Our Global Connections

Victoria is Australia's education state and Victorian government schools are respected internationally for their high quality.

The Department of Education and Training

As experienced leaders and innovators in education, the Department of Education and Training (DET) is held in high regard both locally and overseas. Policymakers and leading educators from around the world come to Victoria to learn about our education system and its inventive approach.

DET is the government agency for, and major provider of school education in Victoria.

The International Education Division

The International Education Division (IED) represents DET in the international arena. We promote Victorian school education overseas and international education in Victorian government schools. We’re located in Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria.

Substantial infrastructure and investment

Victoria has one of the most advanced education infrastructures in the world. We’ve made major investments to build this strong foundation.

Broad international experience

Our international experience ranges across:

overseas student services
teacher and student exchange programs
international project work and consultancies.

A proud history

We’re proud of our bold vision for education. Our history makes us strong and confident about the future. Over more than 20 years, we’ve been welcoming international students and educators into our schools.

Strategy for the future

International education is central to our government strategies to keep our economy competitive, confident and innovative. International Education is a two way exchange of knowledge and culture that provides opportunities for Victorian students and teachers to deepen their international-mindedness, cultural literacy and global citizenship.

A reputation as trusted advisors

We’ve spent time building our reputation as key players and policy experts in international education. We regularly exchange ideas with our friends and colleagues across the world. We champion the highest level of care and support for international students.

Confidence through quality

Our programs are supported by rigorous governance and quality assurance.

Supporting students and parents

If you’re a student, we can enrol you in a school that provides quality education and can lead you to university or vocational education.

If you’re a parent, we can give you feedback and reassurance about your child’s future opportunities and progress.

Supporting educators

If you’re an educator, we can offer tailored study tours for you, your staff or your students.

A sister school partnership is a meaningful, reciprocal and sustainable long-term partnership between two schools aimed at fulfilling a range of purposes as determined by the school communities.

Sister school partnerships can be intrastate, interstate or international and are based on the principles of mutual benefit and reciprocity.

To find out how to establish a sister school partnership and how to enhance an existing partnership, go to DET Sister School Partnerships.

The Victoria International School of Sharjah (VISS) was established as a strong collaboration between the Victoria Government and the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, based on shared education goals.

The Victorian school model in was chosen as an international leader by the Emirate.

The school began operations on 2 September 2007.

The Government of Sharjah owns and runs the school, which was built on land donated by His Highness Sheik Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Ruler of the United Arab Emirate of Sharjah.

A showcase of Victorian education

Though it is not a Victorian school, VISS is an outstanding endorsement for Victoria and highlights the international standing of the Victorian education system.

The VISS operates according to the Victorian model of school education, including curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and reporting, and school accountability and improvement practices.

The design of the learning environment at the VISS reflects contemporary Victorian practices in learning and teaching. It incorporates world-class school design and cutting edge facilities.

International experience for Victorian teachers

Victoria is a major source for teaching staff, as they’re highly respected for their teaching approach. All staff are directly employed by the Government of Sharjah.

Victorian teachers can take advantage of a valuable professional development opportunity through working at the school and bringing their experience back into the Victorian system.

More information

Contact the Victoria International School of Sharjah for more information about the school.

Last Update: 27/12/2017 12:48 PM