Studying abroad in Australia with HSA

… is eight steps away

Making the arrangements for a high school year abroad can be stressful if you do not know the system. HSA has it covered, with an eight-step process to smooth your way:

  1. Talk to us about when you want to come and how long you want to stay.
  2. We will help you select a suitable school.
  3. We get in contact with the school directly to see what placements they have available.
  4. Once we find a placement, we complete your application form together.
  5. Your chosen school will make you a firm (or ‘binding’) offer of acceptance.
  6. You enrol and pay for your school costs, accommodation and insurance.
  7. Next, we help you complete your student visa application.
  8. You book your plane ticket to Australia!

All eight steps can take as little as three months. International schools in Australia want to receive completed applications (step 4) at least six weeks before school term begins. Applying early has its advantages, such as a wider choice of schools and savings on airfares. What is more, you have no commitment or costs or school fees payable until you complete the offer of acceptance (step 5).

Students jumping for joy

An Australian High School Year Abroad is one of the most exciting moves you can make. We help with the hassle – the excitement part is up to you!

Step-by-Step Guide

Here we explain how our eight step process works. Questions? Just contact us.

Step 1: Timing

You decide when you want to come (what year), when you want to start (which semester) and how long you want to stay.

To learn more about choosing your timing, click our pages The Australian Education System and The Australian School CalendarEach has detailed information about individual high school terms in Australia.

Remember that the Australian school calendar runs from February to December. It might be a little different to your own country, so consult us if you need to.

Step 2: Choosing a school

We have extensive knowledge of the Australian Education System and its schools. So tell us your expectations about subjects and location, and let us find the right list of candidate schools for you. There are two aspects to consider.

Subjects. Firstly, you need to take core subjects in Australia that match your compulsory ones at home. That way, you will not need to catch up when you get back. Otherwise, the field is wide open. Australian high schools offer an incredible variety of optional subjects, so you can pick studies that fit your interests.

Location. The Australian continent offers an incredible variety of climate and geography. So once again, there are plenty of options to suit your tastes: coast or inland, city or rural, the tropical North or the temperate South.

To learn more about choosing your school, subjects and/or location, click on Choosing a School. If you would like us to recommend a couple of suitable schools obligation free, simply complete and send us the Questionnaire.

Step 3: Finding a placement

This is where we make things happen for you. We contact your chosen candidate schools and send you their replies as soon as we hear from them.

If your preferred school does not have a placement available for you, do not worry: we will find and suggest some comparable schools as alternatives.

Step 4: Applying

When you find the ideal placement, the school needs to know that you are interested! That means sending an official application. Typically, you will be asked to complete an application form, and provide your existing school reports, a portrait photo, and copies of your passport or birth certificate. Remember, all non-English documents must be accompanied by certified English translations.

We are happy to help you compile and preparing your application to make sure you have all the required documents. When everything is ready, we will give the school your application form, photo and supporting documents.

Importantly, HSA can submit your application fast because we are here in Brisbane and have personal contact with our high schools. We want you to be first in line!

Step 5: Confirming

Once your application has been successfully processed, we will send you a firm offer of acceptance (the ‘Binding Placement Offer’) and a list of fees.

You are free to change your mind at any time, even once you receive this offer. You are only committed when you sign it, and progress to enrolling.

If you have any concerns at this point, no pressure – we are here to help.

Step 6: Enrolling

When you have signed the school’s binding offer, you are ready to enrol. Firstly though, the school has a list of costs (‘Fee Schedule’) to take care of. You must pay these directly into the school’s nominated Australian bank in Australian dollars.  HSA’s placement fee must also be paid at this time.

After the school has received payment, we will send you a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). We will also send you a Welfare Letter – basically, this is the Australian Government’s legal promise to comply with all laws for protecting overseas students under 18 years.

Congratulations! You are now officially enrolled at an Australian school. Just a bit more paperwork to go.

Step 7: Australian Student Visa

Most international students studying in Australia will need a Student Visa. To apply:

  1. Print and complete the visa application form (we will send you the appropriate link)
  2. Attach your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and Welfare Letter; and
  3. Submit all three to the Australian embassy or consulate in your country.

We are happy to assist you with this. The application fee for the Student Visa must be paid directly to the Australian embassy. And remember, you must have a CoE first.

OK. Enrolment? Check! Student Visa? Check! Now all you need to do is get here.

Step 8: Travel arrangements

Australia is a major international destination and airlines routinely offer attractive deals. Check the internet or your travel agency – it is best to book well in advance. Remember that you might need a connecting flight within Australia too. And travel insurance is a must.

Once you have booked your trip, just send us your flight numbers and arrival details. We will arrange your airport pick-up and transfer to your accommodation when you arrive.

Process complete: your High School Study Abroad Program has begun!

The Details

If you want to learn more, we have plenty for you to explore on our site. You will find detailed information on a multitude of relevant topics such as:

Note: Many of our examples use comparisons with Germany. Clearly, it would be impossible for us to cover every possible country individually.

However, we are sure you will find the information useful and a good reference for your own circumstances. And as always, if in doubt, contact us. We are here to help.