The school system in Australia - Australia Guide

monkeybusiness / Envato Elements

Written byDebi McLeodon 10 August 2025

Australia is held in high regard for its education system, particularly for access to quality education, a balanced curriculum and highly trained teachers. , you won't need to worry about your child accessing a quality education if you're moving to Australia from abroad.

Good to know:

School is compulsory for children in Australia aged six to 16, although there are minor differences between states and territories. Primary school lasts for seven years, and senior school spans from years 7 to 12. In 2024, more than nationwide.

The school terms in Australia

Each state and territory government manages its own school system; therefore, there are minor differences in education across the country. For instance, the school year start-and-end dates vary slightly, but children are generally in school from late January or early February until the end of the year. And depending on which state or territory you are in 鈥� and the school your child goes to 鈥� school winds up sometime during the month of December. The first set of school holidays usually coincides with Easter in March or April, followed by the winter holidays in June or July, spring holidays in September or October, and then the long summer break.

Levels of schooling in Australia

Schooling in Australia is divided into three levels: primary school, secondary school and tertiary education. In addition to Australia's highly ranked universities, there are various types of schools at the primary and secondary levels, including government or public schools, Catholic schools, and independent, non-government funded schools. International schools fall under the category of independent schools. Some parents in Australia also choose to homeschool, which has experienced significant growth since COVID lockdowns, school closures and the move to home learning during that period.

Kindergarten (preschool)

Although it's not part of the official three-level structure of schooling in Australia, kindergarten or preschool will often be your child's introduction to a classroom and their first opportunity to participate in play-based activities alongside other children. At kinder services, qualified teachers deliver a curriculum based on your child's cognitive, language, social, emotional and physical development.

Kindergarten is considered an early childhood education program that helps prepare young children for primary school. Attending kindergarten helps develop a child's social skills and independence. It can also help identify issues that might pose problems when it's time for 鈥榖ig school', such as learning to hold a pencil correctly for writing.

Although three-year-old kinder is available, most children in Australia don't start until four-year-old kinder. This is because, traditionally, kindergarten in the year prior to school has been either free or government-subsidized. Services and funding vary across different states and territories, so you will need to research the offerings in your area via local council or state government education websites.

For instance, in , the government now offers 15 hours of free kindergarten to children in three- or four-year-old kindergarten programs at participating services. This is free for everyone. You do not need to be an Australian citizen or provide proof of address to be eligible. So, if you are arriving in the country with small children, be sure to take advantage of early childhood education opportunities. Kinder will give your little one confidence and a brand new group of friends, helping to make the transition to school, and life in a new country, a whole lot easier.

Primary school

Primary school is compulsory in Australia, and children attend primary school for seven years. The age at which a child must start school varies across the country, and the name of the first year of primary school varies across states and territories, too. Children leave primary school for secondary school after they finish year six (or grade six).

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The first year of primary school in the is referred to as kindergarten. Children commence at the start of the school year if they turn five by April 30. And then every child in the ACT must be in school from the age of six.

New South Wales (NSW)

The first year of primary school in is called kindergarten. Children commence at the start of the school year if they turn five by July 31, and they must be enrolled in school by their sixth birthday.

Northern Territory (NT)

The first year of primary school in the is transition class, which is also known as prep, kindergarten or reception. Children commence school at the start of the school year if they turn six by June 30, and then school becomes compulsory from the age of six.

Queensland (QLD)

The first year of primary school in is known as prep. Your child must be five by June 30 in the year they start school. And school is compulsory for children aged six years and six months.

South Australia (SA)

The first year of primary school in is known as reception, and government primary schools in SA have two enrolment dates. Your child can start in term one if they turn five by May 1. Then, they will begin in term three if they were born between May 1 and October 31. A child born after that will start in term one of the following year. All children must be attending school by the time they turn six years old.

Tasmania (TAS)

The name for the first year of primary school in is prep, and all children need to be enrolled in school at age five.

