Program Summary:
- Program: Classic program
- Program length: Short and Long programs
- Vaccinations: Yes
- Discounts and Scholarship: Yes
- Language criteria: No
- Language course: No
- Soft Landing Camp: Yes
Classic Program
If you are looking for a cultural experience for 2-3 months, or an Academic Semester or Year, our Classic program will match you with a welcoming host family and place you in a nearby school. We find the host family and choose the school, and you can enjoy what they have to offer while immersing yourself in local culture.
Perfect for students who:
* Who can be more flexible in where and what they study
* Want to have a cultural experience
* Interested in joining sports, clubs, and activities
* Grow as a person and improve language skills
Classic Program Information
Age and eligibility
Students need to be aged at least 16 years at the start of the school year. Available for 16-17 year old students.
Language criteria
None
Program length
UK offer 3 months or Semester (5-6 months) programs due to visa restrictions. Students can be accepted on a 10 month program in January or September of each year if an EU passport is held.
Area Choice options are available on this program
Schools
In the United Kingdom, there are various types of high schools and colleges to choose from. Depending on the program you select, you may attend a Vocational College, Grammar School, or the more commonly found Sixth Form College. When enrolling, you’ll be placed in classes that match your level and prior knowledge. While Math and English are mandatory subjects, you generally have the freedom to choose your own subjects.
The British school year consists of three semesters that begin in September, January, and April. As an exchange student, your start date will be either in September or January.
Visa
UK offer 3 months or Semester (5-6 months) programs only due to visa restrictions. Students can be accepted on a 10 month program in January or September of each year if an EU passport is held.
Students traveling on Australian & New Zealand passports, with programs up to 90 days, generally travel as “tourists” and do not need to apply for a visa prior departure. However, for programs extending beyond the 90-day period (including Semester & Academic Year programs), students are usually required to apply for the necessary visa.
Program Coordinators will provide the essential visa documents so students can lodge their visa application. Please note that Program Coordinators are not Registered Migration Agents and cannot represent the applicant. Program Coordinators will provide “guidance” where possible, however the responsibility of lodging the visa falls upon the student/parents. Visa application requirements differ per destination and, on top of the visa documents provided by your Program Coordinator, students will need to provide additional documents such as birth certificate, bank statements, police check certificate, passport photos, letter of parental consent, etc.
Visa application fees (set by the foreign Authority) fluctuate depending on the destination and may vary from $180 to $700. These costs exclude expenses such as translations, official stamps (Notary Public stamp, Apostille stamp), national police certificate, passports photos, express post envelopes, etc. In some cases, students must attend an in-person consulate / visa agency appointment, which may incur additional personal expenses for travel such as purchasing flights (Interstate flight or international flight if no representation in your home country), petrol costs, tolls, accommodation, etc.
Canada:
Students must have received their routine childhood vaccinations appropriate for their age. In addition, Canada requires full vaccination against Meningococcal (MenACWY). The Covid-19 vaccine is recommended but not mandatory.
USA:
Students must be up to date with their routine childhood vaccinations for their age group. Additionally, your host school in the USA will require further immunisations to meet national guidelines, such as the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine and a TB test conducted within six months before arrival. While Covid-19 vaccination is recommended, it is not mandatory.
Other Countries:
Students must be up to date with their standard childhood vaccinations. While the Covid-19 vaccine is recommended, it is not compulsory.
Classic Program Prices for United Kingdom
| Length | Arrive | Depart | Price AUD | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Year | Aug 30, 2025 | Jun 2026 Subject to school | $34,950 | Apr 30, 2025 |
| Academic Semester | Aug 30, 2025 | Jan 24, 2026 | $17,250 | Apr 30, 2025 |
| 3 Months | Aug 30, 2025 | Dec 20, 2025 | $15,950 | Apr 30, 2025 |
| Academic Semester | Jan 3, 2026 | May 30, 2026 | $17,250 | Sept 30, 2025 |
| 3 Months | Jan 3, 2026 | Mar 28, 2026 | $15,950 | Sept 30, 2025 |
Each destination has a budget for flights included in the fee. If flight costs are above this budgeted amount, a Flight Surcharge may apply. Please see our Money Matters page for program inclusions, the flight surcharge policy and other important pricing information.
Program start dates are indicative arrivals in the destination & students attending the Soft Landing Camp (if available) will depart earlier. Program start dates serve as approximate arrival dates at the destination and subject to change. We will notify you of your confirmed program dates ahead of time to prevent any confusion or inconvenience.
Scholarship & Early Bird Discount Application Deadlines
March 31, 2025: classic programs departing between October 2025 – March 2026
October 31, 2025: classic programs departing between April 2026 – September 2026
Find out more about Scholarships and Early Bird Discounts.
