The Indian education landscape is set for a significant shift as the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) prepares to launch in India. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has officially granted foreign board equivalence to WACE, a globally recognized senior secondary curriculum from the Government of Western Australia. This landmark decision paves the way for WACE to be formally introduced in Indian schools, marking it as the first international government-backed school board to be launched in the country.
WACE has been in existence for over 36 years and is offered in more than 16 countries, including Singapore, China, Japan, and Malaysia. The program is administered by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), a statutory body of the Government of Western Australia. This curriculum provides a K-12 framework, culminating in the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), a globally recognized university entrance credential.
The AIU's recognition of WACE means that students completing the program will now have full Class XII equivalence for admissions to Indian universities, in addition to being eligible for top institutions in Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond. This opens up a world of opportunities for Indian students, providing them with a globally recognized qualification that can enhance their academic and career prospects.
Aligned with India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, WACE emphasizes competency-based, inquiry-driven learning, moving away from rote memorization. Its assessment model combines school-based evaluations, practical projects, and moderated grading to reduce exam pressure while ensuring clear learning outcomes. This approach aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and the practical application of knowledge among students.
WACE plans to onboard 100 schools in India over the next three years. As part of this process, around 30 teachers are already attending training workshops in Bengaluru, focusing on WACE curriculum teaching pedagogy and classroom delivery. The SCSA will provide comprehensive curriculum support to these schools, ensuring that the program is implemented effectively and that teachers are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum.
Each student enrolled in the WACE program will receive a unique identification number, and all certifications will be issued directly by the Government of Western Australia. This ensures the credibility and authenticity of the qualifications, further enhancing their value in the eyes of universities and employers around the world.
Syed Sultan Ahmed, Chairman of TAISI, and Advisor to WACE India on International Curriculum Integration, stated that the AIU's recognition of WACE is a transformative moment for the Indian school education system. He added that it not only affirms the credibility of the Western Australian curriculum but also opens new academic and career pathways for Indian students, both within India and globally.
Angelique Smith, Principal Consultant, SCSA, Government of Western Australia, expressed excitement about contributing to the Indian K-12 learning ecosystem. She emphasized that WACE aligns with the NEP 2020 goals of providing holistic education, fostering flexible and multidisciplinary learning, and promoting teacher professional development.
The introduction of WACE in India is expected to bring global learning standards to Indian classrooms, opening up international academic opportunities while aligning with India's vision for modern, inclusive education. It is seen as a high-quality, yet moderately priced alternative to existing international boards, offering a future-ready curriculum that emphasizes academic depth, skills development, and global university pathways.
