STUDY ABROAD AT
SCOTCH OAKBURN COLLEGE

Scotch Oakburn College welcomes international students who are seeking a safe, supportive and enriching Australian school experience. 

Located in Launceston, Tasmania, Scotch Oakburn offers students the opportunity to experience daily life in a leading Australian independent school while developing confidence, independence, English communication skills and lifelong friendships. 

Our Study Abroad programs are designed for students who want more than a short visit. Students are welcomed into the life of the College, participating in mainstream classes, co-curricular opportunities, outdoor education experiences, boarding life and the broader school community. 

Programs are available from 1 Term to 12 months, allowing students and families to choose the experience that best suits their goals, age, confidence, English level and future study plans. 

Importantly, students do not need advanced English to begin. We welcome students with emerging English skills, provided they are willing to participate, try new experiences and engage respectfully in College life.

Take in an aerial view of our campuses and the wider Launceston region.

YOUR STUDY OPTIONS

One Term Study Abroad

Duration: 10-12 Weeks

Best suited to: 
Students seeking a short-term international experience with meaningful classroom participation and boarding life.

Main focus:
Independence, school routine, English development and belonging.

Six Month Study Abroad

Duration: 2 Terms / 1 Semester

Best suited to: 
Students wanting meaningful academic and personal growth.

Main focus:
Subject learning, co-curricular participation and English confidence. 

One Year Study Abroad

Duration: 4 Terms

Best suited to: 
Students considering longer-term international study.

Main focus:
Academic progress, independence, English strengthening and future pathways.

All programs are subject to availability, year level suitability, accommodation capacity, welfare arrangements and visa requirements. 

Study Abroad Student Story

Boarding: A key part of the experience

For many Study Abroad students, boarding becomes one of the most memorable parts of their time at Scotch Oakburn.
Beyond the classroom, boarding gives students a place to belong. They share meals, study routines, weekend activities and everyday life with other students, helping them build friendships, confidence and independence. 

Supported by experienced boarding staff, students learn to manage daily routines, communicate in English more naturally and feel part of the College community. 

For students travelling from overseas, boarding provides structure, care and connection; a home away from home while they experience life and learning in Tasmania.

Homestay across extended breaks may be considered in some circumstances, subject to availability, welfare requirements and approval.

Japanese student Chinatsu Komada shares her experience of boarding at Scotch Oakburn College.
Subtitles available – click CC button

Depending on the length of stay, students will take part in: 

  • Mainstream academic classes

  • Sport and co-curricular activities

  • Outdoor education experiences

  • House activities and College events

  • Arts, music, drama and creative opportunities

  • Boarding life and supervised evening routines

  • Community and cultural activites

  • Excursions and Tasmanian experiences where available

OUR SCHOOL TERMS

Our school year begins in early February and ends mid December and is divided into four Terms of between 9 and 11 weeks.

Term 1
February

Term 2
May

Term 3
July

Term 4
October

Our Principal, Mr Ross Patterson, warmly welcomes you to our College.
Subtitles available – click CC button

Why choose Scotch Oakburn College?

Tasmania offers a unique study environment for international students. It is safe, naturally beautiful and easy to navigate. Launceston provides the benefits of a regional city, with a strong sense of community, clean air, open space and access to some of Australia’s most remarkable natural landscapes.

For Japanese families, Tasmania offers a calm and supportive setting where students can focus on learning, wellbeing and building confidence in English.

A real Australian school experience

Students are not separated into a tourist-style program. They are welcomed into mainstream school life, where they study alongside Australian students, participate in daily routines and experience the rhythm of an independent Australian school.

Supportive entry for students with lower English

Our programs are designed to help students grow in confidence. Students do not need high-level English before they arrive. Instead, they need curiosity, a positive attitude and a willingness to communicate.

Students are supported to develop English through daily school life, classroom participation, friendships, boarding routines and teacher guidance.

Where required, additional English Language support may be recommended and provided, depending on the student’s year level, program length and individual needs.

PROGRAM DETAILS

One Term Program Outline

Six Month Program Outline

One Year Program Outline

OUR
LOCATION

OUR LOCATION

Launceston, Tasmania

50 minute direct flight from Melbourne

1 hour 45 minutes direct flight from Sydney

2 hours 20 minutes direct flight from Brisbane

Welcome to Tasmania, where world-class education meets a safe, inspiring, and truly unique environment. At Scotch Oakburn College, we are proud to call this extraordinary island home, offering students a learning experience enriched by Tasmania’s natural beauty, vibrant cities, and spirit of innovation.

Thinking Differently, Thinking Tasmanian
Tasmania is unlike anywhere else, and we embrace that difference; it’s our strength. Our cities are dynamic yet welcoming, ranked among the safest in the world. We are surrounded by breathtaking wilderness, pristine coastlines, and fresh air that clears the mind and fuels big ideas.

With a culture of creativity, research, and forward thinking, Tasmania is home to some of the world’s top scientists, environmental leaders, and innovators. Tasmanians lead with curiosity and collaboration, qualities that define the Scotch Oakburn experience.

*Image: Launceston, Tasmania

OUR SCHOOL

ELPHIN CAMPUS

Home of our Junior School and our Boarding House, your home while on exchange.

Take a virtual tour of the Boarding House

PENQUITE CAMPUS

Home of our Middle and Senior Schools, where you will spend your school days.

Take a virtual tour of the Senior School

VALLEY CAMPUS

Our Valley Campus in the Fingal Valley is one of the locations of our Educations Outdoors program.

Take a virtual tour of the Valley Campus

BOARDING LIFE

At Scotch Oakburn College, boarding offers an exceptional residential experience in a safe, supportive and well-supervised environment. Beyond the classroom, students enjoy a balanced program of study, recreation, social connection and weekend activities, helping them build confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging.

A TYPICAL DAY

7:00 am

Early Morning Activities

Sport training, music practice and rehearsals take place. The Fitness Centre is open for anyone who enjoys a morning workout.

7:00 am – 7:40 am

Breakfast

A variety of healthy options are offered including international foods to make students feels welcome.

8:40 am

School Begins

After breakfast, the bus departs for the Penquite Campus where students ready themselves for the school day. Students will often meet friends before heading off to classes together.

3:25 pm

School Ends

For those students returning to the Boarding House, afternoon tea is served and there is time to unwind.  Others may attend sporting practice or games, or other co-curricular activities.  Students generally return to the Boarding House by 5:45 pm. 

5:45 pm

Dinner

Dinner is served! Multiple food options and an eclectic menu caters to our diverse community.

6:45 pm – 6:55 pm

Boarding House Meeting

TIme for the entire boarding house to meet, discuss matters and any announcements.

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Evening Study and Prep

Structured study time. An opportunity to consolidate and revise work from the school day and prepare for the next day.

8:15 pm – 8:40 pm

Supper and Relax

Enjoy a light snack prior to bed, read a book, socialise, prepare for bed and the next day.

Tech hand in

All technology is handed in to boarding staff at night.

Year 9: 9:00 pm
Year 10: 9:30 pm

Lights out

All students are in their own room 10 minutes before lights out.

Year 9: 9:30 pm
Year 10: 10:00 pm

NEXT
STEPS

Complete the form below and we will send you the Study Abroad pricing schedule. Add any questions you may have and Mr Joel Brewer, Director of Marketing, Communications and Community will be in touch to discuss any questions you may have. Or, contact Mr Brewer directly using the information below.

P: +61 6336  3315

E: joel.brewer@soc.tas.edu.au