Australia – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Australia?

Australia enjoys a well-established international standing for educational excellence across all levels of learning. The country’s schools and universities are widely considered among the world’s finest, offering qualifications that are recognised globally and producing graduates with strong employment prospects. The federal government demonstrates its commitment to education through substantial financial backing: in 2024–25, the Australian Government allocated AUD $53 billion to education — equivalent to 7.2% of its total federal budget.

International comparisons offer a useful measure of how Australian students perform relative to their global peers. Every three years, a representative sample of Australian 15-year-olds participates in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), an OECD-administered test that evaluates how effectively students can apply their learning to real-world challenges. In the most recent testing cycle, Australian results held steady while the OECD average declined — a noteworthy achievement. Australia climbed 13 places compared with the 2018 results, and in mathematics specifically, ranked 7th among 64 participating countries in the PISA 2022 assessment.

At the university level, Australian institutions regularly appear in the top 150 globally in both the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Tertiary education participation rates are also impressive: among 25–34 year-olds, 57.2% hold a tertiary qualification, placing Australia 8th out of 40 OECD countries in 2024.

One aspect of the system that continues to attract policy attention is the gap in outcomes between school sectors. Independent schools outperformed all others across every PISA domain, followed by Catholic schools and then government schools. Policymakers are actively working to narrow this divide. For the most current data and reporting, the Australian Department of Education and the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) are the most authoritative sources.

At what age is education compulsory in Australia, and how is schooling structured by age?

Compulsory schooling in Australia applies to children aged six through to 16, with minor variations between individual states and territories. Tasmania, for instance, requires children to begin school at age five. In practice, however, the vast majority of children across the country begin their first formal year of schooling — referred to as Pre-Year 1 — between the ages of four-and-a-half and five-and-a-half. This preparatory year goes by different names depending on the jurisdiction: kindergarten, reception, preparation (or “prep”), transition, or foundation are all in use.

The progression through primary and secondary school follows a consistent national structure. Primary school covers Pre-Year 1 through to Year 6, while secondary school spans Year 7 to Year 12. Children therefore experience 13 years of formal schooling in total from first entry to final graduation — a duration similar to educational systems in countries such as Canada and the United States.

The table below outlines each stage of schooling, the corresponding year levels, and the typical ages of students:

As students advance through secondary school, the curriculum broadens and becomes more specialised, equipping them for either university study or direct entry into the workforce. Those who complete Year 12 are awarded their senior secondary certificate, along with their results and an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score derived from their Year 11 and 12 assessment performance.

What types of schools are available in Australia?

Australian schools fall into two broad categories: government schools and non-government schools. The non-government sector is divided further into Catholic schools and independent private schools. Across the country in 2024, there were 9,653 schools in total — comprising 6,234 primary schools, 1,457 secondary schools, 1,431 combined schools, and 531 special schools.

Government schools — also referred to as state schools or public schools — educate roughly two-thirds of all students in Australia. They are funded jointly by state and federal governments, operate under the national curriculum framework, and are provided at no cost to Australian citizens and permanent residents. Students are allocated places on the basis of their home address within a defined school catchment zone. Both government and non-government schools can be found in co-educational and single-sex formats, though the large majority of schools across all sectors are co-educational.

Catholic schools represent the largest portion of the non-government sector. As of 2018, 19.7% of students were enrolled in Catholic schools and 14.6% in private independent schools. Because Catholic schools derived 76.4% of their gross income from government sources in 2022, their fee levels tend to be considerably more modest than those charged by fully independent institutions. The curriculum at Catholic schools generally mirrors the Australian Curriculum, supplemented by religious education.

Independent private schools vary widely in character — from highly selective academic institutions to schools built around a specific religious, philosophical, or teaching philosophy such as Montessori or Steiner education. In 2022, only 48.7% of independent schools’ gross income came from government funding, making them far more reliant on fees, which can be considerable. These schools frequently offer an extensive range of co-curricular opportunities, premium facilities, and in some cases internationally portable qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Australia does not have a charter school model comparable to those found in North America. Within the government sector, special schools serve students with disabilities or additional learning requirements, and distance education programmes are available to children in remote regions or those whose circumstances prevent regular school attendance.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Australia follow?

Australia’s education system operates within a coherent national framework designed to ensure consistent standards and mutual recognition of qualifications. That framework is the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which defines 10 progressively advanced levels spanning school education, vocational training, and university study. The content taught in schools is overseen by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).

The Australian Curriculum covers a broad range of learning areas: English, mathematics, science, humanities and social sciences, the arts, technologies, health and physical education, and languages. While some countries operate a single national leaving qualification — such as the French Baccalauréat or the German Abitur — Australia’s senior secondary qualifications are issued at the state and territory level, though they are designed to be nationally comparable and equivalent.

