International Student Program

An exemplary tradition of academic excellence, fostering intellectual growth and personal development

Balwyn High School

Balwyn High School is a large multicultural, co-educational, government secondary school with a student population of approximately 2200 students. Located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, the school was established in 1954 and our renowned International Student Program commenced in 1996. Our International Student Program currently attracts students from China, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philipines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Over a long period of time, the Balwyn High School community has established a code of behaviour and discipline based on respect for the rights and dignity of others. The school encourages a strong work ethic that values student progress and achievement, maximises the potential of each student and requires a high standard of personal conduct.

While the focus of our curriculum is academic, the aim is to provide a well-rounded, balanced education that encourages individual development and exposes students to a broad range of experiences and situations. The school prepares students for a lifetime of learning.

Balwyn High School has a strong tradition of care for individual students through a well-established network of support services. All students are supported by the Principal team, a Director of International Relations, the International Program Director, a Homestay Co-ordinator, the subject teachers, Year Level Co-ordinators, the Heads of Sub-school and a substantial Wellbeing Team

School Facilities

The modern, well-equipped, and flexible teaching and learning spaces optimise opportunities for engaging students and promoting student-centred learning. The Library/eLearning and International Student centres were upgraded in 2010. The hall and theatre provide valuable community space.

  • Grace Yin International Student Centre
    Dedicated international student resource centre led by Susan Qu, International Student Program Director

  • VCE Study Centre
    The Year 12 Study Centre in the recently opened Deborah Harman Centre for Learning, is an important feature of the student’s life at Balwyn High School. They meet to work collaboratively or conference with teachers.

  • Careers Centre
    Full time careers guidance director

  • G. Newitt Music Centre
    Balwyn High School’s Music Program is one of the largest and best developed in Victoria and has a record as one of Victoria’s highest achieving providers of VCE Music Studies. The facilities include music performance spaces, practice and recording rooms.

  • Tony Frizza Sport Centre
    The Tony Frizza Sports Centre provides our student body with a state-of-the-art sporting facility. The centre comprises three full sized courts and the show court meets national standards. There is also a weights room, fully equipped cardio room and two modern classrooms within the centre complex

  • Robert Handreck Sports Field
    Fully synthetic sports field – an all weather surface with a FIH & FIFA standard playing surface. The Sports Field can accommodate soccer, hockey, futsal, netball, baseball, running, long jump and lacrosse.

  • Raelene Curwood Wellbeing Centre
    A collaborative team, led by the Director of Student Services, includes psychologists, counsellors, chaplain, and administrative staff. Services range from one-on-one support through to whole school programs.

Co-curricular Activities

In an effort to provide a holistic educational experience, Balwyn High School also provides opportunities for co-curricular involvement for all students, including International Students. The school encourages all students to join the student leadership team and to participate in the music program, sports program and various clubs and committees such as: Social Justice, Public Speaking, Debating, Student Representative Council (SRC), Chess Club and Mahjong Club.

Outstanding Academic Performance

International students greatly enrich our school community. Equally they are embraced and fully supported to achieve excellent outcomes in a diverse, inclusive and dynamic learning environment. Their success is celebrated within and beyond the classrooms of our school.

69%

ATAR of 90 or above

54%

ATAR of 97 or above

97.1%

Median ATAR score

Global Learning Awards

Balwyn High School is a proud contributor to international education in Victoria and is a major partner with the Department of Education’s (DET) International Division. Our International students are regularly awarded with DET’s Global Learning Awards for their academic excellence, student leadership, Global Citizenship and community engagement. Over the past ten years our students have enjoyed considerable success – including the International Student Ambassador of the Year on multiple occasions.

Hendrick Lin

Year 12 Student Leadership Award Winner
International Student of the Year – Ambassador Award

Yusheng (Eddie) Mao

Year 12 Academic Excellence Award Winner

Zihan (Violet) Liu

Year 12 Global Citizenship Award Winner

Alvin Yong Xuan Mah

Year 11 Community Engagement Award Winner

Student Testimonials

If you are on the lookout for a school where you can get the most out of your adventure in Australia, then Balwyn High School is the right place for you. At Balwyn High School, we celebrate diversity. No matter where you come from, you will find your sense of belonging here. The school offers a broad range of subjects, which enabled me to find my passion and strength. I feel lucky to be studying in a school that has rich resources in learning opportunities. In classrooms, students are well-supported by teachers and peers to receive academic excellence. Outside of class, there is a wide variety of co-curricular activities for students to implement into their studies. I have the opportunity to be a part of music programs, community service, and student leadership. My experience here has been truly memorable. Now, on the verge of graduation, I am proud to say that my expectations for overseas studies, and even beyond did come true during my experience here at Balwyn High School.

