Welcome International Students
Students from many different countries have chosen to study at The Cathedral School. International students are welcomed into the school community and are immersed in classes and boarding life with children from many different backgrounds and experiences. The Cathedral School offers CRICOS Registered Courses specific to Primary, Middle and Senior school students.
The blend of cultures within the school community encourages tolerance and understanding between people from different nationalities and provides a broader global perspective for all.
Some of the countries represented at present are Hong Kong, China, Korea, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar and Europe.
The international students comprise only five per cent of the school population, so they rapidly develop their English language skills and adapt to the Queensland education system and the Australian way of life.
After completing high school, students can go on to study at universities in Australia or overseas. Past Cathedral students are currently studying in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville, while others have completed their studies and are now engaged in successful careers.
Download a copy of our international brochure in your language.
Discover the benefits of studying at The Cathedral School, Townsville.
Embracing Diversity at The Cathedral School
At The Cathedral School, we celebrate diversity and the unique contributions of every student. While Australian students make up over 96% of our enrolment, our International Students bring a wealth of cultural richness and global perspectives to our community.
When students from overseas join us, they often find themselves among a select few from their home country, making their presence even more special. Our Australian students are enthusiastic about learning from their international peers, exploring new cultures, and sharing their own traditions in return.
International students are warmly welcomed and quickly make friends, helping them adjust smoothly to school life in Australia and gain confidence in speaking English. Currently, we have 34 international students whose diverse backgrounds create a vibrant and inclusive environment.
At The Cathedral School, our student diversity is like a beautiful mosaic, with each nationality adding a unique element to our community.
Join us and become part of this dynamic and supportive family!
International Students Enrolled at The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James, current as of July 2024.
International Boarding Student Scholarship
To celebrate the return of International students post-COVID The Cathedral School is offering International Boarding Student Scholarships. Scholarships are open to International Boarding Students commencing at Cathedral in Years 7 to 10 in 2024, enrolled in either Study Aboard or CRICOS registered Courses.
International Student Guide
Welcome to the capital of the north and Australia’s largest tropical city, the perfect destination to have a truly authentic Australian experience.
Townsville is a safe and welcoming community for international students looking for a quality education in a supportive and beautiful environment. Known for year-round sunshine and clear blue skies, locals enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, keeping active and exploring Australia’s renowned natural attractions; reef, rainforest, and rural landscapes.
Townsville is a thriving community and offers unlimited opportunities for our youth to engage, learn and grow into well-rounded adults.
Download our Internation Student Guide to find out more about Townsville and The Cathedral School.
Graduate here and go anywhere!
Graduate with a world-recognised secondary school qualification.
Primary Years Prep – Year 6: 072635B
Junior Secondary Year 7 – Year 10: 099589C
Senior Secondary Year 11 – Year 12: 099590K
The Cathedral School’s CRICOS registered Courses are for students wishing to
graduate with an Australian Secondary School qualification and enter University in Australia or abroad.
Short-Term Programs
Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse experience of The Cathedral School, Townsville through our exceptional International Short-Term Programs. Discover the wonders of studying abroad in Australia with our unique range of programs, ranging from one term to an entire year.
Engage in an Australian school experience designed to foster independence, maturity, and cultural exchange, all within a safe and supportive environment—while enhancing your English skills.
Entry Requirements
The Cathedral School will consider enrolment applications from students wishing to apply for a Student Visa, subject to compliance with minimum requirements and conditions set by the School, and with legislative requirements of the State of Queensland and the Commonwealth of Australia, including any requirements to undertake extra tuition to learn English to meet the English language proficiency standard needed to enter mainstream classes.
English as a Second Language Program (Year 7 to Year 10).
The Cathedral School offers an ESL Program from Year 7 to Year 10 at no additional cost, integrated within the mainstream school. The ESL program focuses on improving grammar, vocabulary, and the four macro skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, ensuring students can achieve their full potential in all subjects. The ESL Program is mandatory for all International Students from Year 7 to Year 10.
Year Level of Entry |
English Level |
School Academic Grades |
School Behaviour
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
IELTS Test |
AEAS Test |
|||
Year 7 |
4.0, no score below 3.5 | 50 | Pass English, Math, Science | Above average |
Years 8 and 9 |
4.5, no score below 4.0 | 60 | Pass English, Math, Science | Above average |
Year 10 |
5.5, no score below 5.0 | 65 | Pass English, Math, Science | Above average |
Year 11 |
6.0, no score below 6.0 | 70 | Pass English, Math, Science | Above average |
Country, Age & Year Level Conversions
The Conversion Guide is for students coming from Canada, China, New Zealand, Thailand, UK, USA, or Vietnam.
International Students Application Process
To apply for International Enrolment at The Cathedral School, please follow these steps:
Step 1
Apply online. Upload passport, school reports, English test, diagnosis, medical reports. Pay $300 (non-refundable).
