Age-Wise Education System in Australia (2025 Guide for Parents & Students)

Australia’s education system is comprehensive and highly regarded, encompassing early childhood, primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, with oversight primarily at the state and territory level but guided by a national curriculum. Early childhood education, while non-compulsory, supports foundational development through childcare and preschool programs. Primary education begins with the compulsory preparatory year around age 5 or 6, followed by a curriculum-based approach through Year 6.

Secondary schooling, divided into junior (Years 7–10) and senior (Years 11–12), culminates in a state-specific certificate and may include vocational training options. Tertiary education offers both academic pathways through universities and practical skills development via TAFE and private training organizations. The system is supported by substantial government funding and a relatively low student-teacher ratio, though it continues to face challenges such as equity in access, student engagement, and teacher shortages.

Australia’s Education System: Structure, Levels and Key Insights

Australia boasts a comprehensive and well-regarded education system, structured to support learning from early childhood through to tertiary studies. This system is largely managed at the state and territory level, though a national curriculum provides a consistent framework across the country.

1. Early Childhood Education (Ages 0–5)

Early Childhood Education in Australia is primarily non-compulsory, focusing on play-based learning and fostering foundational development.

Childcare / Daycare (0–5 years): These services cater to infants and young children, offering a structured environment for social and cognitive development. While not a formal part of the compulsory education system, they play a crucial role in preparing children for later schooling.

Preschool / Kindergarten (4–5 years): Typically, this is a one-year program leading into primary school, though the name can vary by state (e.g., “Kindergarten” in some areas might refer to the preparatory year of primary school). In 2024, there were 341,568 children aged 4 or 5 enrolled in a preschool program, representing a 1.3% increase from 2023. This indicates that approximately 90% of all 4-year-olds and 22% of all 5-year-olds were enrolled in preschool programs. A significant portion, 96% of enrolled children, attended for 15 hours or more per week. Fees vary, with 78% of children paying $4 or less per hour after subsidies in 2024.

2. Primary School (Ages 5–12)

Primary education marks the beginning of compulsory schooling in Australia.

Preparatory/Foundation Year (Age 5–6): Also known as “Kindergarten” in some states (e.g., NSW), this is the first year of formal and compulsory schooling. The compulsory school age varies slightly by state/territory, generally starting at 6 years old, except in Tasmania where it’s 5 years old.

Years 1–6 (Ages 6–12): The primary curriculum covers core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health and Physical Education, Languages, Technologies, and the Arts. The Australian Curriculum (Version 9.0, implemented from 2023) guides what students learn, ensuring national consistency while allowing flexibility for states and territories in implementation. In 2024, a total of 4,132,006 students were enrolled in 9,653 schools across Australia (this figure includes both primary and secondary).

3. Secondary School (Ages 12–18)

Secondary education in Australia is divided into junior and senior phases.

Junior Secondary: Years 7–10 (Ages 12–16): Students undertake core subjects with an introduction to elective choices. The focus remains on a general curriculum with ongoing assessment.

Senior Secondary: Years 11–12 (Ages 16–18): These years are crucial for preparing students for tertiary education or direct employment. Successful completion leads to a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, with specific names varying by state/territory:

• ACT: ACT Senior Secondary Certificate and Record of Achievement (ACT SSC)
• NSW: Higher School Certificate (HSC)
• NT: Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET)
• QLD: Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
• SA: South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
• TAS: Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)
• VIC: Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
• WA: Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)

The full-time apparent retention rate from Year 7/8 to Year 12 in Australian schools was 79.9% in 2024. Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects are increasingly offered within schools, allowing students to gain practical, work-based skills alongside their academic studies.

4. Tertiary Education (Ages 18+)

Australia’s tertiary education sector offers diverse pathways for further learning and career development.

University: Universities offer a range of qualifications, primarily focusing on academic and research-oriented degrees.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Typically 3-4 years in duration, providing foundational knowledge in a chosen field.
• Postgraduate Study: Includes Master’s degrees (research, coursework, or extended, usually 1-2 years) and Doctoral degrees (PhD), which involve extensive research.

In 2022, 1.6 million students were enrolled in higher education, with 57.2% being female. The most common fields of study for non-school qualifications in Australia include Business and Management (1.14 million people), Teacher Education (836,410), and Nursing (608,276).

TAFE (Technical and Further Education): TAFE institutes are government-funded and provide vocational education and training (VET). They offer practical, industry-focused qualifications:

• Certificates (I to IV): Provide foundational and specialized skills for entry-level roles or further study.
• Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas: Offer more in-depth knowledge and skills for a broader range of occupations or pathways to university with credit.

In 2022, approximately 2.6 million students were enrolled in VET, with 48.2% being female.

Private Colleges and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs): These private providers also deliver VET qualifications and, in some cases, higher education degrees. There are over 4,000 RTOs in Australia, with private training providers making up the largest category (2,719 RTOs).