UK Classic High School Region and City Choices
| Classic Program + additional fee | Price AUD |
|---|---|
| Region Choice – Northern England | $1,395 |
| Region Choice – Midlands | $1,395 |
| Region Choice – Southern England | $1,395 |
| City Choice – Birmingham, England | $1,395 |
| City Choice – Brighton, England | $8,750 |
| City Choice – Liverpool, England | $6,595 |
| City Choice – Torquay, England | $6,595 |
Area requests are only charged once they are granted. Students applying for a Semester or Academic Year program to the UK have the option to choose the region they would like to live in during their exchange. If applicants are successfully placed in one of their preferred regions, then additional location fee will be applied to the normal program price. Location selection options are on a first come, first served basis, are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. Once all spots are filled, no additional location requests can be considered.
Soft Landing Camp in London
This Soft Landing Camp is optional and an additional fee of AU$1,195 pp.
Your exciting adventure in the UK can commence in the stunning city of London. During a three-night stay, you will join fellow incoming students from various parts of the world. This time in London will help prepare you for the upcoming year and ensure that you have a fantastic experience in this lively city. You will receive the best possible start to your high school exchange. This camp includes a Welcome, on campus games, workshops and activities. Students explore London with the team, have a quiz night, a cruise on the River Thames plus shopping and dinner in Covent Gardens!
Please note that the Soft Landing Camp is exclusively offered to students starting their exchange in September and involves an additional cost.
LIVE Online sessions
If you would like to find out more information on our programs, please register for one of our free LIVE Online sessions to:
- Meet our staff
- Hear comprehensive information on all aspects of exchange
- Ask questions
- See questions asked by other students and parents
Information evenings run for about an hour.
They are friendly, free and are the best way for us to address your specific questions in person.
Still considering where to go on exchange?
Please click and scroll across to see more destinations
Canada
Enjoy your exchange experience at an excellent high school in warm, welcoming and diverse Canada, the most multicultural country on earth! Extraordinary nature, vibrant cities and respected academic achievements for your future!
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France
Your high school exchange will show you why France is the world’s top tourist destination: rich historical sites, stunning nature, fantastic food and a vigorous debating tradition in a world language spoken by almost 100 million people!
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USA
Being a high school exchange student in the USA is like embarking on an adventure filled with new friendships, diverse cultures, and a world of educational opportunities. It’s an experience that broadens horizons and creates lasting memories.
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Argentina
Argentina is well-known for its natural scenery, modern cities and fashion but also for tradition and hospitality. It is an ideal destination for exchange.
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Denmark
Denmark is one of the happiest nations on earth with some of the best quality of life. Enjoy the hospitality along with an outstanding education system.
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Finland
There’s something pure in the Finnish air and spirit that’s incredibly vital and exciting; with the trendsetting modern capital of Helsinki counterbalanced by vast forested wildernesses in the north and east. Try something different on exchange in Finland.
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Germany
Your high school exchange in Europe’s economic powerhouse is a great opportunity to invest in your future while discovering rich German language and culture, an open, welcoming society and many stimulating experiences!
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Ireland
The Emerald Isle welcomes you in English and in Gaelic, to great schools, warm families, dynamic cities and close-knit small towns. Ireland has become a hotbed of innovation but remains rooted in rich traditions you will love!
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Italy
Spend your high school exchange in astonishing Italy, from beautiful medieval towns to mountains and seashore; discover capital cities of design; enjoy fabulous farm-to-table food, and learn the world’s most romantic language!
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Netherlands
Who hasn’t heard of Amsterdam, the capital of culture, coffee houses and canals? Its mesmerising beauty is hard to overestimate, and yet a surfeit of stunning metropoles are only hours, or even minutes, away by train.
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New Zealand
Beautiful, unique New Zealand is a remote destination with amazing natural beauty – you’re never more than an hour away from desert, rain forest or ocean coastline – plus great tutoring and friendly locals.
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Norway
Norway is, by any standards, one of the most beautiful countries on earth – discover Norwegian traditions and culture on exchange in Norway
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Spain
Open doors by studying a great world language in a country with mountains, ocean and medieval villages all within reach, and a laid-back culture where you can learn and enjoy at the same time!
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Sweden
Sweden’s progressive society also provides an ideal climate for innovation and economic advancement. Your high school exchange here will also reveal why the country is consistently among the world’s happiest!
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United Kingdom
Some of the world’s best schools are in the UK. Combine rich culture and history, beautiful countryside, enthusiastic sports clubs and exciting excursions during your exchange in the UK.
Learn more
Japan
Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. Engage in authentic cultural experiences, attend Japanese high school, and build lasting friendships. This program offers a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons, enhance language skills, and gain a global perspective that will undoubtedly shape your future.
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Worldwide High School Online Brochure
For an overview of our programs, our team will send you our Worldwide High School Online Brochure.
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Education & Training Directorate, ACT Government
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NSW Department of Education
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Northern Territory Department of Education
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Queensland Department of Education & Training
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South Australia Department for Education
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Tasmanian Assessment, Standards & Certification
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Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
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Western Australia Department of Education
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Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd is a fully registered not-for-profit student exchange organisation in all Australian states and territories, ensuring compliance with both state legislation and national student exchange guidelines.
