South Australia Schools

South Australia Schools

Every year, thousands of international students and visitors choose to take advantage of the excellent education and training opportunities here in South Australia. That number is growing each year and now more than 100 South Australian government schools are actively involved in international education.

The Department of Education and Children’s Services (DECS)  in South Australia is committed to providing all international students and visitors with a high quality, internationally recognized education in a caring, supportive environment. For the benefit of their clients, they provide dedicated support and management of all international programs in South Australian government schools through their centralized international unit, International Education Services.

International Education Services prides itself on providing a high level of care and service to all our international students, homestay families, visitors and agents at all times. they ensure that all programs delivered by South Australian government schools are of the highest quality standards.International Education Services is responsible for managing the DECS Exchange Program for South Australian government schools. Exchanges for students, teachers, leaders and School Service Officers operate with many countries.

International Student Program

South Australian government schools offer a variety of programs to international students who wish to study and live in South Australia.

• High School Graduate Program
• High School Study Abroad Program
• Primary School Program
• Primary School Study Abroad Program
• Regional Study Abroad Program

School Levels

• Primary school: Reception - Year 7
• Junior high school: Years 8 - 10
• Senior high school: Years 11 - 12

Most schools are either primary or secondary only. Some cater for Reception to Year 12 or specialize in senior secondary (Years 11 and 12).

Academic Year

The academic year is late January to December. There are approximately 10 weeks in each term followed by holidays. School hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm in most schools.

• Semester 1: Terms 1 and 2
• Semester 2: Terms 3 and 4

Living Arrangements

If you are a primary school student under the age of 12 you must live with a parent or suitable nominated relative as defined by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship(DIAC). If you are between the ages of 12 and 18 you must live in one of the following arrangements:

• with a homestay family arranged by the Department of Education and Children's Services (DECS)
• with a parent or suitable nominated relative over the age of 25 who is eligible to apply for guardian status through DIAC
• with a family nominated by the student's parent. Conditions Apply.

If you are over the age of 18 and in Year 12 you may apply to live independently under strict conditions. If you are living with a homestay or nominated family you are not permitted to change your living arrangements without approval from DECS. A fee may apply when homestay changes are made. If you are living with a parent or DIAC approved relative and your residential details change, you/your parent must provide DECS and the school with up-to-date residential details.

DECS arranges homestay accommodation with accredited and carefully selected local families to match your individual needs. Homestay families are interviewed and our accommodation officers have inspected the homes. All homestay families (including families nominated by your parents) undergo a criminal history screening. Homestay accommodation includes three meals per day, laundering and full use of facilities as negotiated. Your homestay is responsible for your safety and wellbeing. They will take responsibility for ensuring that you get to and from school on your first day, show you how to use public transport and help you open a bank account. 

Homestay Costs

Current weekly homestay fee usually paid 2 weeks in advance:

• $240 - for a single room
• $210 - for a shared room
• $200 - for a change of homestay (where applicable)

For students in the High School Graduate Program, a holding fee is charged when you are absent from the homestay on holidays. This ensures the exclusive use of your room. You/your parents are responsible for covering the cost of any damage and/or outstanding accounts before you leave your homestay.

Homestay Fees include:

• All meals
• Laundering (as negotiated with homestay)
• Use of utilities (i.e. water, electricity and gas)
• Use of facilities (e.g. TV viewing) and household appliances (e.g. iron, vacuum cleaner)
• Support with studies

Homestay Fees do not include:

• Phone and internet usage
• Personal items
• Excessive use of utilities

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