Funding and System Overview

The Australian education system receives funding from both federal and state/territory governments, as well as private sources (parent fees, donations). In the 2022–23 financial year, total recurrent government funding for schooling was $85.92 billion, with 68.5% from state and territory budgets and 31.5% from the Australian Government. Government schools received 75.4% of this funding. The “schooling resource standard” (SRS) determines the baseline funding per student, with additional loadings for students with special needs, from low socioeconomic backgrounds, or in remote areas.

The average student to teaching staff ratio for all schools in 2024 was 12.9 students to one teacher. While Australia’s education system is strong, ongoing discussions and reforms aim to address challenges such as social segregation within schools, student engagement in mathematics, and teacher shortages. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a significant impact, with many students reporting their learning was hampered.

Education by Age Summary Table

FAQs on Age-wise Education System in Australia

What are the main stages of education in Australia?
Australia’s education system includes Early Childhood Education (0–5 years), Primary School (5–12 years), Secondary School (12–18 years), and Tertiary Education (18+ years).

Is preschool compulsory in Australia?
No, preschool is not compulsory, but it plays a crucial role in early development and school readiness for children aged 4–5.

What age do children start school in Australia?
Most children start formal school in the preparatory or foundation year at age 5 or 6, depending on the state or territory.

What curriculum is used in Australian schools?
Australian schools follow the Australian Curriculum (Version 9.0), which ensures national consistency while allowing state-specific implementation.

What subjects are taught in primary schools in Australia?
Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health and PE, Languages, Technologies, and The Arts.

What is the difference between junior and senior secondary school?
Junior secondary (Years 7–10) focuses on general education, while senior secondary (Years 11–12) prepares students for university, employment, or vocational training.

What certificates are awarded at the end of secondary school in Australia?
Students receive a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, with names varying by state (e.g., HSC in NSW, VCE in VIC).

What is the Year 12 retention rate in Australia?
In 2024, the full-time apparent retention rate from Year 7/8 to Year 12 was 79.9%.

What is TAFE in Australia?
TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions offer vocational education and training (VET) with practical, industry-focused qualifications.

What tertiary education options are available in Australia?
Students can pursue university degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhDs), TAFE qualifications (Certificates to Diplomas), or study with private training providers.

Are universities and VET providers government-funded?
Yes, many universities and TAFE institutes are government-funded, though private providers also exist and operate under national regulations.

How many students are enrolled in higher education in Australia?
As of 2022, about 1.6 million students were enrolled in higher education institutions, with 57.2% being female.

How many students are in vocational education in Australia?
Around 2.6 million students were enrolled in vocational education and training (VET) in 2022.

How is the Australian education system funded?
Funding comes from federal and state/territory governments and private sources, with total recurrent school funding reaching $85.92 billion in 2022–23.

What is the schooling resource standard (SRS)?
The SRS determines baseline per-student funding, with extra support for students with special needs, from disadvantaged backgrounds, or in remote areas.

What is the average student-to-teacher ratio in Australia?
In 2024, the average ratio was 12.9 students per teacher across all schools.

What challenges does the Australian education system face?
Key issues include social segregation, student disengagement in subjects like math, teacher shortages, and learning disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Are there differences in education between Australian states?
Yes, while the national curriculum provides a framework, each state/territory administers its own school systems and certificate names.

Is early childhood education subsidized in Australia?
Yes, subsidies help reduce fees for childcare and preschool. In 2024, 78% of children paid $4 or less per hour after subsidies.

What are the most popular fields of study in Australia’s tertiary sector?
Business and Management, Teacher Education, and Nursing are the top fields for non-school qualifications in Australia.

How many schools are there in Australia?
As of 2024, there were 9,653 schools across Australia, including both primary and secondary institutions.

What is the role of private training organizations in Australia?
Private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) deliver both vocational and some higher education courses, with over 4,000 RTOs nationally.

What types of VET qualifications are available?
VET includes Certificates I–IV, Diplomas, and Advanced Diplomas, offering practical skills for the workforce or pathways to further study.

Can students combine VET with secondary school?
Yes, many schools offer VET subjects in senior secondary years, allowing students to gain job-ready skills while completing their school certificate.

How many hours do preschool children typically attend?
In 2024, 96% of enrolled preschool children attended for 15 hours or more per week.

What is the difference between kindergarten and preparatory year?
The term varies by state. In some areas, “kindergarten” refers to preschool; in others, it means the first year of primary school (preparatory/foundation).

What is the female representation in tertiary education?
In 2022, females made up 57.2% of all higher education enrolments and 48.2% of VET enrolments.

What is the purpose of the national curriculum in Australia?
It ensures all students, regardless of location, have access to a consistent and high-quality education across key learning areas.

How did COVID-19 impact Australian education?
The pandemic disrupted learning for many students, leading to concerns about long-term academic and social effects.