DreamSpark , which to date, as only been available to university and TAFE students, makes professional-level developer and designer software tools.
The program also makes training available to high school students at no charge, to support and help advance their learning and skills through technical design, technology, mathematics, science and engineering activities.
DreamSpark for university and TAFE students was announced just over 12 months ago and, since then, has seen around 43,000 downloads from Australian students.
Neil Jackson, director of education at Microsoft Australia said education is the starting point for success and supports economic growth and prosperity in communities.
"It's vital that we support efforts to provide children with access to a high-quality education as well as providing ongoing access to technology skills training throughout their development," he said.
"Microsoft is focused on putting direct measures in place to foster talent in the ICT industry and to help students jump start their careers."
Through DreamSpark, Australian high school students will have access to Microsoft's developer and designer software.
This includes Microsoft Expression Studio 2; Microsoft Visual Studio (2005/2008 Professional Edition); Microsoft SQL Server 2008 (Developer Edition); Microsoft Windows Server (2003/2008 Standard Edition); XNA Game Studio 3.0 + Creators Club Membership; Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 2008; and Microsoft Virtual PC.
Students and their teachers can find out more information about DreamSpark and download Microsoft developer and designer software by visiting: www.dreamspark.com.
Additional information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/unlimitedpotential. Follow Unlimited Potential on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MicrosoftUP.
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