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Curriculum Australian Curriculum, IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Mandarin, French, Japanese, Indonesian, Spanish
Strengths STEM, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
Glenunga International High School is a public secondary school in Adelaide offering a diverse, modern curriculum for students aged 12 to 18. In Years 7–10, the school follows the Australian Curriculum, while Years 11–12 can pursue the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Students may combine Vocational Education and Training with SACE studies. The school also offers a bespoke curriculum that supports 21st‑century skills and international mindedness, with IB courses a distinguished feature since the early 1990s. The campus includes the Learning Hub, a flexible resource center with staff support, and The Pod, a multidisciplinary space for academic, social and emotional wellbeing. The Wellbeing space, and on‑site dining through Rory's School Lunches, underline a strong pastoral program. Extracurriculars are extensive, including STEM clubs, language groups, arts showcases and community service initiatives, reflecting a culture of student leadership and global engagement for curious, global learners.
Glenunga International High School has 2,340 pupils, instruction in English.
Location
99 L'Estrange Street, Glenunga, South Australia 5064. Located in the suburb of Glenunga within the Adelaide metropolitan area. The campus map highlights key facilities including the New Gymnasium, Old Gymnasium, Science, Technology & Learning Building, Arts Quadrangle, Rod Pike Area, Performing Arts Centre, Reception/Administration, Student Services and Margret Bond and Webb Ovals.
Stages
Years 7 to 12
Type
Public high school
Pupil Nationality Mix
101 different cultural backgrounds from 67 different countries of birth; international students and study tours are hosted.
School day structure
Timetable: 10-day cycle. Students arrive at 8:30am every day except Wednesdays when they arrive at 9:45am. Students finish at 3:25pm every day unless they have a Line 0 class. Line 0 classes run from 3:35pm to 5:15pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Fees
Application fees
- There is no separate one‑off application fee listed for international enrolment; an Administration and Support Service Fee of AUD 720 is charged in the first year for international students and an Annual Support Service Fee of AUD 370 applies in subsequent years.
Tuition fees (international students) — annual and per term
- High School Graduate Program (Years 7–10): Annual tuition AUD 15,880 — equivalent to AUD 3,970 per term (4 terms per year). - High School Graduate Program (Years 11–12): Annual tuition AUD 17,440 — equivalent to AUD 4,360 per term. - Primary (Reception–Year 6) annual tuition AUD 12,960 — equivalent to AUD 3,240 per term. - Study Abroad Program (term‑by‑term fee options): Years 7–10 — 1 term AUD 9,768; 2 terms AUD 18,256; 3 terms AUD 26,744; 4 terms AUD 35,231. Years 11–12 — 1 term AUD 10,158; 2 terms AUD 19,036; 3 terms AUD 27,914; 4 terms AUD 36,791. Regional Study Abroad Program (Years 7–12) — 1 term AUD 8,788; 2 terms AUD 17,276; 3 terms AUD 25,764; 4 terms AUD 34,251. Primary Study Abroad Program (Reception–Year 6) — 1 term AUD 4,418; 2 terms AUD 7,856; 3 terms AUD 11,294; 4 terms AUD 14,731.
Domestic (Australian resident) fees and charges
- Materials and Services Charge for 2026: AUD 1,025 (approved by the Governing Council). Additional subject charges and other activity charges are billed separately. Selected subject fees are invoiced once per semester after subjects are finalised; other additional charges (sports, excursions, camps) occur throughout the year.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- International students: term commencement dates and application/payment windows are set each year; payment deadlines for an individual offer are shown on the Letter of Offer. The Letter of Offer payment deadline is calculated as 60 days from the date of issue (or 7 days if the course commencement is less than 60 days away). Term commencement dates for 2026 are published (Term 1: 27 January 2026; Term 2: 27 April 2026; Term 3: 20 July 2026; Term 4: 12 October 2026) and the Letter of Offer will show the initial payment deadline. - Domestic families: subject fees are invoiced in Semester 1 and Semester 2; additional activities (camps, excursions, sports) are invoiced when organised. An instalment plan is available (fortnightly or monthly direct debit via bank account or credit card); the instalment plan must be established at the start of the school year by completing the school's Direct Debit Instalment Form.
