
Go on high school exchange in Australia
Why study abroad in Australia?
Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side of the world. Whether you’re in a coastal city or a small rural community, you’ll experience life like a true Aussie teen – full of adventure, culture, and personal growth.
✅ Try exciting new subjects
✅ Master English naturally
✅ Build friendships that last a lifetime
✅ Experience true Australian culture
Are you eligible for the exchange?
If you’re between 15 and 18, still enrolled in school are and looking for something beyond the ordinary – a student exchange in Australia could be your next big step. You don’t need straight A’s to apply, just curiosity, motivation, and a willingness to try something completely new.
Whether you stay for one semester or a full academic year, you’ll settle into a new school rhythm, get to know local habits, and learn to navigate life in a different corner of the world – one packed lunch, bus ride, and school uniform at a time.



Quick facts
Ages: 15–18 years
Accommodation: Local host family
Welcome Camp: Included
Duration: From 3 to 12 months
Support: 24/7 availability
Price: From €16,900
Language level: 2 years of English
Visa: Required (additional cost)
Exchange student voices

My exchange year also taught me more than I ever expected. I’ve learned so much from leaving my comfortable and normal life behind, and stepping into a life so new and exciting, but also a bit scary.

After school I spend most of my days with friends at the beach, having BBQs, going hiking, going on day trips or markets, and best of all, watching sunrises and sunsets as often as possible.

Life as an exchange student is awesome! I’ve made a lot of friends from around the world and my new favorite hobbies are swimming, surfing, and kitesurfing. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything!

I was extremely nervous to travel to the other side of the world without my family. But since I arrived, I haven’t regretted it for a second! STS has been incredibly helpful I would definitely recommend going on exchange to everyone!
High school 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 a variety of exciting and unique 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.
In most Australian high schools, students wear a 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 of all your new Aussie friends!

Your school week, schedule & subjects
A typical school week in Australia means around 30 hours of classes – a mix of structure, freedom, and surprises. You’ll attend a local high school and follow a schedule that might look familiar but comes with an Aussie twist.
If you’re placed in Year 10, most of your subjects are mandatory – like English, math and geography. In Year 11, English usually remains the only required subject, and you often get to choose the rest based on your interests. That’s when it gets exciting.
Depending on the school, you might study marine biology, computer science, Indonesian, Aboriginal studies, surfing, diving, or performing arts. The wide range of options means there’s something for everyone.



Trusted since 1958 – why STS is a great choice
Since 1958 over 1.2 million students from across the world have studied abroad with us. With STS you get:
- 24/7 support – we’re always here for you
- Carefully selected host families
- Resilience training
- Free Welcome Camp in Sydney or Brisbane (fall departures)
- Local staff or host family will greet you at the airport

Compare our exchange programs
in Australia
We offer two main programs in Australia. The Classic program is perfect if you’re open to adventure and want an authentic Australian experience. You can’t choose your school. The Select program is ideal if you have specific goals – you choose your preferred school and location.
CLASSIC
Live like a local and experience everyday high school life in Australia. You’ll be placed with a host family and attend a local school somewhere in the country.
KEY FACTS
✅ You’ll be placed in a safe and friendly community
✅ A cost-effective way to study abroad
✅ Supportive host families
✅ Quality local high schools
ADD-ONS (EXAMPLES)
• Want New South Wales, Queensland or Victoria? Add a State Preference to your Classic program.
• Prefer coastal life? Choose to be placed in any of the coastal areas available
💶 Program fee: From €16,900
SELECT
With Select, you’re in control. Choose the city, the school, and what you want to focus on – from academics to sports, arts, or science.
KEY FACTS
✅ Choose among 300+ schools
✅ Access to private schools
✅ Ideal for university prep or competitive sports
✅ You’ll live with a host family close to your school
OPTIONS
• Opportunity to earn an IB diploma (International Baccalaureate) at numerous schools.
• If you have any specific requests, talk to us – our Select program offers plenty of opportunities.
💶 Program fee: Contact us
Beyond classroom – after school activities
School in Australia doesn’t end with the last bell. Many schools offer activities like surfing, drama, debating, or sports – perfect for making friends and having fun.
Thanks to the warm climate, outdoor life is a big part of the experience here. Think about sunny days, hiking, BBQs, and spotting kangaroos. Whether you’re into sports or just curious, you’ll find something that suits you – from soccer and surfing to horseback riding or joining a local gym. Your host family will help you discover what’s available nearby.

Living with a Aussie host family
When you join one of our high school programs in Australia, you will live with a carefully selected host family – your home away from home. Aussies are often described as kind-hearted, caring, and welcoming. The country is proudly multicultural, with people from all over the world – which means open minds, warm hearts, and lots of curiosity. Your host family will be friendly, social, and full of Aussie warmth and humor. Don’t be surprised if the dinner table is filled with laughter – Australians love a good joke, especially when it’s at their own expense.
Come and experience the real Australia – not just as a visitor, but as part of a family.

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Your exchange year in Australia starts here
It’s easier than you might think! Begin your journey by talking to us – we’ll guide you every step of the way. What are you waiting for? Say yes to the adventure and create memories that will stay with you forever.

Welcome Camp in Sydney or Brisbane
You will start your adventure, possibly with some jet lag from traveling, together with other exchange students from around the world. During the Welcome Camp you will have the opportunity to get to know the country, the culture, and all the wonderful people. The Camp is included in the program fee for fall departures and some spring departures.
The cost of a high school exchange 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, visa, personal items, local trips, leisure activities, school uniform, school materials and pocket money.
How much you’ll need monthly depends on your lifestyle, but we recommend at least 500 AUD per month, plus a 1000 AUD buffer for unexpected costs. The total program fee varies based on your chosen program, duration, and any extras. See the table below for starting prices (Classic Program) and available add-ons.
|
Length |
Period |
Year |
Price |
Add-ons
Classic program
Would you like a little more control over your high school exchange, or prepare yourself a little extra? With our add-ons, your dreams may become reality. The add-ons below are for the Classic program only, except the preparatory course that can be added for all programs.

Area preference Coastal region
From €2,200

State preference New South Wales
From €1,800

State preference Queensland
From €2,200

State preference Victoria
From €1,500

Preparatory language course – English
€800
Our destinations
Take our short quiz and discover which high school exchange destination fits your vibe.
USA
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Home » High school » Destinations » Oceania » Australia Go on high school exchange in AustraliaFree brochure Why study abroad in Australia? Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side…
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France
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Germany
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Great Britain
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Ireland
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New-Zealand
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Spain
Home » High school » Destinations » Oceania » Australia Go on high school exchange in SpainFree brochure Why study abroad in Spain? A high school exchange year in Spain means becoming part of a culture that’s lively, welcoming, and full of everyday moments. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a welcoming host…
Sweden
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STS at a glance

Founded in
1958
20+
destinations
24/7
support


1.2 million
students
FAQ exchange in Australia