WACE Curriculum Set to "Future-Proof" Indian Students with New Government-Backed Framework

What Is WACE? Faiza Mirza Explains How the Western Australian Curriculum Offers Global University Access for Indian Students    

As India reshapes its education system under NEP 2020, competency-based learning, global mobility, and teacher development have become central priorities. Enter the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) — the only international curriculum in India directly administered by a foreign state government.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what makes WACE different and why it is gaining momentum:

What Indian Schools Need to Know About the WACE CURRICULUM?

As Indian schools increasingly explore international curricula that align with national priorities and international aspirations, the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is gaining attention for its government-run credibility, accessibility, and strong teacher support framework.

Developed and administered by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), Government of Western Australia, WACE is the first international government curriculum to be introduced in India. It offers a structured approach to competency-based learning, robust teacher development systems, and internationally recognised university entry pathways. Its introduction reflects a wider shift towards curricula that balance academic rigour with practical learning and long-term student progression across diverse regions, including Tier II and Tier III cities.

In this interaction, Faiza Mirza, Chief Operating Officer, WACE India, explains what sets WACE apart, its relevance for Indian students and educators, and how it complements both global and national higher education pathways.

1. What is WACE, and how does it differ from other international school curriculums available in India?

The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is an internationally recognized government curriculum developed and administered by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) of the Government of Western Australia. WACE stands out as the first international government board in India, offering students the credibility and transparency of a system governed by a statutory body. It provides a globally recognized curriculum that is accessible to a broad range of schools and students, maintaining international academic standards while being adaptable to local contexts. WACE emphasizes competency-based learning, critical thinking, and holistic development, preparing students not only for exams but also for real-world challenges. Additionally, WACE offers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank), a globally accepted university entrance score that grants students access to top universities worldwide, including the Ivy League, the Group of Eight (Australia), the UK Russell Group, and others - often without requiring SATs or additional entrance exams. The Government of Western Australia also offers a AUD 20,000 bursary for eligible WACE graduates pursuing higher education in Western Australia, providing a valuable incentive for students aiming for global academic pathways.

2. What makes the WACE curriculum particularly relevant for Indian schools, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities?

One of WACE’s most compelling strengths is its accessibility without compromise. It offers the credibility of a government-run international curriculum, while remaining significantly more affordable than most international boards — with operational costs nearly 15–20% lower. For schools and families in Tier II and Tier III cities, this makes high-quality international education viable and scalable, rather than aspirational alone.

Equally important is the depth of teacher support built into the WACE ecosystem. Educators undergo 150+ hours of structured professional development, including curriculum training, academic mentoring, and continuous access to teaching and assessment resources. This support comes directly from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) — the statutory education authority of the Government of Western Australia.

What this means in practice is that WACE doesn’t just introduce an international curriculum; it builds long-term academic capacity within schools, empowering teachers, strengthening instructional quality, and ensuring consistent outcomes — a critical need for schools beyond India’s metro cities.

3. What kind of professional development and support does WACE offer to teachers to enable effective classroom delivery in the Indian context?

The SCSA’s international education team is responsible for providing comprehensive 150+ hours professional development programs tailored to prepare Indian educators to deliver the WACE curriculum.  This includes structured in-person training programs, curriculum mentoring, and continuous access to resources such as teaching exemplars, assessment tools, and digital platforms. The professional learning will equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to deliver the Western Australian curriculum to the required standard in a student-centric way, using a range of teaching and learning strategies and tools. 

4. Gujarat has seen significant growth in international exposure and outward student mobility in recent years. How is WACE positioned to be relevant for students from Gujarat who aspires to global universities?

Gujarat has emerged as one of India’s most globally aspirational education markets. According to the Indian Student Mobility Report (ISMR) 2024, of the 1.3 million Indian students studying abroad, approximately 8% — over 100,000 students — are from Gujarat, reflecting a strong inclination towards international higher education.

WACE is uniquely positioned to support these aspirations at a time when Australian universities are establishing physical campuses in Gujarat, bringing global higher education closer to home. As an Australian Govt curriculum, WACE offers a globally recognised academic pathway that aligns seamlessly with both offshore and onshore Australian university admissions.

Through the ATAR pathway, students gain direct eligibility to leading universities in Australia and across the world, while benefiting from a curriculum that emphasises critical thinking, competency-based learning, and real-world application — capabilities increasingly valued by global universities.

Equally important is WACE’s flexibility and accessibility. Students in Gujarat can pursue an international qualification without immediate displacement, remaining connected to their local academic and cultural context while building a strong foundation for global progression. With Australia’s higher education ecosystem expanding into Gujarat, WACE serves as a natural academic bridge — preparing students for international university environments, whether they choose to study abroad or at Australian campuses within India.

5. With many Indian parents continuing to focus on competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, and CUET, how does the WACE curriculum complement or support these pathways, if at all?

It’s important to acknowledge a reality in India — competitive examinations like JEE, NEET, and CUET remain central to many families’ aspirations, and any credible curriculum must be able to coexist with these pathways.

WACE does exactly that. It builds strong academic depth in core subjects, particularly Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, while shifting the way students learn — from rote memorisation to conceptual clarity, application, and problem-solving. These are the very skills that increasingly differentiate high scorers in competitive exams. Crucially, WACE is formally recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), which means students are fully eligible to appear for national entrance examinations, including JEE, NEET, and CUET. There is no academic disadvantage or barrier.

WACE does not replace India’s competitive pathways. It future-proofs them. Students remain exam-ready while also being prepared for university-level learning in India or abroad. In a system where outcomes matter, WACE ensures students are not choosing between exams and education — they are building both.

The Bigger Picture

WACE represents a shift in international education in India:

•     Government accountability instead of private governance.
•     Financial transparency.
•     Strong teacher training framework.
•     Global university mobility.
•     Compatibility with India’s competitive exam system.

International education is no longer limited to elite metro schools. WACE aims to create a balanced model — globally recognized, government-backed, and accessible.