Latest news with #WACE
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
No SATs or high fee: Australia brings ATAR board to Indian schools
Indian schools can now offer the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), marking the first time in over two decades that a foreign government-supported school board has begun operations in the country. WACE, developed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) in Perth, is now recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) for both Class X and XII qualifications. That means WACE graduates from India are eligible for university admission across the country. DPS North Bangalore, DPS East Bangalore, and Shaheen International School in Bidar are the first to adopt the WACE curriculum. Over the next three years, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) plans to partner with at least 100 schools across tier 1, 2, and 3 cities in India. Business Standard spoke to Ange Smith, principal consultant for international education at the SCSA, and Syed Sultan Ahmed, chairperson of the Association of International Schools of India, to understand how WACE would benefit Indian students—particularly those looking to study abroad. How WACE could benefit Indian students planning to study abroad Global university access: Students receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), which is accepted by universities worldwide, including in Australia, the UK, and the US. No additional entrance tests: ATAR combines school-assessed coursework and final exams—students don't need to take separate entrance exams like SAT, IELTS, TOEFL. Eligibility for scholarships: Students opting to study in Western Australia can apply for the Premier's Bursary worth AUD 20,000 (about Rs 11.27 lakh). Australian student ID: Each student receives a lifelong Western Australian student number, giving them preferential treatment during Australian university admissions—sometimes even as domestic applicants. Familiarity with Australian education system: Studying under WACE helps students adapt more easily to university life in Australia. ATAR offers global admission pathway A key feature of the WACE programme is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), a score widely accepted by universities around the world. 'ATAR is globally recognised and is equivalent to senior secondary qualifications in Australia. Many universities provide equivalence charts comparing ATAR with IB and Cambridge. WACE students can use ATAR scores to apply not only in Australia but around the world,' said Ange. Syed added, 'The ATAR consolidates certification and university eligibility. It's one system for both. Students also become eligible for a Premier's Bursary of AUD 20,000 ( approximately Rs 11.27 lakh) if they choose to study in Western Australia.' Unlike other competitive exams, ATAR doesn't involve separate testing. 'Students don't sit an additional test—ATAR is based on both their school performance (50%) and a final exam (50%),' he said. Familiarity with Australia gives students an edge According to Syed, WACE students hold an advantage when applying to Australian universities. 'This means no cramming or excessive testing. It's a more balanced, skills-driven approach. In terms of visas, too, students from WACE schools often have an edge. They're already familiar with Australian educational processes and are even treated differently—often not as 'foreign' students—because they have an Australian student identification number,' he said. Ange said, 'Our collaboration is aligned with the Indian government's goal of bringing global standards into local education. The model fits perfectly with NEP. And with Australia becoming a preferred destination—especially as Canada, the US, and the UK tighten rules—we expect more Indian students to consider Australia.' Australia top choice for Indian students in 2025 Australia is now the leading overseas study destination for Indian students, edging ahead of the United States, according to a March 2025 survey by IDP Education. The survey, based on responses from over 6,000 students including nearly 1,400 from India, found that: 28% chose Australia as their top preference 22% picked the United States 21% selected the United Kingdom Canada fell to 13%, a six-point drop from March 2024 'Despite the rise in visa and tuition fees, Australia continues to see strong interest from Indian students. Many families approach it as a long-term investment, weighing factors like academic quality, post-study work rights, safety, and the overall student experience,' said Piyush Kumar, regional director at IDP Education. Australia's position has also been helped by 15 of its universities making it to the QS World University Rankings 2025 top 200. Extended post-study work rights under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) have further boosted its appeal. Affordable alternative to IB and Cambridge WACE is pitched as a more cost-effective model for schools and families compared to other international boards. 'It's far more accessible than IB or Cambridge. While schools set the fees, the cost for them to run WACE is just 15–20% of what they'd pay other boards. That makes a quality international education reachable for the middle class in smaller towns too,' said Syed. According to him, a CBSE school charging Rs 1–1.2 lakh annually can offer WACE with a 15–20% fee increase, opening up global opportunities without the Rs 45 lakh price tag often associated with the IB. Ange said the board has been offering international programmes since 1987 and began global expansion in 2019. 'India has been one of the most rigorous but rewarding. After AIU approval, we focused on identifying partner schools in India,' she told Business Standard. Curriculum designed to support local needs WACE currently operates in 16 countries. In India, the board is developing a separate Class X board exam to meet specific state-level requirements. 