Step 2
The application is reviewed and the student attends an enrolment interview via video link.
Step 3
Successful applicants receive a Letter of Offer, Written Agreement, and Invoice.
Step 4
To accept, sign and return the Written Agreement and pay the Confirmation Fee (invoiced amount) within 14 days.
Step 5
School will issue CoE, CaaW, and OSHC Policy.
Step 6
Apply for a student visa. Once received, send the school a copy of the Visa Grant Notice.
Step 7
A complete enrolment package will be sent to you before commencement.
Step 8
Arrive at Townsville Airport on Boarders’ Travel Day. Free airport transfer to school.
Step 9
Attend Orientation.
How To Guide: Using our Online Enrolment Application Form
Testimonials
I am doing very well at The Cathedral School, and am being well looked after. The school is great fun and the first six weeks have flown by. My host family is super nice and we have already done a lot together. I feel very much at home here in Australia. And I could easily get used to the sea in front of the house! There are very nice people at school and I’ve already made a group of friends. They are all great and fun. Townsville is fantastic because it has beautiful weather, a great beach, delicious restaurants, and much more.
The Cathedral school is a great school. There are many friends and kind teachers. At breaktime you can play handball which is a popular game in school. I loved playing handball with my friends, we had great fun. There is a big lagoon with ducks which you can enjoy sitting around or just walk along side. The Cathedral School has big trees and a huge sporting complex as well as a library called the Wonder Hub which you can read fun books with your friends. You can learn how to swim in HP class in the hot summer too. I hope you enjoy The Cathedral School.
International Boarding Student Scholarship
WELCOMING BACK OUR INTERNATIONAL BOARDERS!
To celebrate the return of International students post-COVID The Cathedral School is offering International Boarding Student Scholarships. Scholarships are open to International Boarding Students commencing at Cathedral in Years 7 to 10 in 2024, enrolled in either Study Aboard or CRICOS registered Courses.
An International Scholarship Student is considered an exceptional scholar of good character. It is expected they will make a notable contribution to the school community. As a recipient of an International Boarding Student Scholarship, students are required to maintain a high commitment to their studies and participate broadly in the school program in order they maximise their opportunities.
Harmony Tree International Speech Festival (HTISF)
The Cathedral School is an Educational Member and Globally Recognised Institution of HTISF.
Harmony Tree International Speech Festival (HTISF) is a Drama & Speech competition hosted by Harmony Tree Canada. This annual event aims to provide a valuable out-of-classroom experience for students aged 4-18 across Asia through poetry, literature, public speaking, and theatre. HTISF is more than just a competition. It is an inspiring journey that students continue to grow and flourish. Its qualifications, recognised by top-class institutions worldwide, foster a global perspective for students and provide a significant platform for them to learn and shine.
Uniforms & Stationery
All uniforms and stationery items required by students are available at The School Locker Garbutt store, Shop 6/161 Duckworth Street, Domain Central (near Bunnings). For international and boarding students, it is recommended to order uniforms and stationery through The School Locker, and have it delivered directly to the school campus for collection upon arrival. For more information, visit the Uniforms and Booklist pages below.
Boarders’ Travel Day
Boarders’ Travel Day occurs eight times yearly, on the day before and after each term. This day ensures that Boarding and International students arrive or depart on the same day, allowing time for transfer to or from their chosen accommodation.
Depending on flight availability, students travelling through Townsville Airport should book their flights in advance and schedule them for mid-morning on Boarders’ Travel Day. The school offers complimentary airport-to-campus transfers for students who send their travel itineraries in advance.
Early or late arrivals and departures are not permitted.
For international arrivals and departures, Brisbane Airport is recommended as the transfer destination in Australia. A direct flight from Brisbane to Townsville takes approximately two hours.
Orientation
Orientation is a vital process for new students at Cathedral. Students will receive relevant information from the Head of School regarding orientation tours for Junior, Middle, and Senior School students. Orientation is compulsory for International Students.
International Student Orientation Guide
The Cathedral School welcomes all new International Students to an informative tour of the school after settling into your accommodation.
When you arrive, please report to the Registrar (International Student Coordinator). After you settle into your accommodation, we’ll start your orientation as soon as possible. This includes a school tour and introductions to key staff. You’ll also get your course orientation, which covers your subjects, timetable, and student diary.
Orientation Activities
Campus Tour:
- Accommodation, dining, and laundry facilities
- Staff offices
- Classrooms
- Library/Learning Hub
- Student Health Centre
- Recreation and sports areas
Meet Relevant School Leaders:
- Registrar/International Student Coordinator
- Boarding House staff (or homestay coordinator)
- Tutor and Dean (pastoral care providers)
- Head of School
- Director of Studies
- Careers Advisor
- ESL teacher
- Health Centre staff & School Counsellor
Understanding Your Schedule:
- Learn how to use your timetable and student diary
- Get advice from your Tutor and student buddy
- Meet other students, including fellow international students, and share any concerns or fears
Student Essentials:
- Get your student card (needed for bank accounts, library access, and more)
- Familiarise yourself with services you may need off-campus
Support System
You’ll be paired with one or two student buddies to help you get comfortable with the school routines. Additionally, a designated staff member (your Tutor) will oversee your orientation. Remember, orientation for international students is compulsory.
