Schools in Australia
Australian children start school at about 5, and the school year runs from late January or early February to December. On a temporary visa you may have to pay fees even at a state school, depending on the state.
In 30 seconds
- Most children go to a free government school, but some states charge fees to children of temporary visa holders
- Your local state school is usually set by your address, so choose where to live with schools in mind
- If your child may want a UK university, the 3-year residence rule for home fees matters
The school year
Unlike the UK, the school year matches the calendar year. It has four terms, with the long holiday over Christmas and summer. In NSW, Term 1 of 2027 starts on Wednesday 3 February for most schools. Other states start at a similar time; check your state’s term dates.
Starting ages
Each state names the first year differently and has its own cut-off date.
| State | First year of school | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Kindergarten | Usually 5 by 31 July |
| Victoria | Prep (Foundation) | Usually 5 by 30 April |
| Queensland | Prep | Usually 5 by 30 June |
| Western Australia | Pre-primary (compulsory); Kindergarten the year before | 5 by 30 June for Pre-primary; 4 by 30 June for Kindergarten |
| South Australia | Reception | 5 before 1 May: start in Term 1. 5 between 1 May and 31 October: start in Term 3 |
School becomes compulsory at between 5 and 6½, depending on the state. A child arriving from the UK may move up or down a year compared with their English year group. Talk to the school about the right year.
Types of school
| Type | Share of students (2025) | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Government (state or public) | 62.8% | Free for citizens and permanent residents, apart from small contributions. Fees may apply on temporary visas |
| Catholic | 20.0% | Usually charge fees |
| Independent (private) | 17.2% | Charge fees, which vary widely. Apply early |
Fees if you’re on a temporary visa
Each state sets its own rules. This is a big cost to check before you accept a job.
| State | Fees for children of temporary visa holders |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | A$6,400 a year for primary and Years 7–10, A$7,600 for Years 11–12 in 2026. In 2027: A$6,600 primary, A$6,700 Years 7–10, A$7,800 Years 11–12. Plus a A$150 application fee. Children of 482 visa holders are exempt at eligible regional schools |
| Victoria | No tuition fees for children of 482, 491 or 494 visa holders. Some other temporary visas pay fees |
| Queensland | No tuition fees for children of 482, 491 or 494 visa holders. Children on fee-paying visas (for example visitors) pay A$314 a week for primary and A$322–396 a week for secondary in 2026, plus a A$305 application fee |
| Western Australia | 482 families pay A$4,000 a year per family, however many children. No fee if your oldest child is in Kindergarten. Waivers may apply if family income is A$90,000 or less |
| South Australia | 482 families pay up to A$7,000 a year per child for primary and A$8,200 for high school in 2027. Nothing if family income is A$78,000 or less, and less if it is under A$105,000–145,000 (depending on how many children). 10% off for each extra child. Some country schools are exempt; no fee for preschool |
| ACT | A$11,100 a year for primary, A$14,500 for Years 7–10 and A$16,200 for Years 11–12 in 2026. Families on 482, 491 or 494 visas can apply for an exemption if the main visa holder lives and works in the ACT (conditions apply) |
Fees and exemptions depend on your exact visa subclass. Ask your employer whether they will help with school fees.
Catchments and finding a school
In many states your local government school depends on your home address. In Victoria, every eligible child has the right to attend their zoned local school; check the official Find my School website, not estate agents’ claims. Popular schools can be hard to get into from outside the zone.
- My School (myschool.edu.au) has data on every Australian school, including NAPLAN (national literacy and numeracy test) results, funding and attendance
Leaving school and university
At the end of Year 12, students get an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). It’s a number between 0.00 and 99.95 showing how they rank against their age group, and universities use it for entry.
What to do next
- Check school fees for your visa in your chosen state
- Look up schools on My School before choosing a suburb
- Ask your employer about help with school fees
- NSW Department of Education: 2027 school calendar
- NSW Department of Education International: Education fees for temporary residents 2026–27
- Victorian Department of Education: International Student Program visa fee table
- Queensland Department of Education: Schedule of visa subclasses and enrolment conditions
- Education Queensland International: Temporary residents admissions fees 2026
- TAFE International WA: Children who are dependants of visa holders
- SA Department for Education: Student fees and enrolment for subclass 482 visa holders
- ACT Government: Enrol a child (dependant) of a temporary resident
- NSW Department of Education: Primary school enrolment
- Victorian Government: Enrolling in Foundation (Prep)
- Queensland Government: Enrolment age requirements
- WA Department of Education: Enrolling in school
- SA Department for Education: Starting school
- Victorian Government: School zones
- ABS: Schools, 2025
- ACARA: My School
- UAC: What is the ATAR?
- GOV.UK: Student finance, who qualifies