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College guide

The ACT has a unique model of education for years 11 and 12. Students usually attend a different campus for these senior years of school, in a public or non-government college or school.

There are 9 public school colleges that offer these senior years at their campus.

To find college contact details, visit our list of ACT public schools.

College study options

Colleges offer different study options. Students usually choose between a tertiary package or standard package.

Choose a tertiary study package if you want to get direct entry into university.

The standard package has courses that are educationally sound and appropriate for students in years 11 and 12. They prepare students for future success in life, work, and further education.

Always confirm course offerings with your college or school. Recent changes may not be listed.

Enrolling in college

You are guaranteed a place at a public college in your Priority Enrolment Area. You can also apply to a school outside your area.

You may wish to attend a college that has a particular course that's not available at your PEA college.

You can apply to enrol in a Category B school or college that's not in your PEA if:

  • the school or college has places available
  • the course is approved by the Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS)
  • you are not enrolling in an individual subject.

You will only be offered a place if the school or college has places available and you meet other criteria.

To find out more, visit apply to a school outside your area.

Board of Senior Secondary Studies

The ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) is responsible for certifying senior secondary school studies in all ACT schools that lead to the award of the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate.

Schools and colleges determine the courses (subjects) and units they offer to students.

English is the only compulsory course. Assessment in the ACT is continuous and school-based.

There are no subject examinations set by a central authority.

The BSSS update their policies and procedures regularly. For the latest information, visit the BSSS website.

Year 12 certificates

Formal documents issued by the BSSS at the end of year 12 include:

  • ACT Senior Secondary Certificate
  • Tertiary Entrance Statement
  • Vocational Certificates or Statement of Attainment. These list the competencies achieved under the Australian Qualification Framework.

An ACT Senior Secondary Statement of Achievement is a document that may be issued to a student at any time during years 11 and 12. The record lists the units studied by the student, grouped in courses, and completed unit grades. It is made available on request to students.

It does not include personal skills and qualities. Students may be able to request a school reference from their school.

Applying to leave college early

You can apply to leave college ahead of other year 12 students if you have:

  • gained 17 standard units
  • met all other requirements for an ACT Senior Secondary Certificate
  • have confirmed with your school’s certification coordinator that certification requirements and paperwork is complete.

French Baccalauréat

Narrabundah College is the only ACT college that offers the French Baccalauréat. You must be fluent in French, both spoken and written, to apply.

Students can study a limited number of courses taught in French by teachers supplied by the French Government.

This is an extension of the French-Australian bilingual program based at Telopea Park School. It leads to examination and award of the French Baccalauréat.

French Baccalauréat subjects taught at the college are also accredited for the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate.

Find out more the coordinator of the French-Australian bilingual program at Telopea Park School.

Courses offered at other places

As well as courses offered by the 'home' college, you can enrol in courses accredited or registered by the BSSS and run by other education service providers.

These include:

  • other secondary colleges
  • evening courses
  • specialist schools
  • Canberra Institute of Technology
  • Registered Training Organisations
  • Universities

Some of these courses can count towards an ACT Senior Secondary Certificate and to form Tertiary Entrance Statement packages. Check with your school and the other institution.

If the outside course duplicates a 'home' college course, only the 'home' college course will count.

Students may enrol in year 11 and 12 courses in other Australian jurisdictions by Distance Education and study these at the same time as other ACT courses. These can be credited on their ACT Senior Secondary Certificates.

If the interstate course is eligible for ATAR, then the transferred course score may be able to be used as part of ACT ATAR calculations. Find out more from BSSS