Curated Educational Intelligence
Compare
States.
See how school structures, certifications, and costs differ across Australian states -- side by side.
Select up to 3 states to compare
2/3 selected
Metric
NSWNew South Wales
VICVictoria
First Year
Kindergarten
Prep
Starting Age
Kindergarten at age 5
Prep at age 5
School Hours
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Senior Certificate
Higher School Certificate (HSC)
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
Compulsory Ages
6 to 17 years
6 to 17 years
Term Structure
4 terms, ~10 weeks each
4 terms, ~10 weeks each
Best For
Selective Schools & Academic RigorStrong TAFE NetworkLargest System
Arts, Culture & Flexible PathwaysVCE/VET Dual OptionsProgressive Curriculum
First Year
NSWKindergarten
VICPrep
Starting Age
NSWKindergarten at age 5
VICPrep at age 5
School Hours
NSW9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
VIC9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Senior Certificate
NSWHigher School Certificate (HSC)
VICVictorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
Compulsory Ages
NSW6 to 17 years
VIC6 to 17 years
Term Structure
NSW4 terms, ~10 weeks each
VIC4 terms, ~10 weeks each
Best For
NSW
Selective Schools & Academic RigorStrong TAFE NetworkLargest System
VIC
Arts, Culture & Flexible PathwaysVCE/VET Dual OptionsProgressive Curriculum
Key Differences
The first year of school has different names across your selection: NSW: "Kindergarten", VIC: "Prep".
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