A Guide to Education & International Schools in Australia

Jump right in:

• The Australian education system
• Early childhood education
• Primary and secondary education
• Types of schools & admission requirements
• International schools in Australia
• School costs
• Higher education in Australia
• University tuition fees & other costs
• Education agents
• Language schools

The Australian education system

The education system is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary education (higher education). Only primary and secondary are compulsory. Education is similar across the country, with only minor variations between states and territories.

Following the years of mandatory study, a student can choose to pursue higher education if they want to. Higher education in Australia is comprised of technical colleges and universities. They offer technical, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees.

Key education facts

• The school year in Australia starts in either late January or early February. It ends in mid-December.
• Most schools have three or four semesters. Each term lasts 9–11 weeks, with two weeks of vacation between each semester.
• School hours are usually from 9:00 to 15:30.
• Lunch is provided at the school.
• English is the official language of instruction.

Early childhood education

Childcare options

Some of the most common options for childcare in Australia are

• home-based care — when a friend, babysitter, relative, or nanny cares for your child in your home;
• center-based care — includes preschools/kindergartens (see below), long daycare, and occasional care;
• family daycare — when an approved carer looks after your child in the carer’s home;
• outside school hours care — center-based daycare for parents who need childcare before or after school and school holidays.

Childcare is mainly intended for children under five years old.

Daycare and kindergarten

Early childcare facilities and preschools (known as kindergartens in some states) are all options for your young children in Australia.

The educational approach taken in preschool and early childhood education and care is learning through play. This is to help children develop their communication, social, physical, problem-solving, and creative skills.

Unlike in some countries, kindergarten is not divided — there is no junior and senior kindergarten. Preschool/kindergarten is also not mandatory to attend in Australia.

There are also schools which are offered based on individual philosophies on children’s learning, such as Steiner, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia.

What age do you start preschool/kindergarten?

If you choose to send your child to preschool, the age for them to start varies depending on the state. Typically, preschool is for children who turn four in the year before beginning school (although some states offer preschool for children as young as three).

Early childhood education fees

Costs vary depending on the state and the carer’s experience, qualifications, and duties. Below are some approximate costs.

Primary and secondary education

Primary school

Children typically start school in Kindergarten (also called Foundation) and continue in primary school until Year 6 or 7, depending on the state.

Primary school focuses on building basic skills in:

• Reading and writing (English)
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies
• Physical and health education
• Arts and basic technology

Later on, a foreign language may be introduced (usually around Year 3 to 5).

Sample primary school schedule:

• 9:00–11:00 — classes
• 11:00–11:30 — recess
• 11:30–13:30 — classes
• 13:30–14:30 — lunch
• 14:30–15:30 — classes

Top primary schools

• Sydney Grammar School
• Aloysius’ College, Sydney
• Bajool State School, Bajool
• Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Melbourne
• Haileybury College, Melbourne

Secondary school

Secondary school starts in Year 7 or 8, depending on the state, and goes up to Year 12.

Subjects become more specialized and may include:

• English and mathematics
• Science and geography
• Economics, business, and civics
• Humanities and citizenship
• Technology, arts, and languages

In the last two years of school, students can choose electives based on their plans. After finishing Year 12, they receive a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, which is required for university or vocational education.

Sample secondary school schedule:

• 8:30–10:15 — classes
• 10:15–10:45 — recess
• 10:45–12:20 — classes
• 12:20–13:20 — lunch
• 13:20–15:00 — classes

Top secondary schools (selective public schools)

• Baulkham Hills High School
• Fort Street High School
• Girraween High School
• Nossal High School
• Adelaide High School

School systems in Australia

Your child’s age and corresponding school year will vary slightly depending on where you live in Australia. In general, this is what you will find throughout the country:

Primary school

Secondary school

Grading system

Types of schools & admission requirements

Public schools

• Ownership: Managed and funded by the government
• Cost: Generally low, often just a few hundred AUD per year
• Uniforms: Sometimes required; usually inexpensive
• Facilities: Basic but functional
• Student-teacher ratio: Typically higher
• Admission policy: Must accept all students living in the school’s district
• Admission requirements: Less selective and easier to access

Private schools

• Ownership: Privately owned and operated (independent schools)
• Cost: Often over 15,000 AUD (approx. 10,250 USD), with some top schools charging above 50,000 AUD (approx. 34,200 USD) per year
• Uniforms: Required; often expensive (a blazer alone can cost around 200 AUD / 140 USD)
• Facilities: Usually better, with well-equipped libraries, science labs, gyms, and art/music rooms
• Student-teacher ratio: Generally lower, allowing more individual attention
• Admission policy: Can be selective about which students they admit
• Admission requirements: More competitive and demanding

General enrollment requirements (primary & secondary schools)

If you’re moving to Australia with school-age children, enrolling them in a public primary or secondary school is usually straightforward — but requirements can vary slightly depending on your visa type and the state or territory you’re in.

