US class year explained for Australian students
Updated 26 October 2026
American coaches talk about players by their class: "a 2028 guard", "the Class of 2029". The class is the year a student graduates from high school. Australian students finish school at a different time of year, so here's how to work out yours.
The short answer
Your US class is the year after you finish Year 12.
Australian students finish Year 12 in November or December. American students graduate in May or June. So someone finishing Year 12 in December 2027 lines up with the American students graduating in mid 2028. They're Class of 2028.
Find your class
| Year at school in 2026 | Finish Year 12 | US class |
|---|---|---|
| Year 12 | Dec 2026 | 2027 |
| Year 11 | Dec 2027 | 2028 |
| Year 10 | Dec 2028 | 2029 |
| Year 9 | Dec 2029 | 2030 |
| Year 8 | Dec 2030 | 2031 |
When you'd start college
College basketball runs on the American school year, which starts in August. Most Australians finish Year 12 in December and start college the following August, right before the season. So a Class of 2028 player usually starts college in August 2028.
That gap from December to August is normal. Most players keep playing club basketball and get their applications, visa and eligibility paperwork done.
Why it matters
Coaches recruit by class. When a coach is building their Class of 2028, they're looking for players who can start in August 2028. Using your US class on your profile and in emails tells coaches straight away whether you fit what they need.
AussieScout works this out for you. You tell us your year at school when you sign up, and your profile shows your US class to coaches.
Your eligibility clock
Your class tells coaches when you can start. How many seasons you can play depends on your age as well. See NCAA eligibility for Australian basketball players.