Victoria (VIC)

In , the first year of primary school is referred to as prep or foundation. To start school, children must be five by April 30. School is compulsory for all children who have reached the age of six.

Western Australia (WA)

The first year of primary school in is called pre-primary. Children must be enrolled in primary school if they turn five by June 30.

Secondary school

After completing primary school, it's time to move on to secondary school. Previously known as high school, secondary school typically runs from year seven to year 12. During secondary school, the curriculum becomes more specialized, preparing students for university or the workforce. Students who complete their secondary education to year 12 are awarded their . During years 11 and 12, students sit for exams and, upon graduation, receive the certificate along with their marks and an score. Entry to most tertiary courses is based on your ATAR score. The name of the senior secondary certificate varies from state to state, but it offers students a direct pathway to university.

Depending on where you live in Australia, secondary school is compulsory up until the ages of 15 to 17. The laws differ across the country, but usually it is possible to finish school after year 10. If you don't want to complete your secondary schooling until year 12, you must be employed or in education or training for at least 25 hours a week. There is a wide range of options available to early school leavers, including apprenticeships and traineeships, vocational education and training (VET), and TAFE (Technical and Further Education) courses. Initiatives like the offer young people on-the-job training, mentoring, and competitive salaries.

Tertiary

Regularly ranked among the top places in the world to study, Australia boasts numerous prestigious universities that attract thousands of international students to the country each year. In the , Australia had nine of the top 100 universities in the world, with Sydney and Melbourne consistently ranking among the top ten best student cities globally. However, while domestic students can access Commonwealth Supported Places for subsidized degrees, as well as a loan to repay the remainder of their student debt, international students face higher tuition fees. Universities also often require international students to pay the full cost of their degree in advance.

Types of schooling in Australia

If you are making the move to Australia with your family, you'll need to understand how the country's school system is structured so that you can make an informed decision about your child's education. The different types of schooling in Australia are:

Government (Public)

Government-run and funded.
Free for citizens and permanent residents.
Temporary visa holders are usually required to pay school fees.
All parents need to pay for uniforms, some supplies and excursions.
Enrolments based on residential catchment zones.
Co-ed schools (girls and boys).

Non-government (private or independent)

These are a diverse group of schools serving a range of communities, including:

Anglican;
Uniting Church;
Greek Orthodox;
Lutheran;
Seventh Day Adventist;
Presbyterian;
Non-denominational Christian schools;
Jewish;
Islamic;
Montessori;
Steiner;
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community schools;
Special needs;
International schools.
Funded through tuition fees paid by families.
Many private schools are larger than public schools, with better facilities and programs.
Smaller class sizes.
Acceptance is often via interview and academic grades.
Some private schools have a competitive enrolment process and lengthy wait lists.
Parents pay for uniforms, books and excursions on top of tuition fees.
Mix of same-sex and co-ed schools.

Catholic

Not as expensive as non-Catholic private schools.
An extensive primary and secondary school network across the country.
Sometimes called private or independent schools.
You don't need to be Catholic to attend.
Funded by the Federal Government, the relevant State Government and parents.

International schools

Enroling at an international school is another option for your child's education in Australia. International schools are located in all major cities and are spread across various age-based learning stages. Primarily tailored for students from overseas, international schools offer the as well as a mix of curricula from other countries, providing your child with an easier transition to learning in different countries in the event that you move on to somewhere else from Australia. While the culturally diverse school community can provide a supportive environment for a child adjusting to school life in a new country, it is essential to note that some international schools may have competitive admission requirements, and tuition fees can be expensive.

Some popular international schools in Australia include:

in Adelaide;
in Brisbane;
in Canberra;
in Darwin;
in Hobart;
in Melbourne;
in Perth;
in Sydney.

