High School Preparation

High School Preparation Course class at AICOL
AICOL High School Preparation video
High School Preparation class sports lesson

High School Preparation Course CRICOS Code 022332J

A good English for High School Preparation Course is essential for most international students planning to successfully enter a High School in Australia.

Choosing the best High School Preparation Course (HSP) is the first step to take to help you to meet the English level requirements for entry to Australian high schools.

AICOL offers an English Pathway Program (EPP) to Queensland State High Schools and to many good local Private High Schools

Queensland State Terms for 2024 

Term 1 Monday 22 January to Thursday 28 March 10 weeks
Term 2 Monday 15 April to Friday 21 June 10 weeks
Term 3 Monday 8 July to Friday 13 September 10 weeks
Term 4 Monday 30 September to Friday 13 December 11 weeks
Happy student studying in a High School Preparation class at AICOL

Queensland State Terms for 2025

Term 1 Tuesday 28 January to Friday 4 April 10 weeks
Term 2 Tuesday 22 April to Friday 27 June 10 weeks
Term 3 Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September 10 weeks
Term 4 Tuesday 7 October to Friday 12 December 10 weeks

Students may commence any Monday.

Students may enrol in our High School Preparation course

during school holidays

Another happy High School Preparation class at AICOL English school

AICOL is able to offer prospective students an English pathway to Education Queensland International (EQI) Public Schools and to many good Private Schools. Students who are entering Year 7 to Year 11 in Australian secondary schools can enrol in the AICOL HSP program and achieve direct entry into the agreed high school.

Frequently Asked Questions:

A course to teach international students the English skills needed to enter Year 7 to Year 12 in Australian secondary schools.

Because good quality high schools will not accept international students unless their English meets the requirements set by the school.

Different schools have different requirements. Most require an IELTS test, or equivalent test, or they will accept a report from AICOL confirming the English level of the student.

On Mondays throughout the year.

12 – 16 years (minimum age 11 years)   We also offer a Young Learner and Primary School preparation course.

Pre-intermediate to Intermediate English based on AICOL entrance test. Student can join a General English class until the required level is reached.

Average 8 – 12. Maximum 15

From 1 July 2024, holders of a Visitor Visa will not be able to apply for a Student Visa onshore, in new rules announced 12 June 2024 by the Minister for Home Affairs.

How do you know if AICOL offers the best High School Preparation Course on the Gold Coast?  Make your own inquiries – compare us with others.

  • You can start any time throughout the year
  • Highly qualified highly experienced teachers help you move from one level HSP class to the next level as soon as you are ready.  You are not bound by 10-week blocks
  • Small classes with individual attention
  • Interested and varied learning materials
  • Regular reports sent to local school, parent/agent
  • 25 hours of face-to-face core class-time learning
  • FREE guardianship – conditions apply
  • option to join a lower level General English or Young Learner Primary School Class to prepare for HSP English level entry requirement
  • student visa tuition fees are held in a trust account
  • if a student commences at the local school early the balance unused  tuition fees (less administration fee) will be refunded
  • we have our own in-house homestay service
  • check out our great location on Google maps
  • our timetable includes a sports lesson with professional coaches every week
AICOL High School Preparation class ready to play volleyball
AICOL HSP classes at Queens Park tennis courts

If you would like to study in Australia for a short trial period to see if you like it, you might like to experience one of our Camp programs.

More High School Information

The Queensland School System begins at Prep (4 to 5 years of age) and concludes at Year 12 (average age 17 years old):
• 7 years of Primary School (Prep – Year 6)
• 6 years of High School (Years 7 – 12)

Maybe you would like a Study Abroad Program?

  • This program lets you have a short high school study experience in Australia of 1 term (3 months) up to 4 terms (12 months).
  • In many cases you can have your study recognised by your home country (you need to check this).
  • Make great Aussie friends for life at your high school and through your homestay family.
  • Wide choice of schools

Upon completion of Year 12, Queensland students have numerous options to continue their study. Options include study at University, an institute of Technical And Further Education (TAFE) or a private vocational college.
There are currently 17 State schools on the Gold Coast which accept international students. This number is increasing virtually every year as the population of the Gold Coast is growing strongly, especially in the northern suburbs:

SS—State School, SHS—State High School, SC—State College, SSC—State Secondary College

All EQI Schools

AICOL works closely with several Gold Coast Private Schools including:

Coomera Anglican College

Hillcrest Christian College

Kings Christian College

St Hilda’s School

The Southport School

Students must, of course,  always  meet the entry requirements of the individual school.

Unfortunately many parents are focused solely on their child gaining entry to a local high school, regardless of whether their English language ability is adequate. Many times we have seen parents insist that their child start school against our advice, only for them to find that their child is not able to communicate with the Australian students and not understand their class lessons. Sometimes this results in the other students and the teacher not enjoying having that student in the class. Some schools accept international students even if their English is inadequate, as they either rely on their ESL support staff or have an ESL unit of their own.