WACE — A global school education option at your doorstep now

The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is a prestigious international senior secondary curriculum developed and overseen by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) — a statutory body under the Government of Western Australia.

With a strong legacy of over 36 years, WACE is recognised in over 16 countries, including key Asian education hubs like Japan, Singapore, China, and Malaysia. “It is now extending its reach in India, marking its presence as the first international government school board to offer its curriculum to Indian students and schools.

Offering a full-fledged K–12 education framework, WACE will provide Indian learners a seamless continuum from early years to senior secondary schooling”, says Syed Sultan Ahmed, Chairperson, The Association of International Schools of India (TAISI) & Advisor to WACE India on International Curriculum Integration, in an interaction with The Tribune. Excerpts:

Q. What impact do you hope WACE will have on the future of education in India?

Having worked with schools across India for over two decades, I see a distinct shift: parents in Tier II and III cities are no longer satisfied with conventional options. They want their children to access global education while staying rooted in their communities. The aspirations are high, and so is the need for quality education that prepares students for the world, not just exams.

Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) arrives at the right moment. It aligns beautifully with the vision of NEP 2020 and addresses the rising demand for global readiness. It brings international best practices, but does so in a way that’s relevant, inclusive, and grounded in local realities. That, to me, is the future of education in India.

Q. What makes WACE curriculum uniquely suited for Indian schools?

One of WACE’s biggest strengths is accessibility. It brings the credibility of a government-run international curriculum, but at a fraction of the cost of other international boards — about 15-20% in terms of operational expenses. For schools and families in Tier II and III cities, this is a game-changer.

Add to that the robust teacher training framework: over 150 hours of professional development, mentoring, and continuous resource support from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), the statutory body of the Government of Western Australia. We're not just bringing in a curriculum; we’re building capacity across the system.

Q. Can WACE's curriculum be offered alongside other national or international boards?

Yes, absolutely. WACE can coexist with existing curricula. Many schools choose to introduce it as an additional stream, allowing students the flexibility to opt for international pathways without disrupting current systems. Moreover, students who have completed their primary and middle years under WACE can seamlessly transition to other international boards, thanks to the strong academic foundation and skillsets the curriculum builds from an early stage.

Q. How will WACE’s curriculum be relevant for Indian students & educators?

The curriculum framework encourages schools to weave in local content, languages, and cultural elements. This aligns perfectly with NEP 2020’s call for an education system that is both rooted and futuristic. What makes WACE truly adaptable for India is its flexibility: schools can integrate Indian history, languages, and cultural content, ensuring relevance alongside global benchmarks.

Q.How does WACE’s approach to student assessments differ from other educational boards?

WACE uses a mix of internal assessments and externally moderated final exams. The emphasis is not just on what students know, but how they apply their knowledge. It focuses on projects, inquiry, and communication, with detailed progress reporting.

Q. Many Indian parents still prioritise competitive exams like JEE, NEET, or CUET. How does WACE curriculum align with these pathways?

WACE builds strong academic foundations, especially in STEM subjects, with a focus on application-based learning. Its equivalence from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) ensures that students can appear for national entrance exams. WACE doesn’t replace these paths — it enhances students’ ability to succeed in them. Students studying the WACE curriculum are well-equipped to handle all major professional entrance exams, including JEE, NEET, CUET, etc.

Q. What career or university advantages does WACE curriculum offer to students?

Students receive the globally recognised ATAR, accepted across leading universities worldwide. It is the preferred credential for Australia’s Group of Eight universities and is widely welcomed by Ivy League institutions and top-tier universities in the UK, US, Canada, and beyond. Many students are even exempt from English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Thanks to Association of Indian Universities (AIU) equivalence, WACE students can seamlessly apply to Indian universities too.

Q. What is your long-term plan for building capacity in India ?

The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), Government of Western Australia, in collaboration with The Association of International Schools of India (TAISI), is committed to creating a strong local ecosystem for WACE in India.