'Some Indian states may require a 10th board certificate for transitions, so we are developing one specifically for this context,' said Ange. The curriculum focuses on five subjects for Classes XI and XII, with an optional sixth. English is compulsory, but university admissions are based on the best four ATAR subjects. 'ATAR is based 50% on final exams and 50% on school-assessed coursework. This reduces pressure and supports consistent performance over two years,' she added. The curriculum also integrates STEM from kindergarten through Year 10. 'Schools can introduce STEM-focused courses for Years 11–12, which count towards their WACE certification,' Ange said. Although WACE currently does not have a separate vocational stream, schools can customise a non-exam-based general pathway in consultation with SCSA. 'Moreover, Australia excels at integrating sport with education. That kind of well-rounded, co-curricular emphasis is embedded in WACE too,' she said. Scope for expansion in non-metro cities WACE has already started in three schools—two in Bengaluru and one in Bidar, Karnataka. The goal is to expand to 100 schools in three years, with a focus on tier 2 and tier 3 towns. 'Most international schools are currently in metros—about 90%. There's enormous potential in industrial townships and lesser-known cities. Think Jamshedpur, Bhilai, Kanpur, Ranchi—even Uttarakhand,' said Syed. He added that many schools in smaller cities have maxed out their growth potential under CBSE and are looking for ways to upgrade quality and brand value without sharp fee hikes. Curriculum pillars The WACE curriculum is built around seven core capabilities: Literacy Numeracy Information and communication technology Ethical understanding Civic and social responsibility Critical and creative thinking Intercultural understanding 'Opportunity is at the centre of what we do. We love working with teachers, schools, and students to help them flourish. And because this is backed by the Australian government, support doesn't vary based on how much a school pays—unlike with many other international boards,' Ange told Business Standard. The entry of WACE follows a string of education linkages between India and Australia, including the establishment of Deakin University and the University of Wollongong campuses—Australia's first foreign universities in India.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
WACE of Australia is 1st foreign government-backed board in India
NEW DELHI: After becoming the first country to establish foreign university campuses in India with the entry of University of Wollongong and Deakin University, Australia is now extending its footprint into school education, as Western Australia's WACE has become the first foreign govt-backed school board to begin operations in India, receiving equivalence from the Association of Indian Universities for its Class X and Class XII qualifications. This is the first such approval for a foreign board in India in 25 years. WACE, or Western Australian Certificate of Education, is the school-leaving qualification for students in Western Australia, administered by state's School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). WAIS, or the Western Australian International School System, is the framework through which this curriculum is delivered in international partner schools. Ange Smith, principal consultant for international education at SCSA, said the board has been running its international education programme since 1987 and began expanding its global presence more actively in 2019. "Since then, we've worked with govt bodies in several countries to secure foreign board equivalence. India has been one of the most rigorous but rewarding. After AIU approval, we focused on identifying partner schools in India," she said. The board is currently operational in 16 countries. She said the National Education Policy 2020 played a significant role in shaping their entry strategy. "We undertook curriculum mapping and found alignment with NEP priorities, especially around holistic development, skill integration and nurturing students beyond academics." Explaining the curriculum structure, Smith said WAIS students take five subjects each in classes XI and XII, with an option to take six. English is compulsory, but only the top four ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) courses count towards the final university entrance score. "ATAR is based 50% on final exams and 50% on school-assessed coursework. This reduces pressure and supports consistent performance over two years," she said. In response to a request from Indian partner schools, Smith confirmed that work is underway to introduce a 10th board exam for WAIS students in India. "Some Indian states may require a 10th board certificate for transitions, so we are developing one specifically for this context," she said. Syed Sultan Ahmed, chairperson of the Association of International Schools of India, said WAIS offers a balance between accessibility and international standards. "It sits between CBSE and Cambridge. A CBSE school charging Rs 1 - 1.2 lakh annually can adopt WAIS with a 15-20% fee increase. It opens up global pathways without requiring Rs 45 lakh fees like IB," he said. The first WAIS partner schools in India have been established in Bengaluru and Bidar, both in Karnataka. Ahmed said the ATAR rank helps WAIS students apply to universities globally without separate entrance exams such as the SAT or JEE. "The ATAR consolidates certification and university eligibility. It's one system for both. Students also become eligible for a Premier's Bursary of AUD 20,000 if they choose to study in Western Australia," he added. The curriculum incorporates seven general capabilities: literacy, numeracy, ICT, ethical understanding, civic and social responsibility, critical & creative thinking, and intercultural understanding.
