Our Senior Secondary Colleges are the most distinctive feature of Tasmania’s education system. These purpose-built campuses provide exciting and supportive environments, where students are given increased freedoms – with more responsibility – to better prepare them for university.
International students are completely integrated with local students. All classes are in English, with ESL and academic support provided on campus by International Student Coordinators. There is a huge range of subjects, including over 100 pre-tertiary subjects that can be combined with vocational education and training (VET) certificate courses, from Certificate I – III, for even more variety.
Choosing a Tasmanian Senior Secondary College means you can qualify for the university course you want, while enjoying a great choice of extracurricular activities, including special interest courses, sports, excursions and fantastic outdoor education programs that show students some of Tasmania’s best wilderness.
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University Pathway
Maximise your university entry scores with Australia’s most flexible high school qualification system
Over 100 pre tertiary subjects to choose from
No minimum English language requirement
Free advice on Tasmanian services, attractions and events
Homestay accommodation with Australian hosts
Airport pick up and drop off included
Per year (February – November) AU$10,500 + homestay for AU$245 per week
Mainland pick up service also available for additional fee
Gap Tasmania (Years 11 & 12)
Experience Australian education and adventure
Courses available from two weeks to a full year
Tailor your experience – from outdoor adventures in Tasmania’s unrivalled wilderness to cultural exchange as a ‘Taste of Tasmania’ – we have the package for your needs
Free advice on Tasmanian services, attractions and events
Airport pick up and drop off included
Homestay accommodation with Australian hosts included in price
Two week ‘Taste of Tasmania’ from AU$$1,040
Two month GAP Tasmania package from $4,160
Six month GAP Tasmania package from $13,000
Bridging Program (September-December)
Dedicated course to develop your English and academic skills, before joining Year 11 or 12
Combine intensive ESL with introductory level units, taster courses and fun activities
Highly personalised program also offers work experience and exams with credit for those students who are ready
Homestay accommodation with Australian hosts
Airport pick up and drop off included
10 weeks (September - December) AU$2750 + homestay for AU$245 per week
Tailored Study Tour (For groups)
Tours running on demand
12 student minimum
Full ESL program in addition to integrated classes with local students
Full range of excursions available to Tasmanian attractions
Choice of education provider best suited to study tour needs
Homestay accommodation with Australian hosts
Airport pick up and drop off included
Two weeks from AU$1,400 per student, with additional costs depending on tour duration and activities
More information
Like the rest of Australia, Tasmanian students must complete 12 years of school to achieve a nationally recognised secondary school certificate – the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE). These 12 years conclude with two years of Senior Secondary College, which students usually start at age 15 - 16.
International students are welcome to enroll in Tasmanian Government Senior Secondary Colleges as full fee paying students. Any international student who is under 18 must either be living with a legal guardian or in a GETI homestay ( link ) with a Tasmanian host. Over 18s are also welcome to enroll.
In order to complete their TCE, all students must complete studies in English, Maths and IT, but there are many different subjects to take in each of these areas, and over 100 pre-tertiary subjects that will enable students to qualify for university ( link ). If a student chooses, these may also be combined with VET studies from Certificate I-III level, but this is not compulsory. Academic counselling is provided, to guide students through choices based on their abilities and interests.
The Australian learning style in Senior Secondary Colleges may appear to be very casual, at first. Students do not wear a uniform and their relationship with teachers is largely informal, but respectful. They will often call teachers by their first name. Students are encouraged to ask questions, give their opinions and to participate in debate and activities. The intention is to create students who can think and learn for themselves. If a student is having problems, they are expected to ask for help. Teachers are there to help and to make sure that every student passes, so extra tuition is always available.
The Tasmanian Senior Secondary Colleges selected for the international program are chosen according to their high standards, in both academic performance and student support. Only those colleges with the enthusiasm and capacity to cater for international students are selected by GETI Tasmania.
There is no formal English language requirement for enrolling in a Tasmanian Senior Secondary College, but all students will go straight into English-speaking classrooms, mixing with Australian students. So as a part of their application, all students will need to demonstrate that they can speak some English. All schools offer ESL support on campus, so there are no separate English language centres that segregate the international students. Instead, everyone learns through immersion in English.
Dependent children of international visitors who are in Tasmania for work or study can also be enrolled in Tasmanian Senior Secondary Colleges.
For visa details, see the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s website here (link www.immi.gov.au/students ) .