For both primary and secondary public schools, expat families generally need to provide:

• completed enrollment form (from the school or education department)
• child’s passport and birth certificate
• proof of residential address in Australia (e.g., lease agreement, utility bill)
• recent school reports (if required)
• visa information (including visa subclass)
• immunization records
• health or medical information
• parent/guardian contact details
• any custody or legal documentation (if relevant)

Additional notes for expat families:

• If your child holds a student visa (subclass 500) or certain dependent visas, you may need to apply through your state’s International Student Program.
• Some visa types allow access to public schools with no fees, while others may require international tuition payments.
• Children must live with a parent or approved guardian if they are under 18.

Always confirm requirements with the local education authority in your destination state. Some schools may also request academic records or an interview.

Where to check or apply?

Required documents for public & private schools

For public schools

To enroll your child in a public school (both primary and secondary), you’ll usually need to provide the documents listed above.

Public schools don’t require entrance exams or interviews. Most accept students based on where you live, so proving your address is important. Some public schools offer optional religious classes, but only if parents agree.

For private schools

Private schools may ask for more documents and steps. Along with the things listed above, they often require:

• An application fee
• An interview with the school
• Entrance tests or assessments, especially for high school
• Recent school reports or test results
• Sometimes a reference letter or a short statement about your child

Private schools can design their own programs and often include religious education as part of the curriculum.

International schools in Australia

Australia offers a wide range of international schools, covering nursery, primary, secondary, and even tertiary education.

These schools typically have higher fees than other private schools and cater to expatriate families and globally mobile students. Fees vary widely depending on the school and location but can often exceed 30,000 AUD (20,400 USD) annually.

What are international schools like?

International schools sometimes enroll local students, but they are primarily designed for foreign students. Depending on your child’s needs, you can find schools that offer the American or British curriculum. French, German, even Japanese education systems are also an option. You will find many international schools that offer the International Baccalaureate.

Below is a list of some of the international schools you will find in the country, or you can get a full list of international schools in Australia online.

Top international schools in Sydney

• International Grammar School
• International French School of Sydney
• The German International School
• Sydney Chinese School
• Sydney Japanese International School

Top international schools in Melbourne

• Wesley College
• Sophia Mundi Steiner School
• Carey Baptist Grammar School
• Sacred Heart College
• Haileybury

Top international schools in Brisbane

• Cairns State High School
• Indooroopilly State High School
• Mountain Creek State High School
• Queensland Academy
• Somerset College

Top international schools in Perth

• The Japanese School
• International School of Western Australia
• Treetops Montessori School
• Scotch College
• Helena College

Top international schools in Adelaide

• Adelaide International School
• Glenunga International High School
• Mercedes College
• Loreto College
• Our Saviour Lutheran School

Top international schools in Gold Coast

• Gold Coast International College
• Shafston International College

Top international schools in Newcastle

• Newcastle Grammar School
• Medowie Christian School

Top international schools in Canberra

• Telopea Park School (French school)
• Melba Copland Secondary School
• Narrabundah College
• Red Hill Primary School
• North Ainslie Primary School

Another excellent resource for finding accredited schools is the Council of International Schools. It’s a non-profit organization with a community of more than 1,300 institutions (736 schools and 618 colleges and universities) in 116 countries, including Australia.

International school requirements & admission

Enrollment requirements for international schools in Australia will vary. Admission is often limited, extremely selective, and competitive. Therefore, you should apply early. An enrollment exam may also be required.

Keep in mind that preference may be given to expat students of specific backgrounds and nationalities for some international schools.

In the event you cannot get your child enrolled right away, you can opt for a nearby school at first and then transfer your child once a spot opens up.

School costs

Here’s what families can expect to pay on average over 13 years for public, Catholic, or independent private schooling in Australia.

• Public schooling: 90,000 AUD (61,200 USD)
• Independent private schooling (includes boarding, single-sex, etc.): 340,000 AUD (231,200 USD)
• Catholic (faith-based) schooling: 195,000 AUD (132,600 USD)

Below is a breakdown of the estimated annual costs for primary and secondary education, depending on the type of school.

Note: These costs include tuition fees, uniforms, textbooks, field trips, and other essential expenses. Actual fees can vary based on the school, its location, and any extracurricular activities or services.

Higher education in Australia

If your child has completed compulsory education (primary and secondary), and you are interested in having them pursue higher education, be prepared to pay a hefty price tag.