News18
05-06-2025
- Business
- News18
‘Global, Yet Affordable': Australia's WACE Curriculum Coming To 100 Indian Schools
In a significant step towards transforming school education, India is set to introduce the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) in 100 schools. In a major step for India's school education system, the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)—a senior secondary curriculum from the Government of Western Australia—will be introduced in 100 schools across India over the next three years. Already running in countries like Singapore, China, Japan, and Malaysia, WACE is now set to become the first international school board backed by a foreign government to officially launch in India. This comes after the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) recognised WACE as equivalent to Indian school boards. This recognition ensures WACE's equivalence with Indian senior secondary school certificates, providing students access to both national and global higher education pathways. Every student enrolled in the WACE programme will be assigned a unique identification number by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA)—the statutory body overseeing WACE. All certificates will be issued directly by the Government of Western Australia, ensuring authenticity and global recognition. The WACE programme offers a comprehensive K–12 education pathway, spanning from early childhood education to senior secondary level. At present, international boards such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), and the French Baccalaureate (FB) operate in India, providing both curricula and examination services. Angelique Smith: As WACE enters India, its vision is to act as a complementary partner in advancing the nation's evolving education landscape. In alignment with the NEP 2020, WACE aims to provide a globally benchmarked, government-backed curriculum that promotes critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills. By collaborating with Indian schools, government bodies, and regional stakeholders, WACE aspires to support seamless integration of its curriculum, addressing local educational needs while offering students access to international standards. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen the quality and global relevance of Indian education, preparing students for higher education and careers in a competitive global economy. Q. As the first government-recognised international school curriculum to enter India, how does WACE distinguish itself from existing global curricula? Angelique Smith: WACE is unique as the first government-recognised international curriculum in India, administered by the statutory body of the Government of Western Australia, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). Its recognition by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) ensures a smooth pathway for students into Indian higher education institutions. With over 36 years of delivering quality education, WACE combines global academic rigour with robust quality assurance, rooted in public accountability. Its blend of internationally benchmarked standards and local recognition makes it a credible and future-ready alternative, facilitating both national and international academic progression for Indian students. Q. Could you elaborate on how WACE supports competency-based, inquiry-driven, and student-centric learning as outlined in the NEP? Angelique Smith: WACE's curriculum aligns closely with NEP 2020's emphasis on competency-based, inquiry-driven education by focusing on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills. It encourages experiential learning through project-based assessments, real-world applications, and interactive classroom strategies that foster curiosity and student engagement. Assessment methods include practical projects, presentations, and moderated grading, reducing rote learning and promoting a holistic understanding of concepts. Such approaches empower Indian students to become active participants in their education, aligning with NEP's goal of fostering student-centric learning environments. Q. Will WACE incorporate Indian cultural, linguistic, and historical perspectives within its curriculum to ensure contextual relevance for Indian students and educators? Angelique Smith: Yes, WACE recognises the importance of maintaining cultural and contextual relevance. Schools implementing WACE in India will continue to teach Indian history, languages, and region-specific content. The curriculum will be flexible enough to incorporate local stories, traditions, and languages, making learning more meaningful and engaging for students from diverse backgrounds. While maintaining its internationally benchmarked pedagogical approach, WACE aims to blend Indian cultural elements seamlessly, supporting NEP 2020's vision of integrating tradition with modernity in education. Q. How does WACE plan to equip Indian educators to deliver the WACE curriculum with the necessary training and pedagogical tools? Angelique Smith: WACE will provide comprehensive professional development programmes tailored to Indian educators' needs. This includes structured in-person training programmes, curriculum mentoring, and ongoing access to resources such as teaching guides, assessment tools, and digital platforms. These programmes will focus on student-centred, inquiry-based teaching methodologies aligned with WACE standards. To ensure scalability and relevance, WACE will also collaborate with local teacher training institutions and leverage government initiatives to empower teachers across regions, fostering confidence and competence in delivering a dynamic, inquiry-driven curriculum. Q. International curricula are often seen as expensive and exclusive. How does WACE plan to remain accessible and equitable across diverse socio-economic backgrounds in India? Angelique