Go to Australia for an exchange year

The Australian educational system is considered to be one of the most innovative in the world. Besides the mandatory subjects, you can choose the subjects you want to study. The options vary depending on the school you attend, but it is common to be able to choose, for example, Marine Biology, Computer Science, Indonesian, Aboriginal Studies, Surfing, Diving, and Performing Arts.

By becoming an exchange student in Australia, you will not only experience the well-known cities, beaches, and wildlife. There are also amazing coral reefs, snowy mountains, deserts, and rainforests. It's a long journey, but we promise Australia really has it all!

Our Exchange Programs in Australia

High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it may bring.

Please note that if you are going to Australia on our Classic program, we need your application by 15 January for the autumn start and 15 August for the spring start. The program is popular and spots can sometimes sell out earlier, so apply as soon as possible.

With High School Select, you can decide the exact school and city you want to study in. So, tell us what you want from your exchange year in Australia, and we'll help you find it!

This is included in our exchange programs for Australia:

How do I become an exchange student in Australia?

To become an exchange student with STS, you need to be 15-18 years old at the start of your exchange. You also need to go through the application process. This is what it looks like:

1. Submit your application. The application is not binding.
2. Schedule a free and non-binding interview with us. You are also welcome to attend a digital information meeting where we will explain more about going on an exchange year.
3. You will be offered a preliminary spot, receive our agreement, and pay the application fee. Then, you pay the program fee according to a predetermined payment plan.
4. The application process to Australia begins. You provide us with your grade report, signatures from your current school, medical exam report, and more. You also write a personal letter and maybe also make a small video to your future host family. We are here to offer tips and advice!
5. While awaiting the decision on admission from the school, we start looking for a suitable host family.
6. After receiving the final approval from the local school authorities, the visa preparations begin. We’ll let you know when it’s time to apply for a visa and provide you with instructions and the documents you need.
7. You will be welcomed to our pre-departure meeting, where you will receive details on everything you need to know for your exchange year.
8. Time to go!

Detailed information on the application process can be found here.

How much does it cost to be an exchange student in Australia?

In addition to the program fee that you pay to STS, there are certain costs that you and your family need to cover, including costs for insurance, visas, personal items, local trips, leisure activities, and pocket money. See the full list of what is included and additional costs here.

The amount of money needed per month is individual, depending on your lifestyle and what you want to do. We recommend having at least 400 USD per month and a buffer of around 800 USD so that you are secure in case of unexpected expenses.

The school system in Australia

The Australian educational system is considered one of the best and the most innovative in the world. Thousands of exchange students enroll at Australian high schools and universities every year. You will find many modern schools, with large and well-equipped classrooms and a huge variety of subjects.

High school in Australia makes up the last five years of the 12-year school system. Most exchange students are placed in Year 11, some in Year 10, and a few in Year 12.

If you are placed in Year 10, most of the subjects you take are mandatory and include English, mathematics and geography. In Year 11, it is common that only English is a mandatory subject. The rest is up to you. You will be surprised by the wide range of subjects and sports, such as Marine Biology, Computer Science, Indonesian, Aboriginal Studies, Surfing, Diving, and Performing Arts. You spend around 30 hours per week at school.

In most Australian high schools, students must buy their own school uniform. This means you don't have to worry about what to wear on your first day at school. Just put on the uniform and you'll be one among all your new Aussie friends!

Being an exchange student in Australia

As the Australian continent is located on the other side of the world from Europe, this means that the seasons are reversed from what you are used to. When summer ends in Europe, it starts in Australia. This also means that summer vacations in Australia are in December and January. As an STS exchange student, you can start in January or July.

Despite the reversal of seasons and the fact that you are far from home, you will soon find your place in the new climate. The multicultural population has a reputation for being friendly and relaxed. Australians are said to be welcoming and uncomplicated, and they are happy to invite you to experience their easy-going lifestyle. The land “down under” is waiting for you to come and learn a new way of life!

Get the true story! Read the real-life stories of our students who have spent their exchange in Australia.

What to do during your free time?

Australia is full of outdoor activities. This is mainly due to the great climate. Some common options are barbecues, sports, or trips to the beach. Don't miss the exciting wildlife either. Have you ever seen a koala bear or a kangaroo? Now is the time!

Whether you're a sports fan or not, the Australian enthusiasm is likely to be infectious. So why not try some of the country's most popular sports, or at least have a watch? Rugby, golf, and Australian football are played in winter, and in summer there's surfing, snorkeling, sailing, tennis, and volleyball. Along the coast, there are plenty of wonderful beaches, perfect for all kinds of water activities. If you prefer skiing, there are great snow-covered slopes in the mountains.

What after-school activities you can choose from in your area will soon be clear. Your host family can give you tips and inform you about gyms, riding stables, handball teams, or karate lessons in the neighborhood.

Additional travel during your exchange year in Australia

If you're going to stay in Australia for a whole year, you can join us on several fantastic trips. For example, during the September school holidays, we'll pack our bags full of swimwear and sports equipment and head to Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. We will mainly be doing beach activities and water sports. In April, it's time for another trip. We will head into the Australian outback, explore Uluru (Ayers Rock), travel along the Great Ocean Road, and visit the super exciting metropolitan city of Sydney.

The range and availability may vary from year to year and depending on where you are placed. Please note that these trips are at an additional cost and are not included in the program fee.

Living with a Host Family

The Aussies are often described as kind-hearted, caring, and welcoming. The country is multicultural as most of the population has immigrated from different parts of the world. This has led to an open mind in general. Your host family is likely to be social, friendly, and have a great sense of humor. You will soon find that most Australians loves a joke - even at their own expense!

Most Australian families lead active lives, and you're likely to go on excursions or picnics together. It could be a road trip to a nearby beach or a bike ride in the mountains. On weekends, many families enjoy a variety of sports. Come and experience Australia for real!

The price of your exchange year varies depending on the length of time you choose to be away and any optional extras. See the table below for starting prices for our Classic program. Please note that the transport to your destination and back is not included the program fee.

Please contact us if you are interested in a program that is shorter than 5 months, which can usually be arranged.