Boarding / Homestay
- The school does not provide on‑campus boarding; international students use homestay accommodation arranged and managed by South Australian Government Schools – International Education Services (IES). Homestay fees (per week) are: Single room AUD 360; Shared room AUD 300. Homestay changeover and placement fees and other accommodation charges apply (for example Homestay Changeover Fee AUD 200; Accommodation Services Fee AUD 200).
Other costs and common additional charges
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC, single cover for 12 months): AUD 791 (rate noted as at 30 September 2024). - SACE enrolment/assessment/certification fees for Year 11/12: Stage 1 annual fee AUD 517; Stage 2 annual fee AUD 1,138 (non‑refundable). - Typical additional school costs (approximate): stationery AUD 150 per year; school and sports uniform AUD 250–AUD 600; school excursions AUD 50–AUD 100 per year; school camps AUD 100–AUD 300 per year; scientific/graphics calculators AUD 50–AUD 200; laptop or external storage where required (varies by school). Subject‑specific or special interest program fees may apply.
Refund information (international students)
- Visa refusal: full refund of fees paid less the Administration and Support Service Fee (per family). Withdrawal by student prior to course commencement: if the student withdraws 6 weeks or more before commencement, all paid fees (excluding the Administration and Support Service Fee) are refunded less a AUD 500 administration charge; if withdrawal is less than 6 weeks before commencement, tuition fees and Administration and Support Service Fee are not refunded and other specific non‑refundable items apply. Cancellation by student after commencement: remaining OSHC and homestay fees may be refunded less a AUD 500 administration charge; tuition fees and the Administration and Support Service Fee are not refunded. Refund requests must be made in writing with evidence within 12 months of exiting the international student program; refunds are processed within four weeks of receipt of the written application (or within 14 days if the Department is unable to deliver the course). Detailed refund conditions, including treatment of homestay placement fees, airport reception and other items, are set out in the Department's refund table.
Fee payment options
- Accepted payment channels: the school's secure BPoint online payment system; by phone; or in person at the school Finance office window during school hours. Instalment plans are available (direct debit from bank account or credit card). There is no option for BPAY or BSB bank transfer for school payments; payments for activities, sports and excursions occur via EdSmart or Trybooking links when arranged. Contact the Finance Team for instalment plan setup and enquiries.
(End of fee overview.)
Academics
Glenunga International High School teaches Australian Curriculum, IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 12 to 18.
Curriculum
A broad-based, 21st Century curriculum is offered. Years 7–10 study the Australian Curriculum; Years 11–12 study either the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. Students can also combine Vocational Education and Training (VET) with their SACE studies.
Exam Results
Year 12 SACE results: 54% of results in the A band; 48 SACE merits; 100% SACE completion. Year 12 IB results: 51 IB merits; 93.60 median ATAR for IB students; 34% of IB students scored 40/45 or above.
Higher Education Progression
84% chose a university pathway.
Gifted and Talented
Ignite is Glenunga's specialist program for gifted and talented students.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Ignite program supports students with high intellectual potential and focuses on building social and emotional skills. Ignite fosters socio-emotional maturity through mentor groups and personalised learning pathways, with emphasis on 21st-century capabilities such as Creative and Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Citizenship and Character. The Wellbeing Framework emphasises connectedness, inclusion, emotional engagement and student agency, supported by the Wellbeing Team and The POD (Learner Support). LEAPPB provides emotion regulation and social development as part of the Holistic Education Curriculum.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The POD is a centralised space which provides specialised learner and positive behavioural support for a range of students. The POD, in partnership with the Inclusive Education Team, provides personalised interventions for students with verified disabilities, those with additional learning needs, diverse abilities and students requiring support with their emotional and social development. The Wellbeing Team links with Sub School Leaders to ensure needs are met through case management, learning support and wellbeing programs.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is included in the curriculum and is listed among Year 8–12 offerings alongside English Language and Literature and other language subjects.
