- Published on February 12, 2026
- Bishnu K.
In Australia, there are three main parts of the education system: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary and secondary make up what people call “school education.” Tertiary education happens after high school and includes vocational education and training (VET) and university studies.
School Education
Education in Australia is mostly the same everywhere, with only small changes between states and territories. Children usually go to school from about age six to sixteen, from Year 1 to Year 10.
There are three main parts of school:
Primary school: Kindergarten or Prep to Year 6 or 7.
Secondary school: Year 7 or 8 to Year 10.
Senior secondary school: Years 11 and 12.,/p>
Students can go to public schools, which are run by the government and free for Australian citizens and permanent residents, or private schools, which include Catholic and Independent schools. After Year 10, school is not required, but most students keep studying, and when they finish Year 12, they receive the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.
Vocational Education
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a type of tertiary education for students who want to work instead of going to university. It provides hands-on training for jobs needing specific skills, like trades or technical work.
Australia’s VET system is run by the government and industries. Courses are offered by public TAFE colleges, private colleges, and sometimes high schools, all called Registered Training Organizations (RTOs).
VET programs offer Certificates I–IV, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, and some even have graduate courses and Bachelor’s degrees with work experience included.
Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutions
TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education. These are government-funded colleges in Australia that offer practical job training for many careers.
Some TAFEs partner with universities to offer Bachelor degrees, helping students gain skills and pathways beyond certificates and diplomas..
Private Colleges
Vocational training and education is also offered at private colleges in Australia. Unlike TAEFs, private colleges are typically smaller and specialize in 1-2 areas of study, focusing on a particular industry.
VET in Schools
Some senior secondary schools also offer VET programs. Students can earn the VET Certificate I, II, III and IV alongside their senior secondary certificate of education.
Higher Education
Higher Education is a form of tertiary education which leads to Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral Degrees. Higher Education courses (programs) are offered at all Australian universities, and at a number of VET institutions.
Universities
Australia has 43 universities, most of which are funded by the government. These universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across many fields of study.
Bachelor degrees typically take three to four years and are needed for professional careers like law, medicine, engineering, or teaching. After a bachelor degree, students can pursue Master’s and Doctoral degrees for more advanced study. The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) regulates universities to ensure they provide quality education across the country.