International Student Captain
2023

“To pursue an education overseas, my utmost considerations were to look for a school which must be welcoming, challenging, and engaging, and Balwyn High School has definitely provided it, if not more. I am able to receive a high-quality academic education whilst also having the opportunity to pursue various activities, including music programs, sports competitions, community service and student leadership. Balwyn High School has a strong support network, consisting of passionate teachers and an amazing Student Services Team who are always there to ensure that both my studies and wellbeing are looked after. The school is located in the modern city of Melbourne, offering students a vibrant environment to live and learn, complemented by its state-of-the-art facilities and buildings, a wide variety of subjects and programs to offer, and most importantly, a great sense of belonging in a community that is warm, open-minded and always putting safety first!”

Year 12 Wellbeing Captain
2022

“One of my first impressions of Balwyn High School was its cordial and welcoming atmosphere. During the orientation programme, I was taken on a campus tour in which I could immediately tell that this school was not like the others. Balwyn High School has numerous facilities and extracurricular programmes that cater to our extremely diverse cohort. Whether you are interested in music, leadership, painting, robotics, badminton, or chess, Balwyn High School encourages its student to engage with the community and extend the education experience beyond the classroom. Studying overseas definitely comes with its challenges such as feeling unfamiliar with new cultures, people, and the education system, all of which I have experienced throughout my studies. However, my classmates, friends, teachers, and liaisons have continuously listened and supported me throughout my VCE journey as I began a new chapter in life in Australia. I am extremely grateful to have chosen Balwyn High School; it has opened many opportunities for me and pushed me to reach my potential. As I near the end of my high school journey, I am filled with optimism knowing that I have been guided to excellence.”

Year 12 International Student Captain
2023

The Homestay Program

Balwyn High School selects homestay families from our local school community according to a clear set of criteria and the needs, preferences and expectations of individual students.

Our homestay coordinator interviews all the homestay providers to check how well they can look after an international student. This includes visiting the homestay and making sure that everyone in the household over 18 years of age has a Working With Children Check from the government. The homestay coordinator visits the homes of our homestay families to make sure the accommodation is comfortable and of a high standard for: living and relaxing, doing homework and sharing in family life.

The students will receive a homestay profile before their arrival so that students can get to know the homestay family.

“Living in a homestay has provided me with a profound cultural immersion. As I participated in daily family activities, I constantly gained a deeper understanding of Asian-Australian customs and traditions. My host family graciously imparted local knowledge and guidance, directing me with invaluable tips that made my experience in the new environment enriching. Perhaps one of the highlights was trying their delicious home-cooked meals, a genuine taste of the culture has left a lasting mark on my stay.”

– Alina Cong (Year 9)

Our English Language (ELC) Program

We have our own onsite ELC which allows our newly arrived International Students to transition into their studies in Australia and school life at Balwyn High School. In this 20 week program, students will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop connections with their peers and teachers

  • Understand the expectations of students at our school

  • Continue to develop their language skills and learning behaviours to support progress and achievement in mainstream classes

The majority of our international students will take part in this Intensive English Program prior to commencing the mainstream studies.

International student application

Balwyn High School takes international students at Senior School level only. Most of our international students require two terms of English Language Course before they start mainstream classes. We only have one intake for our own onsite ELC during a school year which is July intake. After the two terms ELC at Balwyn High School, the students will go to Year 11 or Year 10 in the following year.

Studying in Victoria

Victorian government schools are a destination of choice for international students. Our schools provide international students with a high-quality education, excellent English language tuition, caring welfare support services, secure homestay, and pathways to higher education. To learn more about studying and living in Victoria as an international student, see: www.study.vic.gov.au

How to apply

Most international students must apply to the Department of Education in order to study in a Victorian government school. To learn about the application types and to apply, see: How to apply

Balwyn High School is accredited under the Department of Education’s CRICOS registration (CRICOS provider name and code: Department of Education, 00861K). For more information, see: www.study.vic.gov.au.

Our Team

For more information of our International Student Program, please contact:

Mrs. Susan QU

International Program Director
Tel: + 61 3 9862 4104
Email: squ@balwynhs.vic.edu.au