Sub topics

• Lifestyle
• Main Population Centres
• Infrastructure
• Agriculture
• Education
• Health Services

Education

Tasmania has a reputation for its high standard education system, which provides a stimulating, safe learning environment.

Pre-Tertiary Education

Tasmania has approximately 220 public schools and colleges, offering primary and secondary education for 76 per cent of students. The remaining 24 per cent of students attend Tasmania's independent schools, which have a strong tradition of academic excellence.

There is a three tiered system that provides academic opportunities to all ages. Schooling is compulsory from age five to 16. All teachers in Tasmanian schools are university-trained in education and teaching practice. All schools are computer networked and the state is working to ensure that all students have access to the Internet.

In summary:

• Children start primary school at five to six years of age. Primary school continues to year six.
• Secondary high school includes years seven to 10.
• Compulsory education finishes at age 16, by which time most students have completed year 10.
• Higher School Certification (years 11-12) is normally completed at matriculation colleges located at Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie. Completion of year 12 provides students with a Tertiary Entrance Score, which is used to gain entry to university.

A free school bus service takes children from outlying areas to school up to Year 12.

The Tasmanian Open Learning Service caters for students who live in remote areas of the state, or are educated at home for other reasons.

TAFE Tasmania

The Institute of TAFE Tasmania (Technical and Further Education) is the state's largest registered vocational education and training organisation. It offers more than 450 courses at certificate, diploma and advanced diploma level.

Trade training and further education is available at colleges located in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, and Burnie. Apprentices from outlying areas normally attend TAFE colleges on a "block release" system a number of times each year.

Diploma and advanced diploma graduates can gain one to two years' credit towards Australian university degrees, depending on the specialisation. Credit transfer is aligned to the Australian Qualifications Training Network (AQTF), a nationally agreed pathway. The institute is part of the national TAFE network, delivering training to an internationally recognised standard.

University of Tasmania

The University of Tasmania is one of Australia's oldest universities and is ranked in the top 10 universities for research in Australia.

The university has campuses in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. The 13,000 students are able to study a very wide range of subjects including information systems, law, pharmacy, medicine, commerce, science and architecture.

Disciplines that take advantage of Tasmania's characteristics and location are also available, such as applied science (agriculture), aquaculture and native environment and wilderness studies.

The Universities dairy research activities focus on production, quality and persistence of pastures, nutrient management, water quality, irrigated forage crops, feed production systems and biological control of pests and weeds. The expertise of scientists in this program includes pasture and crop agronomy, soil and plant nutrition and entomology.

For more information regarding dairy research visit the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research.

Australian Maritime College

The Australian Maritime College is located in Launceston. It is the nation's leading institution for studies in shipping and fisheries industries. The college is a national centre for research and development and attracts students from throughout the Asia-Pacific region.