Upon completing Year 12, students receive their senior secondary certificate and an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) calculated from their Year 11 and 12 results. The name of the certificate differs across jurisdictions: the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in New South Wales, the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) in Victoria, and analogous certificates elsewhere. The ATAR functions similarly to the UK’s UCAS tariff system, converting academic performance into a single percentile rank used for university admissions purposes.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is offered at a selection of independent schools and some Catholic schools throughout Australia, and is accepted by domestic universities as well as institutions worldwide. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) are also available at certain schools. Families interested in IB options should confirm availability directly with the schools they are considering.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Australia?

School operates Monday to Friday, with the day typically running from around 8.45am to 3.30pm. There is some variation between individual schools and states — some begin as early as 8.30am while others finish as late as 3.45pm. A supervised lunch break of approximately 30 to 40 minutes is standard, and most students bring food from home, though a school canteen is commonly available on the premises.

The academic year begins in late January or early February and concludes in mid-December. It is divided into four terms of roughly 10 weeks each — a structure that differs from the two-semester system common in Europe and North America. In total, primary school students in Australia receive 12 weeks of holiday per year across all breaks combined, which is slightly below the OECD average of 13.5 weeks. Breaks between terms generally last two weeks, while the summer holiday period spanning December and January runs for approximately six weeks.

Term dates are set by each state and territory and published annually by the relevant Department of Education. Independent and private schools may adopt their own calendar, which can differ from the government schedule. Families are advised to confirm exact term dates with the state education authority or the school directly before making travel arrangements or planning their arrival.

Australian students receive 1,000 hours of compulsory instruction per year at both primary and lower secondary levels — a figure that exceeds the OECD averages of 804 hours in primary education and 909 hours in lower secondary education. In practical terms, this means children in Australia generally spend considerably more time in formal learning than those in many comparable countries.

How do you enrol a child in school in Australia?

The enrolment process differs between government and non-government schools and between states and territories. For government schools, enrolment is handled by the relevant state or territory Department of Education. The typical sequence of steps is set out below:

1. Identify your catchment school. Government schools allocate places on the basis of residential address. Use your state’s Department of Education school finder tool to determine which school serves your area before you relocate.
2. Assemble the required documents. You will typically need to provide an Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) when enrolling a child in primary school. Other commonly requested documents include proof of residential address (such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill), the child’s birth certificate or passport, previous school reports or academic records, and relevant visa documentation.
3. Approach the school directly. Most government schools accept enrolment applications on-site. For families on temporary visas, all enrolments for international students must be processed through the State Education Authority for international students.
4. Submit the enrolment form. Forms can be obtained from the school itself or downloaded from the state Department of Education website. Online enrolment is available in some states; others require families to attend in person.
5. Wait for placement confirmation. Children enrolling in their designated catchment school are normally guaranteed a place. Applications for schools outside the catchment zone are subject to available capacity.
6. Arrange an orientation visit. Most schools provide orientation sessions for new students — particularly those arriving mid-year or coming from overseas — to ease the transition into the Australian school environment.

Enrolment at private and independent schools is considerably more competitive. Sought-after schools — especially those in major metropolitan areas — may carry waiting lists spanning several years. Families should make contact with their preferred schools as early as possible, ideally 12 to 24 months before the planned start date. Depending on the school, the admissions process may include an interview, an academic assessment, or the submission of reference letters.

For authoritative and current guidance on enrolment, visit the Australian Department of Education or your state’s education authority: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and equivalent bodies in other states and territories.

What international schools are available in Australia?

A number of schools across Australia offer internationally recognised curricula, with the majority concentrated in major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Canberra. These schools are primarily aimed at families on short-term assignments or those who wish to preserve curriculum continuity for children who have been studying under a particular system before moving to Australia.

International schools in Australia offer a range of curriculum options. The International Baccalaureate (IB) — which is also accessible at certain Australian independent schools — is among the most widely available, alongside American, British, and other national curricula. Schools authorised to deliver the IB can be located through the IB school finder. The Council of International Schools (CIS) and the International Schools Consultancy (ISC) both maintain directories of accredited international schools around the world, including those operating in Australia.

Tuition fees at international schools vary considerably by institution, city, and year level. As a general guide for 2024, annual fees at international schools in Australia’s major cities typically fall in the range of AUD $20,000 to AUD $40,000 or above, with some elite schools setting higher charges. These figures should be confirmed directly with each school, as fees are revised annually. Additional costs such as enrolment fees, uniforms, extracurricular activities, and examination charges may also apply.