Smith: WACE, being a government-backed curriculum, aims to be more accessible than private, fee-based international options. Its strategy involves partnering with a diverse range of schools, including government-aided and affordable private institutions, to expand its reach. Modular implementation options, scalable teacher training, and support programmes will help reduce entry barriers. The goal is to democratise access to global education, enabling students from varying socio-economic backgrounds to benefit from world-class learning opportunities without leaving India. Q. How many schools are you going to onboard? What is the roadmap? Angelique Smith: WACE India aims to onboard 100 schools over the next three years. By engaging with a diverse cohort of schools, ranging from metro-based international institutions to progressive schools in Tier 2 and 3 cities, we aim to build a robust, future-ready learning ecosystem that aligns with both global standards and national education goals. About the Author Archit Gupta Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including More Stay updated with the latest education! Get real-time updates on board exam results 2025, entrance exams such as JEE Mains, Advanced, NEET, and more. Find out top schools, colleges, courses and more. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : australia Education News Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 05, 2025, 21:22 IST News education-career 'Global, Yet Affordable': Australia's WACE Curriculum Coming To 100 Indian Schools | Interview
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Western Australian curriculum to launch in 3 Karnataka schools in July
Bengaluru: For decades, international curriculum in India has been synonymous with IB (International Baccalaureate, originally developed in Switzerland) and IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education from the UK). However, from 2025-26, one more international board will be added — WACE (Western Australian Certificate of Education). This new board from Western Australia is emerging as a strong competitor to existing international boards, with fees said to be up to 65% cheaper. The Australian authorities confirmed that the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has officially granted 'foreign board' equivalence to WACE. This means they can function as a board in India. While WACE is looking to onboard 100 schools in India over the next three years, the rollout will be gradual up to class 12. The first few schools in India will introduce the curriculum to kindergarten students in July. Three are in Karnataka -- two in Bengaluru and one in Bidar. About 30 teachers are attending training in Bengaluru on teaching pedagogy and classroom delivery. They will be trained for 150 hours over two years, said Angelique Smith, principal consultant, School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), Govt of Western Australia. The curriculum is a no-textbook model and has lesson plans and worksheets curated for different regions. Syed Sultan Ahmed, chairman of TAISI and advisor to WACE India on International Curriculum Integration, said: "The Australian govt intends to make the quality of education affordable... If IB schools, which are at the top (cost-wise), would be considered a 100%, Cambridge (IGCSE) would be 50% and WACE 35%. Students in the (WACE recognised) school get an Australian student identification number. That means they are recognised as students of Australia as well. "
India Today
29-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
India set to introduce western Australian curriculum in 100 schools across nation
The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), a senior secondary curriculum from the Government of Western Australia, is set to be introduced in 100 partner schools in India in the next three years. The global curriculum is already established in countries like Singapore, China, Japan, and Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has officially granted equivalence to WACE, a senior secondary curriculum from the Government of Western Australia. This move allows WACE to be formally introduced in India, making it the first international government-backed school board to launch in the to a press release, each student will receive a unique ID number from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) -- the official body that manages WACE -- and all certificates will be issued directly by the Government of Western Australia. With AIU's recognition, students completing WACE in India will now also be eligible for admissions to Indian universities with Class 12 curriculum is designed to encourage competency-based and inquiry-led learning, moving away from rote memorisation. It focuses on building critical thinking, creativity, and the practical application of CURRICULUM, RECOGNISED CREDENTIALS, AND ELIGIBILITYWACE also reflects the goals of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, especially in promoting holistic and formative assessments. Students will be evaluated through projects, school-based assessments, and moderated grading instead of only traditional of the key highlights is that students in WACE-affiliated schools will also receive the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) -- a globally recognised university entrance score. This score is accepted by universities across Australia, the UK, US, Canada, Europe, and WACE programme provides a complete K-12 education pathway, from early years to senior secondary launch is expected to bring global learning standards to Indian classrooms, opening up international academic opportunities while aligning with India's vision for modern, inclusive International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and French Baccalaureate (FB) are some of the foreign boards that provide curriculums as well as testing in India.
