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International Students

Academic Distinction.
Global Possibilities.

At TIGS, we proudly offer an International Student Programme which deeply enriches the school experience for all. Our Centre for English provides courses that assist students to develop their English language skills so they can achieve academically and participate fully in the community, and the School’s Homestay Programme provides students with a home away from home, where they seamlessly take part in the broader Wollongong culture.

Our School

Opened in 1959, TIGS is an independent co-educational Anglican day school located on the eastern coast of New South Wales in the City of Wollongong, approximately 70km south of Sydney. TIGS is a dynamic educational centre that encourages each student to pursue the highest level of academic excellence, personal achievement and fulfilment of which they are capable. We aim to encourage independent thought and serious study, a high level of personal presentation and responsibility, the ability to lead and work with others, and develop individual talents and interests.

Curriculum

STUDYING ENGLISH AT TIGS

STUDYING ENGLISH AT TIGS

TIGS also offers English language tuition within our Senior School for International Students. The course combines intensive English language study with English for specific Australian Senior School subjects. While studying this course, International Students are integrated with TIGS students as they participate in activities as part of the academic, cultural, sporting and social life of the School.

Engaging Curriculum

Engaging Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to equip and encourage students to achieve their personal best according to their interests and abilities. With first-class teaching and a reputation for excellence, TIGS has developed a robust curriculum which is specifically tailored to the interests and needs of our students. Our approach is both agile and innovative, allowing our students to pursue varied pathways aligned to their talents, interests and goals in a stimulating and challenging learning environment. TIGS students will undertake deep learning, become more culturally aware, develop their ability to think independently and apply their learning to both local and global issues.

Extensive Co-Curricular Opportunities

Extensive Co-Curricular Opportunities

TIGS students have access to the Illawarra’s most extensive Co-Curricular Programmes from Junior School through to Senior School. Our Co-Curricular Programme complements the School’s core curriculum and encourages students to pursue their passion. The School offers a diverse range of activities including sports, community service, visual and performing arts, academic challenge, language and culture clubs, chess, outdoor education and overseas tours.

Academic Excellence

Academic Excellence

Students at TIGS excel across a range of disciplines including their core academic subjects, as leaders and through sport and the arts. Each student is supported to achieve their personal best in a culture of high effort and achievement. TIGS students regularly feature in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) Merit Lists which recognise the top Year 12 achievers in NSW. Approximately 90% to 95% of our Year 12 students are typically accepted into university. Band 6 results, indicating the highest level of performance, were achieved across 24 different subjects in 2018. This demonstrates the exceptional depth of teaching and support that equips students to excel across many disciplines at TIGS.

Exceptional Teaching

Exceptional Teaching

Teacher quality has a profound impact on learning. Our staff are of the highest calibre, handpicked for their extensive level of expertise and dedication, providing your child with the ideal environment to achieve their best. 95% of families at TIGS rank the quality of teaching as the main reason they chose to send their children to our school.

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Homestay

Homestay offers a unique opportunity for students to experience Australian lifestyle and culture in a safe, friendly and caring ‘home away from home’ environment, as well as the opportunity to practice their English in real-life situations. Our international students are accommodated in carefully selected homestays with either a TIGS family or a family from the local community. These families are reputable and provide quality accommodation. To ensure our students are provided with a safe and caring environment, all our families undergo regular insurance and police checks. We interview and inspect all families in their homes prior to their being accepted as homestay families and on an ongoing basis, in order to ensure high standards are maintained. Our Homestay Coordinator is available to deal with any problems that may arise. Transport to school is available from all homestay locations.

Interested in hosting a student?  Homestay for students of The Illawarra Grammar School is managed by UOW College Homestay. For further information or to register, contact the College.

Study English at TIGS

The Illawarra Grammar School offers English language tuition to high school age international students.

The School’s Centre for English provides a high quality English course to prepare students for the Senior School.

The Centre for English is located within
the TIGS campus giving students full access to all TIGS facilities and support services.

Our High School Preparation (HSP) Course teaches the English and academic skills that students need to be successful in high school in Australia.

The course combines intensive English language study with English for specific Australian high school subjects. Time is allocated to focus on Australian study methods and techniques.

