While most scholarships are open to all students, the most likely recipients are generally students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit or financial need.

Most often, schools award scholarships to students who demonstrate outstanding abilities in a number of nominated areas, ranging from the creative and performing arts through to peer leadership.

Parents of high school children in non-government schools are always asked to pay fees and often to contribute to building or development funds.

Information on the International Baccalaureate (IB)

Information on VET and apprenticeships.

Beyond school

The Victorian Government is trialing Apple's iPad in a number of schools to gauge how tablet technology impacts on students, teachers and parents.

Wherever you choose to study in Australia - whether in a big city or at a regional campus - safety is an issue for every student.

Reputable sources like the Australian embassy or consulate in your country or the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship are great places to find information. Education providers and agents in your country will also help.

As an international student in Australia, it can sometimes be difficult to maintain basic living costs unless you also have a part-time job. Living in Australia can be expensive when you take into account costs such as accommodation, meals..