Queensland education reforms expand overseas opportunities for students

Under new legislation, Queensland non-state schools will be able to partner with recognised overseas schools to deliver the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), expanding the qualification’s international reach and creating new opportunities for students.

The Education and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, passed by the Queensland Parliament, also formally recognises re-entry and transition programs for disengaged students, introduces changes affecting non-state school regulation, clarifies requirements for teachers working in youth detention education settings and strengthens governance arrangements for the Queensland College of Teachers.

The Queensland Government said the legislation is designed to enhance regulatory settings, reduce administrative burden and support continuity of education across the state.

A key change will allow recognised overseas schools to partner with Queensland non-state schools to deliver the QCE internationally, extending the reach of Queensland’s senior secondary qualification.

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the measure would build on existing international delivery of Queensland education programs.

“Expanding the reach of the Queensland Certificate of Education overseas is an exciting opportunity,” Mr Langbroek said.

“It showcases our world-class education and qualification that opens doors to further education in Queensland.

“This builds on the existing success of the Department of Education International in delivering the Queensland Certificate of Education on the global stage.”

The legislation also formally recognises re-entry and transition programs that support students who have disengaged from education or are at risk of disengaging.

According to the Queensland Government, the change acknowledges the role these programs play in improving attendance, engagement and educational outcomes, while helping young people remain connected to learning.

“By supporting disengaged and at-risk students to reconnect with education, we are investing in brighter futures for young Queenslanders,” Mr Langbroek said.

“This legislation gives formal recognition to re-entry and transition programs that are already delivering results – improving attendance, educational outcomes, behaviour, and reducing interactions with the youth justice system.”

The Bill includes several additional measures affecting the operation and oversight of Queensland’s education sector.

These include provisions intended to improve regulatory responsiveness by the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board, which oversees the accreditation of Queensland’s non-state schools.

The legislation also clarifies the legislative status of education and training centres operating within youth detention centres and confirms Working with Children Check requirements for approved teachers working in those settings.

For the teaching profession, the legislation strengthens operational and governance arrangements for the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), the statutory body responsible for teacher registration, professional standards and regulation in Queensland. While the Government has not outlined the specific governance changes in its announcement, the amendments are intended to support the QCT’s operations and oversight functions.

Beyond education, the legislation introduces governance reforms affecting Queensland’s five arts statutory bodies and includes new measures aimed at deterring unauthorised ticket reselling for events at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).

Mr Langbroek said the ticketing reforms would help improve access to arts and cultural events for Queenslanders.

“The new laws will help stop unscrupulous ticket reselling practices, giving everyone a fair chance to attend events, which is an important part of our community,” he said.