Senior high school years

As your child’s schooling years are coming to an end, you can help them navigate their next steps.

There are benefits to completing school. Students that complete year 12, or equivalent vocational education and training (VET), have a better chance of:

  • completing further study or training
  • getting a job
  • being paid higher wages
  • being prepared for future challenges.

Exploring career pathways

Making a career choice while still at school, and choosing subjects to work towards it, can be difficult.

There are tips about getting ready for jobs, careers, further study and training on the Raising Children website.

Find more school leavers support on the Your Career website.

Age to leave school

If your child wants to leave school early, it’s a good idea to speak to a school careers counsellor. There may be other options, like doing an apprenticeship. Your school may also offer VET courses.

The age your child can leave school depends on your state or territory. The Youth Law Australia website explains the options for each state. These links will take you away from myGov.

State or territory Resource
ACT Age to leave school in ACT
NSW Age to leave school in NSW
NT Age to leave school in NT
Qld Age to leave school in Qld
SA Age to leave school in SA
Tas Age to leave school in Tas
Vic Age to leave school in Vic
WA Age to leave school in WA

Help in your language

The School Leavers Information Kit is available in other languages on the Your Career website.

Page last updated: 14 April 2023