Mental Wellbeing
The Wellbeing Team provides one-on-one or small group counselling, psychological interventions, mentoring and targeted wellbeing programs. Proactive programs include StressLess (anxiety-management), Elevate (improved student connectedness) and EQuip (social skills for neurodivergent students). The team works with Sub Schools and external agencies to support students' emotional and social development.
Safeguarding
safeguarding is embedded in Glenunga's approach through the Wellbeing Team and The POD, which provide personalised interventions and connect students to external services as needed. The POD acts as a centralised, flexible learning space to accommodate individual student needs and to safeguard wellbeing and behaviour across the school.
Admissions
Admissions
Entry is zone-based. Living in the Glenunga International High School zone makes a student eligible for entry. Outside-zone entry is possible for two special programs: the International Baccalaureate Diploma (Years 11–12) and the Ignite program (Years 7–8), with a Capacity Management Plan reserving spaces for outside-zone entrants. Eligibility for entry includes: living in the GIHS zone; acceptance into the IGNITE program (Year 7–8); identification as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander through Enter for Success (by the end of Term 4); special or extenuating circumstances (including a child in care under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017); and up to 10 outside-zone entrants to study the IB Diploma in Year 11–12.
FAQs
What year levels does Glenunga International High School serve?
Glenunga serves Year 7 to Year 12. It is a public secondary school in Adelaide, South Australia, with over 2,340 students from 101 cultural backgrounds.
What curriculum pathways are available?
Years 7-10 follow the Australian Curriculum. In Years 11-12, students can choose the SACE or the IB Diploma Programme. VET can be combined with SACE studies for vocational pathways.
What are the academic results?
SACE results show 54% A-band grades, 48 merits, and 100% completion. IB students achieved a median ATAR of 93.60, with 34% scoring 40/45 or above and 51 IB merits.
Is there a gifted and talented programme?
Yes, the Ignite programme is Glenunga's specialist offering for gifted and talented students. Entry requires testing, and the programme fosters 21st-century skills and socio-emotional development.
What languages are taught?
French, Chinese, and Japanese are taught from Year 8 to Year 12. Additional languages including Spanish, Indonesian, Hindi, Serbian, German, and Arabic may be available through the SA School of Languages.
What learning support is available?
The POD provides centralised support for students with disabilities, additional learning needs, and those requiring social-emotional development. The Inclusive Education Team delivers personalised interventions and learning support plans.
What wellbeing support is provided?
The Wellbeing Team offers counselling, psychological interventions, and targeted programmes including StressLess for anxiety, Elevate for student connectedness, and EQuip for neurodivergent students.
How diverse is the student body?
Students come from 101 different cultural backgrounds and 67 countries of birth. The school hosts international students and study tours, creating a genuinely multicultural learning environment.
How do I apply for enrolment?
Entry is zone-based for local students. Out-of-zone entry is available for the IB Diploma in Years 11-12 and the Ignite programme in Years 7-8. A Capacity Management Plan reserves places for zone students.
What co-curricular activities are offered?
Activities include Vex Robotics, debating, mock trials, coding, chess, philosophy clubs, Music Gala performances, drama showcases, and inter-house sport competitions.
What is the school day like?
Students arrive at 8:30am daily except Wednesdays (9:45am) and finish at 3:25pm. The school runs a 10-day timetable cycle with optional Line 0 classes before regular hours.
What is the school's history?
The school traces its roots to 1903 as the Preparatory School of the SA School of Mines and Industries. It relocated to Glenunga in 1963 and has held CIS accreditation since 2003.
Does the school have a house system?
Yes, there are four houses with House and Spirit Captains leading activities throughout the year, including inter-house sport, Sports Day, and swimming carnivals.
