In Australia all 16 year olds have to be in full time education or training until they achieve a qualification or turn 17.This includes young people enrolled in a Government, Catholic or Independent school. The students can be enrolled in approved learning programs which include:
* traditional secondary school, including studying towards the Certificate of Education, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or Steiner Education (Waldorf Schools) Secondary Certificate.
* Technical and Further Education (TAFE) courses or accredited courses offered by Registered Training Organisations
* apprenticeships or traineeships
* university degrees, diplomas or other university award courses, and
* other programs authorised by the Minister for Education and Children's Services
* or a combination of the above.
Studies have found that those students who leave school early cannot find employment because they are not qualified for anything and then are happy to stay on welfare payments that taxpayers have to fund.