For most expat families settling in Australia, enrolling in an international school is not a necessity — the mainstream Australian school system delivers a high-quality, English-language education. That said, families anticipating a further relocation after a few years, or whose children are pursuing an internationally portable qualification such as the IB Diploma, may find that an international school provides valuable academic continuity.

What higher education options are available in Australia?

Tertiary education in Australia encompasses university study and training at registered providers — most notably Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions — leading to degrees, diplomas, certificates, and other recognised qualifications. As of 2025, Australia has 42 universities in total: 37 are publicly funded, 3 are private, and 2 are international private universities operating in the country.

Australian universities maintain a strong presence in global university rankings, regularly appearing in the top 150 institutions according to both the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The “Group of Eight” — comprising institutions such as the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, and the University of Sydney, among others — are especially prominent internationally and account for a disproportionate share of Australia’s research output.

Admission for school leavers is primarily based on ATAR scores, though universities also accept applications through mature-age entry pathways, vocational qualifications, and portfolio-based assessment. Expat students who completed their secondary education outside Australia will generally need their qualifications formally assessed for equivalency. The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) in New South Wales and counterpart organisations in other states coordinate this process.

Fee arrangements differ markedly depending on residency status. Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens can access Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs), through which the government subsidises a portion of tuition costs and students pay only a contribution amount — which can be deferred interest-free via the HECS-HELP loan scheme. International students, including those on temporary visas, are required to pay full overseas student tuition fees set by the institution. As of 2024, international undergraduate fees typically range from around AUD $20,000 to AUD $50,000 or more per year, depending on the field of study and institution. Up-to-date fee information is available directly from universities and through Study in Australia, the Australian Government’s official resource for prospective international students.

VET providers — both public TAFE colleges and private registered training organisations — offer certificate and diploma-level qualifications across a diverse range of vocational fields including nursing, engineering, hospitality, and information technology. TAFE qualifications are widely respected by employers and represent a cost-effective and practical pathway for many students.

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Australia?

All instruction in Australian mainstream schools is delivered in English. Unlike countries such as Luxembourg or Singapore, which incorporate bilingual or multilingual education into the state school system, Australia conducts its entire national curriculum in English. This is a practical consideration of real significance for families arriving from countries where their children have been educated in another language.

On a reassuring note, Australian government schools have extensive experience welcoming students from a wide variety of linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The proportion of immigrant 15-year-olds in Australia’s PISA 2022 cohort reached 29%, up from 23% in 2018 — a figure that reflects just how diverse and multicultural Australian schools are. Most government schools have established processes to identify and support newly enrolled students who are still developing their English proficiency.

Where a school assesses a child as having limited or no English, a referral to an Intensive English Centre may be made. These specialist facilities — often co-located with or in proximity to mainstream government schools — provide structured English language instruction until students are ready to transition into regular classes. Eligibility criteria and the availability of these centres vary across states, so families should ask about this provision during the enrolment process.

Children are generally highly adaptable language learners, and conversational English is typically acquired within six to twelve months of full immersion. Academic English — the language needed for formal writing, analysis, and subject-specific learning — generally takes longer to develop, often two to four years to reach native-speaker levels. Families wishing to support their child’s home language alongside English will find a wide network of community language schools operating on weekends. The federal government’s Community Languages Australia programme provides support for these through a national network of after-school and weekend language tuition providers.

Families specifically seeking instruction in a language other than English may find bilingual programmes or language immersion streams at certain independent schools. International schools in major cities may also teach in other languages or deliver a non-Australian curriculum. Within the government sector, however, English remains the sole medium of instruction throughout all year levels.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Australia?

Whether a family can access free government schooling in Australia depends primarily on their visa or residency status. Australian citizens, permanent residents, and certain categories of eligible temporary residents are entitled to attend government schools without paying tuition fees. This entitlement applies automatically to families who have completed the migration process and hold the appropriate visa or status.

Families holding temporary visas — including skilled worker visas, student visas, and visitor visas — are generally obliged to pay tuition fees in order to enrol their children in government schools. These fees differ between states: Queensland AUD $14,100–$17,600; New South Wales AUD $15,000–$18,400; Victoria AUD $13,200–$26,820; South Australia AUD $11,400–$15,000; Western Australia AUD $14,600–$19,000 (as of 2024). Certain students may qualify for fee exemptions; families should contact the relevant State Authority directly for clarification.

In some circumstances, a temporary resident student may be eligible for a fee exemption — for example, if a parent or step-parent holds Australian citizenship or permanent residency. In New South Wales, an Exemption Review Panel considers individual applications for fee relief from low-income families. Comparable provisions exist in other states, though the qualifying criteria vary between jurisdictions.

