Education in Australia is a state responsibility except in Canberra, where it is funded by the federal government. State education departments run the government schools and set the policies for educational practice and standards for all schools. Non-government schools, run by religious and other groups, exist in all states. Special provision is made for inaccessible outback areas. Schooling is compulsory from age 5û6 to age 15û16 in all states. Universities are independent of state control and are funded by the federal government. In 1990, education accounted for over 13% of government expenditure.