Welcome to our school! We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Policies
Please ensure you have read and understood the below policies.
Education Agents
Students applying to enrol at The Cathedral School may deal directly with the school registrar or may use the services of one of our approved education agents.
List of approved agents
AAS Education Consultancy
Will Kwong
Room 1708, Grand Plaza Office Tower Two, 625 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, HONG KONG
+852-2323-3287
enquiry@aas.com.hk
Recruiting in: Hong Kong & China
Aston Education
Dahlia Leng
5th floor Office Plus @ Wanchai 303 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, HONG KONG
+852-2866-9933
info@aston.edu.hk
Recruiting in: Hong Kong & China
Australia Education Consultancy Limited (AEC)
Emily Cheung
1402 Causeway Bay Plaza 1, 489 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, HONG KONG
+852-2598-6166
info@aecl.com.hk
Recruiting in: Hong Kong, Macau, China, Australia
Avenue To Success Co., Ltd.
Nhi Tran
Level 6, 55 Truong Quoc Dung Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM
+84-28-39333266
ats.info@ats.org.vn
Recruiting to: Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia
Bright Can-Achieve Ltd
Susan Liu
B1705, Jian Wai SOHO, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100022, China
(+86-10)-5869-0554
intlanz@can-achieve.com
Recruiting in: Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia
Dadi Education Group
Regan Chung
Unit 702-703, 7/F, T.O.P Mall, 700 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, HONG KONG
+852-2314-8312
commission@dadi.com.hk
Recruiting in: Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Malaysia
Duc Anh Overseas Study Advisory & Translation Company Limited
Ms. Nham Thi Hong Lu
54-56 Tue Tinh Street Hai Ba Trung District, Ha Noi, VIETNAM
84-98870-9698
lucy@ducanh.edu.vn
Recruiting to: Vietnam & Laos
Dr Pankaj Arora
4/19 Ellingworth Pde, Box Hill, VIC 3128
0407 854 426
director@eduleader.com.au
Recruiting to: North Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Vietnam
High School Australia/Australian Experience
Anne Stewart
62 Bryan Street, Sunshine Beach QLD 4567 AUSTRALIA
+61-7-30402826
anne@highschool-australia.de
Recruiting in: Europe
Hong Kong Overseas Studies Centre Ltd.
Jimmy Wong
1229-1230 Star House, 3 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, HONG KONG
852-2730-2068
education@hkosc.com.hk
Recruiting in: Hong Kong, Macau, China
International Experience
Kevin & Thomas Gillner
Amselweg 20, 53797 Lohmar, GERMANY
49-(0)2246-91549-16
a.bauer@international-experience.net
Recruiting in: Germany, Switzerland, Austria & Spain
ISEC Taipei
Sally Huang
5F, No. 206, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Road, Da’an District, Taipei City 106, TAIWAN
886-(2)-7746-3535
taipei@isec.com.tw
Recruiting to: Taiwan
LINKEDU Overseas Education
Adrian NG
8/F, Chinachem Tower, 34-37 Connaught Road Central, HONG KONG
852-2157-3822
admin@linkedu.hk
Recruiting to: Hong Kong, Thailand
Maxway Education Group Limited
Ophelia Lee
Room 2108 Dominion Center, 46-59 Queen’s Road East, Admiralty, HONG KONG
852-2110-3342
cs@myfindschools.net
Recruiting to: Hong Kong
Nexsis Japan Co Ltd
Kyoko Takahashi
202, Hakuun Bldg 2-2-23, Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka, Shi, Osaka, JAPAN
+81 6 6456 3061
kyoko@nexsis.jp
Recruiting in: Japan
Shifft Pty Ltd
Sauni Ogomeni
8 Justin Street, Balgal Beach, QLD, 4816
+61-(0)475-434-990
saunipogomeni48@gmail.com
Recruiting to: Papua New Guinea
Seablue Recruitment JSC
Ms. Van Nguyen
14th Floor, HM Town Building, 412 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
+84-906-977-267
partner@seablue.edu.vn
Recruiting to: Vietnam, Taiwan
Study Central
Miss Cheng Pei Yang (Judy)
Suite 1 Level 2/533 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia
+61-2-8065-6085
judy@studycentral.com.au
Recruiting to: Taiwan, Thailand
Time Study Pty Ltd
Jaehyunn Lee
Suite 804, 343 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
+61-3-9670-6692
eddie@timest.com.au
Recruiting to: South Korea & Australia
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Educating for life-long success.
154 Ross River Road, Mundingburra QLD 4812