As an international student, they will be required to pay a lot more in tuition fees to attend an Australian university. In 2024, annual costs typically ranged from 20,000 to 45,000 AUD (13,400 to 30,200 USD) for an undergraduate degree and 22,000 to 50,000 AUD (14,700 to 33,600 USD) for a postgraduate.

To apply for higher education (like university) in Australia, most students use their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). It’s a number between 0.00 and 99.95 that shows a student’s academic performance relative to others. The ATAR is calculated by your state or territory’s Tertiary Admissions Centre based on your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12 results) or International Baccalaureate (IB) scores.

Other pathways to university

If a student doesn’t have an ATAR or wants to explore a different route, there are other options:

• Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications (like a Certificate IV or Diploma)
• Portfolio of work, interviews, or auditions (especially for creative courses)
• Prerequisite courses or bridging programs
• Mature-age entry (usually age 25+), which can be based on work experience, entrance exams, or demonstrated ability

Top universities in Australia

• Australian National University (ANU)
• University of Melbourne
• University of Sydney
• University of New South Wales (UNSW)
• University of Queensland (UQ)
• Monash University

Top universities (according to faculties)

Below are recommendations for some of the top universities in Australia based on their faculties.

• Accounting and finance: UNSW
• Architecture: University of Sydney
• Art and design: RMIT University
• Biological sciences: University of Melbourne
• Business and management studies: University of Melbourne
• Computer science and information systems: University of Melbourne
• English language and literature: University of Melbourne
• Hospitality and leisure management: Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS)
• Mathematics: ANU
• Modern languages: University of Melbourne
• Politics and international studies: ANU
• Psychology: University of Melbourne
• Sociology: ANU
• Statistics and operational research: University of Melbourne

University tuition fees & other costs

How much does it cost to study in Australia for international students? Quite a lot!

Be prepared to pay a fortune as Australia is one of the most expensive places to study — especially for non-Australian students. International students are a huge source of revenue for higher education institutions in the country.

The following are average tuition fee costs, not including veterinary and medical degrees, which can cost considerably more.

Undergraduate

International students pursuing an undergraduate degree in Australia can expect annual tuition fees ranging from 17,000 to 50,000 AUD, depending on the institution and program.

Postgraduate

For postgraduate studies, including Master’s degrees, tuition fees for international students in 2025 were at around 22,000 to 50,000 AUD at public universities.

Private institutions may charge higher fees, ranging from 30,000 to 55,000 AUD.

Vocational education & training

Vocational Education and Training programs, such as Certificates I to IV, diplomas, and advanced diplomas, have annual tuition fees for international students ranging from 5,700 to 24,000 AUD, depending on the course and provider.

Additional costs

International students in Australia need to budget for more than just tuition.

The Student Visa (Subclass 500), which allows you to study in Australia for up to five years, cost 1,600 AUD in 2025 details see Department of Home Affairs. To be granted this visa, you must have accepted an offer from an Australian institution and provide proof of sufficient funds and adequate student health insurance.

Many universities also charge a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) of up to 365 AUD per year to cover non-academic services such as campus events, counselling, and student support.

Scholarships

There are many scholarship opportunities in Australia for both domestic and international students.

• The ACER Scholarship Tests are one way how schools assess high-achieving students for academic scholarships. These tests focus on reasoning and critical thinking rather than just curriculum knowledge.
• International students can apply for scholarships offered by universities, the Australian Government (like Destination Australia or Australia Awards), and private foundations.
• The Public Education Foundation offers scholarships for primary, secondary, and tertiary education — including some specifically for children of low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Some State Departments of Education also offer grants or awards for local and international students at the high school and university levels.

It’s a good idea to check directly with your target university and the education department in your state for the latest scholarship info.

Education agents

If you want to study abroad in Australia and need help with the application process, you might be able to reach out to an education agent in your home country.

Under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, all Australian institutions are required to list appointed agents on their site.

Language schools

There are a number of language schools that can find around the country, including (but not limited to):

Sydney

• Lloyds International College
• Embassy English
• OHC Sydney
• Kaplan International
• Sydney School of English

Melbourne

• Discover English
• OHC Melbourne
• Kaplan International
• Melbourne City College Australia
• Ashton College

Brisbane

• Language Studies International
• OHC Brisbane
• Kaplan International
• International House Brisbane
• ILSC

Perth

• Language Links Education and Training College
• Kaplan International
• Lexis English
• Australian Technical College Western Australia

Adelaide

• Kaplan International
• English Language Center at the University of Adelaide
• School of Languages
• Vocational Language Learning Centre
• English College of Adelaide

Gold Coast

• OHC Gold Coast
• Australian International College of Language
• The Language Academy
• Embassy English

Newcastle

• Hunter Institute
• The University of Newcastle

Canberra

• Navitas English Canberra
• Canberra Institute of Technology
• International House
• Kaplan International
• GEOS English Canberra