Pages Issue 1 Nov | Página 2

Understanding Australian Education System

As Kenyan migrants, understanding the Australia’s education system is essential in ensuring your children get the best education outcome in Australia. Unlike Kenya where education is provided by the National Government, in Australia education is the primary responsibility of states and territories. Every state funds and regulates schools within its area. The Commonwealth Government also funds private or independent schools.

Education in Australia follows the 3 tier model- primary, secondary and tertiary. In the state of Victoria, education is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 17years old. Students can leave school after the age of 17 years old and they do not have to complete 4 years of secondary education. In Victoria, the legislation states that instruction in the standard curriculum program must be provided free of charge to all students in government schools. However, parents can be asked to pay for programs that enhance