While studying at the Centre for English, students are integrated with TIGS students, participating in activities as part of the academic, cultural, sporting and social life of the School. Where appropriate, students are placed in Mathematics classes in the mainstream, this interaction increases confidence and helps students adapt to life in the School.

The course also includes study in the library, computer and internet skills, project work, self study and educational excursions.

Our Courses

Previous ELICOS – ENGLISH FOR HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION PRIMARY JUNIOR SECONDARY SENIOR SECONDARY Next

Duration: 10-30 weeks
Level: Elementary to Upper Intermediate
Hours: 26.5 per week
Course Code 059794G

Kindergarten to Year 6
Duration: 7 years
Course Code 041427M

Year 7 to Year 10
Duration: 4 years
Course Code 041428K

Years 11 and 12
Duration: 2 years
Course Code 041429J

About Wollongong

Wollongong is one of Australia’s most liveable regional cities located just one hour south of Sydney CBD and the international airport. It is the third largest city in New South Wales, and the tenth largest city
in Australia. Located in a narrow coastal strip, Wollongong is home to over 300,000 residents, beautiful landscapes and one of Australia’s best universities, the University of Wollongong.

Wollongong is the heart of the Illawarra Region enjoying a magnificent natural environment from rainforests to spectacular sea cliffs and unspoilt beaches. It has a mild, sunny coastal climate with winter temperatures averaging 17 degrees and a summer average of 27 degrees tempered with sea breezes. Most rainfall occurs between February and June.

Key economic sectors include manufacturing, education, technology, research and development, coal mining, retail services, tourism, port activities, health and community services.

Download the International Student Programme Brochure

The Illawarra Grammar School has consistently maintained a fine reputation as a leading choice for both local and international parents in their desire
to provide the best education for their child. We welcomes applications from students living in other countries who wish to study in Australia.

English

SIMPLIFIED CHINESE

TRADITIONAL CHINESE

Japanese

Korean

Thai

Vietnamese

 

How to Apply

Previous Enrolment Procedure English Language Requirement Australian Government Legislation Next

STEP 1: Click the below button to be taken to our online application form. You will be required to submit this form along with:
• Copy of applicant’s two most recent school reports.
• Copy of applicant’s birth certificate or passport
• Copy of English testing results.
• Letter of recommendation from the Principal of the applicant’s present school, if readily obtainable.
• Copies of recent references.
• Non-refundable application fee.

Receipt of the Application for Enrolment by the School does not mean that a place will be available for the applicant.  In all instances the final decision concerning the enrolment of an international student rests with the Principal.


STEP 2: The School will require any proposed student to attend an interview with a nominated agent of the School in the student’s home country, via Skype with a nominated person from the School, or in person at the School if in Australia.

STEP 3: Successful applicants will be provided with a Letter of Offer.
To accept the offer of a place at The Illawarra Grammar School, the following must be forwarded to the School:
• payment of fees as requested on the Letter of Offer
• signed Acceptance of Offer

An electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) will be issued on receipt of the above.
The School’s official Letter of Offer, together with the Confirmation of Enrolment should be used to support an application for a student visa.

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International students should complete English and ability testing through Australian Education Assessment Services (AEAS) or other testing agencies approved by the School.

To enter Year 7 to Year 10 students must have a minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 5.0, or equivalent.

To enter Year 11 students must have a minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 5.5, or equivalent.

In extenuating circumstances, students may be allowed to enter Year 11 at the discretion of the Principal.

Students who do not meet the English language requirement as detailed above, may be offered a place in the School’s Centre for English to study ELICOS until a sufficient English level, as determined by the School, is achieved.

The Australian Government wants overseas students in Australia to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding place to study.  Australia’s laws promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students.  These laws are known as the ESOS framework and they include the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code 2018.

It is important that students are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the ESOS framework before accepting an education provider’s offer of a place and forwarding their fees.  ESOS framework information can be found here.

Additional Resources

Conditions of Entry Business Notices International
Download
ESOS Student Fact Sheet
Download
TIGS UOW Agreement
Download
2024 International Student Agent List
PDF
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2024 International Student Programme – Fee Schedule
PDF
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2024 International Student Programme – Homestay Rates
PDF
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2024 International Student Programme -Tertiary Destinations
PDF
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