Home schooling

Homeschooling is another potential avenue to consider and is on the rise in Australia. In 2024, approximately 45,000 students were homeschooled across the country, a practice that has become increasingly accepted as a way to educate children. The is a not-for-profit that provides support to parents who must register with the government as home educators. There is a homeschool registration authority in each state and territory that monitors a child's academic progress. In some states, parents must submit a learning plan for their child before they can be approved to homeschool their children.

How to choose a school for your child in Australia

Moving to a new country with children can be a stressful undertaking, and their education will be at the forefront of your mind. With so many options, how do you know what will be best for your family? Research is key, and researching well in advance of your arrival in Australia is paramount. Some expats even choose where they will live in Australia based on the school they wish their child to attend.

Firstly, what are your requirements for your child's education? Would you like them to attend a school aligned with your faith? Would you like them to receive a private school education in a same-sex school? Or are you looking for a highly regarded public school? Are you interested in homeschooling, or do the benefits of an international school appeal to you more? You will also need to consider the type of visa you hold, as this will determine the tuition fees you are required to pay.

Visa requirements and eligibility

The children of Australian citizens and permanent residents are entitled to free education in the public school system, although they will usually need to pay additional costs for uniforms, excursions and books. Eligibility for free public school education depends on the visa you hold and the state or territory in which you will be residing. According to the , if you are an international student visa holder and you have been allowed to bring your family with you, you will need to pay for your child to attend a public or private school in Australia. State and territory governments usually have a , where students on temporary visas can attend public schools but must pay school fees. Conditions vary across the country, so it's vital to check government websites in the state you are moving to, to understand .

How to research schools

There are several ways to obtain information on potential schools, including:

Word of mouth

Utilize family and friends already in Australia for feedback on schools in the area where you plan to base yourself.

My School

The government's contains data on all of the schools in Australia, including funding, enrolment numbers and NAPLAN performance (National Assessment Program 鈥� Literacy and Numeracy.

School websites

School websites are a wealth of information that can help you learn about facilities, programs, and academic performance, guiding you in finding the best fit for your child.

School visits

Visiting the school and speaking with staff is the best way to get a feel for a school. Schools offer guided tours for parents and prospective students, which current students often conduct. Also keep an eye out for school open days.

Reviews and word of mouth

Sometimes, it's possible to find online reviews by searching for the name of the school. However, you can usually get a more balanced view of what a school is really like by speaking to other parents in your local area in Australia.

Catchment zone

It is important to note that if you are looking to enrol your child in a public school in Australia, you must reside within the specific residential zone for that school. Students are accepted for enrolment based on these districts, which the Department of Education oversees in each state and territory. Competition for a place at some public schools can be fierce, which means that children residing in catchment zones get priority. It is not uncommon for families to relocate to a new house so that they are within the catchment area for their preferred school. Your child can attend a school outside of your zone, but you may need to join a waitlist in the hope of securing a place.

NAPLAN results

Another way to assess a school for your child is to look at the school's results. This annual assessment of students in years three and five in primary school, and years seven and nine in secondary school, tests numeracy, writing, reading, spelling, grammar and punctuation skills. It is the only national assessment of essential skills undertaken by all Australian school children, enabling parents to see how their child is progressing.

NAPLAN can also be used to assess the performance of schools in your area; however, critics argue that NAPLAN's narrow focus neglects other essential aspects of education and exacerbates existing inequalities, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds scoring lower on the tests. So if you decide to use NAPLAN results to help make your decision about schooling options, keep in mind that the program is used as a tool to identify strengths and weaknesses in the education system and help teachers identify the individual needs of students, and should not be the only factor considered when choosing a school. To do so would give you an incorrect opinion about the quality of the school. Looking at the overall picture and speaking to staff instead of basing your opinion on the test results of a few select subjects will give you a more balanced view.

So when searching for a school in Australia for your child, be sure to start your search early. Use resources like the and to explore school profiles, academic performance and fees. And if possible, participating in school tours can offer the best insight into educational institutions, enabling you to ask questions of the staff and experience the facilities firsthand.