High School Graduation

In Australia, the last two years of secondary school (Year 11 and 12) are devoted to the preparation for university studies and graduation from high school.

In the final senior secondary year all students have to undertake a State Government administered program which will qualify them for admission to an Australian university. Each state or territory has its own name for the Year 12 matriculation certificate (high school graduation):

• Australian Capital Territory: ACT Year 12 Certificate
• New South Wales: Higher School Certificate (HSC)
• Northern Territories: Senior Secondary Studies Certificate
• Queensland: Queensland Senior Certificate (QSC)
• South Australia: South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
• Tasmania: Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)
• Victoria: Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
• Western Australia: Certificate of Secondary Education

While the successful passing of the Year 12 exam (high school graduation) qualifies a student for university entry, it does not automatically guarantee a place. Entry into most Australian courses is on a competitive basis for overseas and local students alike.