In Australia responsibility for education is divided between State, Territory and Federal government. The education system is divided broadly into five areas: preschool, primary school, high school/secondary colleges, career and vocational training and university or other tertiary education. A lot of migrants and expatriates find the system of teaching and school discipline very different in Australia, with less importance placed on outward discipline and memorizing, and more emphasis on self-discipline, learning by finding out and questioning, and encouraging a child's interest and enthusiasm for learning. Parents are encouraged to get involved, with most schools having parent and teacher associations playing an active role in school life, from raising funds to helping decide what is taught and done at the school.

Schooling is compulsory in most states and territories until the age of fifteen. Most students stay at school until they complete Year 10 qualification (School Certificate approximately 16 years of age), and an increasing number of students stay to complete their Year 12 studies (High School Certificate or International Baccalaureate approximately 18 years of age).

Public and Private Schools: Parents choose to enrol their children in public (state government) or private (independent) schools. Education at public schools is (almost) free, with most schools charging a small annual fee to cover extra activities, school building funds (tax deductible) and library costs. Parents will also have to purchase some books and uniforms, and pay additional fees for excursions and camps. Most public schools are co-educational, and girls and boys are encouraged to participate equally in classes and activities.

Private schools fall mostly into two categories, those administered by the Catholic Education office and those administered by other religious groups. Private or independent schools set their own fee structure and receive a subsidy from both Federal and State governments. Some private schools are either all-boy or all-girl schools.