions to take you to the next step in range of academic and sports subjects to choose achieving your dream career. from, you can gain a deeper understanding of our world, and the knowledge and skills you need to Dedicated student support succeed in the most desirable jobs of the future. EQI recognises that happy, confident, resilient A choice of locations and responsible students are more engaged in their learning, are positive class members and In Queensland, you can choose to study in a city, more active in their school and community. Every rural town or coastal setting. Many schools offer EQI school provides first-class care and a team of niche subjects based on their location, regional education professionals that ensure international industries and research strengths. Schools often students can focus on studying and enjoying life. have partnerships with local universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutions. All EQI students have access to 24-hour emergency Queensland is also very accessible, with four assistance and multilingual support. international, 17 domestic and 48 regional airports. The Queensland lifestyle Modern learning spaces and facilities Queensland enjoys a wonderful subtropical climate Queensland Government schools benefit from and is known for its active outdoor lifestyle. innovative eLearning technology; computer, science International visitors are attracted by Queensland’s and multimedia laboratories; and contemporary natural environment — from its modern, green cities creative arts and sports facilities that support 21st to the iconic ‘outback’, beaches, reef and rainforests. century academic and vocational learning. In 2016, Australia’s quality of life was rated 6th on the world scale, exceeding that of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and most European countries*. * NUMBEO Quality of Life Index by Country 2016 EQI – Queensland Government schools handbook | 5 Studying in Queensland Each state in Australia has its own education system, but the English as an Additional Language/Dialect support Australian Government takes a strong interest in maintaining International students receive English as an Additional Language/ the quality of Australian education for both Australian Dialect (EAL/D) support to develop their English written, listening, students and students from overseas. The education system speaking and reading skills and to enable them to fully participate has four stages with easy transition from one stage to the in mainstream classroom activities. EAL/D support is delivered next. Every child must attend school from the age of five years by qualified and experienced EAL/D teachers so international to 16 years. students can achieve their full academic potential during their EQI study experience. The school year Details of schools with EAL/D support can be found in the The school year is divided into four terms and runs from late Authority Subject guide on page 124. January until December. There is a short holiday between terms and a long summer holiday in December and January. Quality assurance All Queensland Government schools marketed by EQI are The school day accredited to provide quality assured programs for international Students attend school from Monday to Friday each week. School students. This accreditation is measured by: hours vary slightly across Australia, but are generally from 9.00 › teaching practices and school management am to 3:00 pm each school day. › accommodation, health and safety In Queensland, high school students move between classrooms for different lessons and usually go outside at break times. There are › student counselling and guidance also lunchtime activities and clubs students can choose to attend. › the school facilities. Sports and extracurricular activities Student visas Queensland Government schools provide opportunities for The Australian Government is responsible for all visas issued to students to engage in activities which support and enhance international students in Australia. Information about student the curriculum and encourage participation, enjoyment and visas can be found on the Australian Department of Immigration skill development. Many schools have specialist health and and Border Protection website at border.gov.au/trav/stud physical education teachers to deliver their sports programs. Others use classroom teachers or people from the community Overseas Student Health Cover to support active participation. It is compulsory for international students to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their Student support studies in Australia. International students must provide proof of OSHC to EQI in order to receive their Confirmation of A range of support services are available to international students to Enrolment. For more information about OSHC visit eqi.com.au/ assist them with adjusting to their new school, accommodation and studentservices surrounds: Program entry requirements › Every EQI school has an international student coordinator who is the nominated contact point for all international student Students must meet the entry requirements to enrol in a course or program, and must provide current and accurate information that enquiries. There is also a nominated emergency contact person supports their application, including: who is available 24/7. › the minimum level of English language proficiency › School staff can provide assistance and advice with many types of education matters including extra-curricular activities, › evidence of academic qualifications or work experience. health and personal concerns. Entry requirements for each EQI program can be found at › The school’s homestay coordinator is responsible for eqi.com.au/for-students/policies-procedures/entry-requirements organising homestay and ensures students have an enjoyable How to apply homestay experience. If you wish to study at a Queensland Government school you may › The guidance officer is a trained counsellor who can assist apply directly to EQI or seek the assistance of an education agent. students with personal issues and provide academic advice on school studies and tertiary pathways. EQI works with accredited agents who have the appropriate knowledge and understanding of the Australian international › Officers in the International Student Programs