For private school fees, families do not receive direct government subsidies, although schools themselves benefit from government funding that helps keep fees lower than they would otherwise be — particularly in the Catholic sector. Some independent schools offer merit-based scholarships, bursaries, or means-tested fee concessions; families should enquire directly with individual schools about what financial assistance might be available.

At the tertiary level, the Australian Government’s AUD $53 billion education investment in 2024–25 includes substantial support for the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible domestic students to defer their tuition contribution until their income exceeds a set threshold. This scheme is not accessible to international students or the majority of temporary visa holders. For current fee schedules and entitlement information, consult the Australian Department of Education and the education authority in your relevant state or territory.

Frequently asked questions about education in Australia for expats

Can my child attend a free government school in Australia if I am on a temporary work visa?

This depends on the specific visa you hold. Children of parents on certain temporary work visas — such as the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) — are typically required to pay tuition fees to attend government schools. However, fee levels, available exemptions, and eligibility conditions differ from one state and territory to another. Some jurisdictions offer reduced fees for low-income families or for children who have at least one parent who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Before you arrive, contact the Department of Education in the state you intend to move to in order to understand your specific obligations. Always verify current policies with the official state education authority, as rules are subject to change.

Will my child’s overseas school qualifications be recognised in Australia?

For enrolment at school level, Australian schools generally rely on previous school reports and academic transcripts to determine which year level is most appropriate for an incoming student, rather than requiring formal accreditation of overseas credentials. For university entry, students who completed their secondary education abroad will need their qualifications assessed for equivalency. This is managed by bodies such as the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) in NSW and equivalent organisations in other states. The Australian Government’s NOOSR (National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition) also offers broader guidance on the recognition of overseas qualifications.

How quickly will my child pick up English if they don’t speak it at home?

Children are remarkably adaptable and most develop a working level of conversational English within six to twelve months of being immersed in an Australian school setting. Academic or written English — the language required for formal schoolwork and examinations — typically takes longer to develop, with two to four years being a commonly cited timeframe for reaching parity with native-speaking peers. Government schools may direct children with limited English to an Intensive English Centre for structured language instruction. At home, parents can support their child by encouraging reading in English while continuing to use the family’s home language — research consistently shows that maintaining the first language supports overall language acquisition.

Are there waiting lists for popular government schools in Australia?

Government schools allocate places based on residential catchment zones, which means that families living within a school’s defined area are normally entitled to a place regardless of how popular that school is. If you want to enrol your child in a school outside your catchment zone, however, places are only offered when the school has spare capacity — and high-demand schools in desirable suburbs can reach capacity quickly. For private and independent schools, waiting lists are a genuine consideration, particularly for well-regarded institutions in Sydney and Melbourne where some schools carry wait lists that extend several years into the future. It is strongly advisable to register your interest with preferred private schools at the earliest opportunity — ideally two to three years before the intended start date.

What childcare and early education options are available for children under school age?

Families with young children in Australia can choose from a range of early childhood services, including long day care centres, family day care, and occasional care. Children between the ages of three and five are eligible for preschool or kindergarten programmes, which are government-subsidised in many states. The Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is available to families using approved childcare services, subject to income and residency eligibility requirements. Families should check their eligibility and the current subsidy rates through Services Australia, as subsidy levels are updated from time to time.

Can expats access Australian universities on the same terms as local students?

Expats holding Australian permanent residency or citizenship are generally entitled to access university on the same terms as other domestic students, including eligibility for Commonwealth Supported Places and the HECS-HELP deferred payment scheme. Those on temporary visas are classified as international students and are required to pay full overseas student tuition fees, which are substantially higher. In some specific circumstances, bilateral agreements or scholarship programmes may provide partial financial support. Always check directly with the institution you are considering and consult the Study in Australia government portal for up-to-date guidance.

Is the International Baccalaureate (IB) widely available in Australia?

The IB Diploma Programme is offered at a selection of schools across Australia, largely within the independent sector and at some Catholic schools. It is less common than the state-issued senior secondary certificates such as the HSC or VCE, but is accepted by Australian universities and carries strong international currency — making it an appealing option for families who expect to move again after their time in Australia. The IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme are also available at certain schools. To find accredited IB schools near you, use the IB school finder at ibo.org.

What is the ATAR, and how does it affect university entry?

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a percentile score ranging from 0 to 99.95, awarded to students who complete their senior secondary education in Years 11 and 12. It is derived from final examination and assessment results and serves as the primary tool universities use to rank applicants for competitive course places. Entry requirements vary widely depending on the institution and programme — studying medicine or law at a leading university typically demands a very high ATAR, while many other courses set considerably lower thresholds. Students who completed their secondary schooling overseas do not receive an ATAR but have their qualifications assessed for equivalency by the relevant university admissions centre in each state.