In a landmark move to bring world-class education opportunities to Indian students, the Western Australian Curriculum Conference was held recently, hosted by Western Australian Certification International (WACI) in collaboration with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA).
The event marked a significant step in strengthening educational ties between India and Australia, as educators, policymakers, and international experts came together to explore the possibilities of implementing the Western Australian Curriculum across Indian schools.
Global Leaders Unite for Education Excellence
The conference featured an esteemed panel of guests including George Thiveos, Minister Counsellor (Education and Research) at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi; Jodie Matthews, Principal Consultant – International Education, Department of Education, Western Australia; and Ashok Ganguly, former Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Together, they discussed the growing need for global-standard education frameworks that promote conceptual understanding, inquiry-based learning, and measurable outcomes — the cornerstones of the Western Australian Curriculum.
Opening the conference, delegates highlighted how this curriculum has earned global recognition for its balance between academic rigor and real-world skills, helping students transition seamlessly to universities and professional environments worldwide.
“Education, Not Commerce” — WACI’s Vision for India
Speaking at the event, Pidet Sen, Co-founder of WACI, presented a compelling vision for the organisation’s expansion into India. He announced that WACI serves as the Indian arm of Springboard for Education, a global education investment company based in Singapore with a presence across the US, UK, Australia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Africa.
“India is our first-year venture,” Sen said, noting that WACI has already established its Indian headquarters in New Delhi to oversee the rollout.
He underscored the uniqueness of the Western Australian Curriculum, explaining that it is developed and overseen by the government of Western Australia, not by private entities — ensuring that the focus remains on educational quality rather than commercial gain.
Affordable, Accessible, and Globally Recognised
A standout feature of the programme is its affordability. Sen highlighted that tuition fees under the Western Australian framework are significantly lower than those charged by other international boards, making it accessible to a broader demographic of students across India.
Moreover, the curriculum spans Kindergarten to Grade 12, ensuring a complete educational pathway that culminates in the Western Australia Certificate of Education (WACE) — a qualification recognised by universities across Australia, the UK, the US, and beyond.
Successful WACE graduates are also eligible for exemptions from popular English proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL, further easing their entry into international institutions.
Empowering Schools and Teachers
Beyond academics, WACI’s initiative places strong emphasis on school development and teacher training. Sen explained that comprehensive support — including professional development workshops, annual visits from curriculum specialists, and ongoing engagement with teachers, parents, and students — will be provided directly from Western Australia at no additional cost.
This hands-on support ensures that schools not only adopt the curriculum but also align teaching methods with global best practices in inquiry-based education.
India Rollout and Scholarship Opportunities
Looking ahead, WACI plans to begin implementation with ten schools across India, focusing on quality-driven expansion rather than rapid scaling. “Education is a long-term investment,” Sen noted, emphasizing sustainability and genuine impact over immediate returns.
In addition, Springboard for Education will fund two full scholarships for Indian students to pursue higher education in Western Australia — covering tuition, travel, accommodation, and living expenses. The Western Australian government has also announced 50 scholarship slots worth AUD 20,000 each for international students.
A New Chapter in Indo-Australian Education Collaboration
The Western Australian Curriculum represents not just a framework for learning, but a bridge — connecting two nations through shared values of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in education.
As WACI begins its India journey, it carries the promise of transforming classrooms, empowering teachers, and giving students across India a pathway to global success — all while keeping quality education accessible to every learner.
