High School Graduation Year Calculator for Australia by Current Grade
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Australian Graduation Year Calculator (ATAR & University)
Free graduation year calculator for Australian High Schools. Calculate your Year 12 finishing year or University graduation simply by entering your current grade or birth year.
How the Australian School System Works
The school year matches the calendar year: Term 1 starts in late January or early February and Term 4 ends in mid-December. 2026 is the current school year.
Starting age depends on the state: for example, children must turn 5 by 30 April in Victoria, by 30 June in Queensland and Western Australia, and by 31 July in NSW.
Ages 5–12
Foundation & Primary (Foundation – Year 6)
The first year is called Kindergarten (NSW/ACT), Prep (VIC/QLD/TAS), Reception (SA) or Pre-primary (WA). NAPLAN tests run in Years 3 and 5.
Ages 12–16
Secondary (Year 7 – Year 10)
Secondary school starts in Year 7 in every state. NAPLAN tests run again in Years 7 and 9.
Ages 16–18
Senior Secondary (Year 11 – 12)
Students complete the HSC (NSW), VCE (VIC), QCE (QLD), WACE (WA) or SACE (SA). Final exams run in October–November, and ATARs are released in mid-December.
Ages 18–21
University
Most bachelor’s degrees take 3 years (4 with honours). Semester 1 starts in late February, so Year 12 leavers start university the following year.
Australia Graduation Year Chart by Year Level
Australia Graduation Year FAQs
When do Year 12 students finish school in 2026?
Year 12 students sit final exams in October–November 2026, finish school in late November 2026, and receive their ATAR in mid-December 2026.
If I am in Year 10 in 2026, when will I finish school?
A student in Year 10 in 2026 completes Year 12 at the end of 2028 and can start university in February 2029.
How old are you when you finish Year 12 in Australia?
Most students are 17 or 18 when they finish Year 12, depending on their birthday and their state’s starting-age cutoff.
If I start uni in 2027, when will I graduate?
A 3-year bachelor’s degree that starts in February 2027 finishes in November 2029, with graduation ceremonies usually held in December 2029 or early 2030. Honours adds one year.
Why is the Australian school year different from the UK and US?
Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the long summer break falls over December and January. The school year therefore runs from February to December.