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
Footscray High School is a high-performing, multicultural secondary school in Melbourne’s inner west, recognised for excellence in learning and teaching within a diverse and welcoming community. As part of the Footscray Learning Precinct, the school operates across a modern multi-campus setting, with dedicated junior campuses for Years 7–9 and a senior campus for Years 10–12.
The school offers a structured academic program that supports students to develop their individual strengths, interests and pathways for future success. Students learn in a technology-rich environment with strong programs in science, arts, STEAM, humanities, commerce and business studies, alongside outstanding opportunities in music, theatre, sport and student leadership.
International students are well supported to build confidence, achieve their goals and prepare for further study and future careers in an inclusive and globally minded school community.
School Values: Unity, Respect, Creativity and Endeavour
A Prime Location for Learning, Health and Opportunity
- Situated in Melbourne’s vibrant and multicultural inner west community
- Minutes from Melbourne city centre, University of Melbourne, Monash University Parkville campus and RMIT University
- Beside Victoria University and Footscray Hospital, inspiring future health and science studies
- Excellent bus and tram access makes travel simple, safe and convenient
Reasons to Choose Footscray High School
- High-quality teaching and personalised support help students achieve their best
- Strong university and career pathways prepare students for future success
- An inclusive and multicultural school community helps international students feel confident, supported and connected
- Modern learning environments encourage creativity, collaboration and academic growth
- A wide range of programs in science, arts, humanities, STEAM, music and sport allows students to explore their interests and strengths
Homestay
Footscray High School is committed to providing international students with a safe, supportive and welcoming homestay experience. All homestay arrangements follow the Victorian Government’s strict standards and guidelines to ensure students receive high-quality care and support while living in Australia.
Homestay Options
School-sourced homestay
Carefully selected, approved and monitored by Footscray High School.
Parent-nominated homestay
Chosen by parents or relatives and approved by Footscray High School to ensure all safety and wellbeing requirements are met.
Eligibility and Safety Requirements
- Students must be at least 15 years old to live in a homestay arrangement
- All homestay providers are required to hold a valid Working with Children Check
- All arrangements comply with Victorian Government and Department of Education policies and Child Safe Standards
Accommodation and Services
Homestay fees generally range from $380 to $450 per week and include:
- a safe and welcoming home environment
- a private furnished bedroom with study facilities
- three meals a day, including snacks
- internet access and utilities such as electricity, gas, heating and water
- access to shared living areas and laundry facilities
- support with adjusting to Australian culture and daily life
Ongoing Support and Monitoring
Footscray High School maintains regular contact with students and homestay families to support student wellbeing and ensure high standards are maintained.
- Homestay visits are conducted regularly
- Students have access to dedicated wellbeing and homestay support staff
- Concerns are addressed promptly through ongoing communication with families and students
Studying at Footscray High School helped me turn my dream into reality. Since coming to Australia, my goal was to study Pharmacy at Monash University’s Parkville campus. Throughout Years 10, 11 and 12, I received outstanding support, encouragement and guidance from teachers and staff. Their dedication, together with my hard work and determination, helped me succeed. I am now proudly studying a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Monash University.
Footscray High School has a well-established International Student Program, welcoming students from a wide range of countries including Germany, Japan, China, Vietnam, France, Italy, Colombia, Thailand and India. The school values cultural diversity and provides a supportive environment where international students feel connected, confident and engaged in school life.
International student enrolments are available for students in Years 7 to 11. The school also welcomes short-term international students from four weeks course, providing an opportunity to experience learning and life at Footscray High School during school holiday periods in their home country. Short-term enrolments are subject to availability at the time of application.
Intensive English Language Support
Footscray High School offers an onsite English Language Centre (ELC) at the Kinnear Campus. The program supports both Footscray High School students and international students from neighbouring government schools, helping students strengthen their English skills and confidently transition into mainstream classes.
Special Programs
- Homework club runs Monday to Thursday for ongoing academic support
- Buddy program helps new students settle in and feel welcome
- Academic literacy program strengthens English across all subject areas
- Lunchtime clubs and activities build friendships, confidence and belonging
- Former high-achieving students return as tutors across key subjects
- Leadership program builds confidence in leadership and public speaking
Student support services and programs
- International student staff provide coordinated academic, wellbeing and homestay support
- Personalised mentoring helps students set goals and monitor progress
- Welfare and inclusion support responds to individual learning and wellbeing needs
- Careers and pathways guidance supports subject selection and post-school planning
- School-sourced homestay offers safe, supportive accommodation for eligible students
- Student-led sports and activities promote belonging, confidence and school engagement
VCE Subjects
Students can choose from a broad range of VCE subjects across arts, sciences, humanities, technology and health, including:
- Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics and Psychology
- Business Management, Economics, Legal Studies and Philosophy
- English, English as an Additional Language and English Language
- Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics and General Mathematics
- Applied Computing, Systems Engineering and Product Design and Technology
- Art Making and Exhibiting, Media, Theatre Studies, Dance and Visual Communication Design
- Health and Human Development, Physical Education and Food Studies
- Australian and Global Politics, History and Languages
Extra-curricular activities
- STEAM programs inspire creativity, innovation and future-focused learning opportunities
- School camps develop confidence, resilience and strong peer connections
- Excursions enrich learning through cultural, educational and community experiences
- Annual music and theatre productions celebrate creativity and student voice
- Lunchtime clubs encourage belonging, leadership and shared student interests
- Sports and student activities build teamwork, confidence and school spirit
Sports offered
Athletics, Australian rules football, badminton, baseball, cricket (indoor and outdoor), dance, fitness, golf, gymnastics, hockey, lawn bowls, martial arts, netball, rollerblading, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, volleyball
Languages taught
- Japanese (onsite)
- Italian (onsite)
- Chinese (Victorian School of Languages)
- Vietnamese (Victorian School of Languages)
- More other language by Victorian School of Languages
Live and Study in Victoria – Start your education adventure in one of the world’s most popular study and tourist destinations.
Application process
Explore options and requirements to find the best pathway for your educational journey.
For more information about international students, please contact the below staff member.
- International Student Coordinator (ISC): Sun Liu
- Phone International: +61 3 9112 9500
- Email: sun.liu@education.vic.gov.au
- Generic school email: 7842-info@schools.vic.edu.au
Footscray 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.
English Language Centre (ELC)
The Footscray High School English Language Centre (ELC) provides a supportive and welcoming environment where international students develop the English skills, confidence and independence needed for success in mainstream secondary school learning.
Students are taught by Footscray High School’s experienced EAL-qualified teacher (a registered teacher with specialised training in TESOL Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) who understand the challenges of learning in a new language and adapting to a new school and culture. Classes focus on building confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing, while also supporting students to participate actively in everyday classroom learning and school life.
Beyond the classroom, students take part in a range of cultural, social and educational activities, including local excursions, sports programs and community events. These experiences give students opportunities to practise English in real-life situations, build friendships and learn more about Australian culture and life in Melbourne.
Student wellbeing is a strong focus of the program. Dedicated support staff and wellbeing services help students settle into their new environment, feel connected to the school community and achieve their personal and academic goals.
The English Language Centre supports students to transition confidently into mainstream classes and become active members of the wider Footscray High School community.
