Australia is known for its quality schools and education system. So, if you're moving to Melbourne with school-aged children, you can either take advantage of the city's public or private primary and secondary schools, or you can choose to send your child to an international school instead. Families may prefer the international option for several reasons, including a multicultural community, a supportive environment for children transitioning to a new school in a foreign country, and a varied curriculum. So, if you're looking to move Down Under, read on for insights into the school system in Australia and options for international schools in Melbourne.
The school system in Australia
The school system across Australia offers early childhood education, primary school, secondary school, and tertiary education. However, each Australian state and territory is responsible for its own education system, so you will find slight differences across the country. School is compulsory in Australia for children between the ages of five and six, up until the age of 15 to 17, depending on where you live.
Schools in Australia are divided into the following categories:
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)
- 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.
- A 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.
School life in Australia
The school year in Australia typically runs from late January or early February to December, although the exact dates vary between different schools and across various states and territories. The school year in Australia is divided into four terms, with the first set of school holidays coinciding with Easter in March or April, followed by the winter holidays in June or July. The next lot of holidays are the spring holidays in September or October, and then school ends in December for the long summer break.
International schools in Melbourne
Melbourne's international schools cater to expat families, where you'll find programs ranging from early childcare and kindergarten through to primary and secondary school. Competition for places at international schools can be highly competitive, so it is essential to research well in advance of your relocation and apply for a place at least six months to a year before you plan to depart. Another thing to keep in mind is that international schools often charge higher tuition fees than other independent schools, and costs will vary depending on the school and the location.
Choosing an international school
One of the main drawcards for parents to choose an international school for their child's education is the opportunity to continue studying the curriculum offered in their home country. International schools worldwide provide a diverse range of curricula, including the British (GCSEs and A-Levels), American (AP and High School Diploma), and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
International schools also offer a broader range of language programs, which means your child will have the opportunity to continue learning in their mother tongue. And if English is not your child's first language, look for international schools that offer bilingual programs and English as a Second Language (ESL) support.
Keep in mind that the opportunity for multilingual, multicultural learning — and the chance for your child to continue with a curriculum that aligns with your home country — can be hard to beat.
International schools in Australia must be registered with the . This is mandatory for institutions that accept student visa holders. If you are considering an international school for your child, it is essential to start researching options as early as possible. Utilize online expat networks to get an idea about schools, and in addition to CRICOS, the following websites will be helpfulyou're your research:
Melbourne's international schools
Melbourne has a range of international schools, with a diverse range of international curricula on offer. Here is a summary of some of the schools, along with their annual tuition fees for international students, where available.
Japanese School of Melbourne
Located in Caulfield South, the comprises a kindergarten, primary school, and junior secondary school. All lessons are conducted in Japanese, except for English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes, so students must be reasonably proficient in Japanese to understand the lessons. This small school is recognized by the Japanese Government as a primary and secondary school, and fees range from AUD 20,964 (USD 13,703) for kindergarten to AUD 22,368 (USD 14,621) for year nine.
Wesley College
in Melbourne offers the IB from early childhood education through to senior school. With campuses in St Kilda, Elsternwick, and Glen Waverley, this co-educational school has been in operation since 1866. Wesley College has a student population from more than 10 countries across Europe and Asia, and international students can board at the school's contemporary boarding facility. International student tuition fees range from AUD 43,920 (USD 28,708) at the early childhood learning center to AUD 53,436 (USD 34,928) for students in years nine to 12.
Deutsche Schule Melbourne
This is located in Fitzroy North and offers temporary residents the opportunity to enrol their child at the school for a minimum of one term and up to one year. There are no prior German language skills required for entry into Foundation or Year One, and the school offers students a bilingual and bicurricular education. For international student tuition fees, contact the school directly.
French-Australian School of Melbourne
Located in Caulfield North, the provides students with a bilingual education, with approximately 40 students in kindergarten and 300 in primary school. Students are exposed to both French and Australian teaching methods, and roughly 15 percent of children come from expatriate families. For tuition fees, contact the school directly.
Presbyterian Ladies College
The in Burwood is a girls' school that offers the International Baccalaureate for students in years 11 and 12 as an alternative to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Every year, up to one-third of students choose the IB program. International students may choose to live on the school campus and will be required to undergo an interview and assessment. Annual tuition fees for years 11 and 12 are AUD 52,968 (USD 34,622).
Australian International Academy
The was Australia's first Islamic school and offers a mix of secular and Islamic education. The school has four campuses in Coburg and Caroline Springs. The school ranges from prep to year 12 and offers three IB programs — the PYP, MYP, and DP. In Years 11 and 12, students can choose between the VCE and the IB. Annual tuition fees for international students range from AUD 18,000 (USD 11,765) for prep to year five up to AUD 21,500 (USD 14,053) for year 12.
Trinity Grammar School
in Melbourne offers co-educational early childhood education, followed by single-sex education for boys through to year 12. The school has four campuses — the main campus in Kew, plus Bulleen, as well as Lake Nillahcootie and Licola in the Victorian High Country and offers the IB program for students from prep to year six. The school has about 430 students in junior school and 1,000 students in senior school and has welcomed boys from countries such as Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and Indonesia. Annual fees for international students are AUD 52,750 (USD 34,479) for years 11 and 12.
Oakleigh Grammar
in south-east Melbourne is a co-ed Christian school. An International Baccalaureate school, it offers a range of world-class programs including the Reggio Emilia philosophy in its Early Learning Center and the IB MYP from years six to 10. The school welcomes students from all around the world and has a number of non-English speaking students who participate in the school's Intensive English Language Program (IELP). Annual fees for international students range from AUD 24,312 (USD 15,891) for prep to year six, and AUD 36,030 (USD 23,550) for students in years seven to 12.
The International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized educational qualification. It began in Switzerland in 1968, and as of October 2024, were taught in close to 6,000 schools in more than 160 countries. There are four IB programs for students aged 3-19 years, which aim to develop well-rounded, resilient, and self-motivated young people.
- Primary Years Programme (PYP) - Ages 3-12
- Middle Years Programme (MYP) - Ages 11-16
- Diploma Programme (DP) - Ages 16-19
- Career-Related Programme (CP) - Ages 16-19
Between 2020 and 2024, the number of programs worldwide jumped by 34.2%. The globally recognized program is geared towards university preparation, culminating in the IB Diploma that students receive after completing the demanding two-year Diploma Programme. An IB student's education is tailored to suit their specific context and culture, with a strong focus on global citizenship. Students enjoy a diverse education with the prospect of learning a second language, and they are encouraged to be critical thinkers and drive their own learning. If you have obtained an IB Diploma, there are advantages when it comes time to apply for a place at university, and students with the IB Diploma are more likely to continue on to university than non-IB students.
Schools must be authorized IB schools to be able to offer the program, and . About 20 schools in the Melbourne area offer the IB program, and
How to enrol in an international school in Melbourne
To apply for a place at one of Melbourne's international schools, visit your chosen school's website and complete the online application form. Alternatively, you can apply by using an . Applications usually require documentation such as visa details, passports, and school reports. Schools may also need an test result as well as an interview, which can be conducted online. If you are looking to apply to an IB school, they will also usually like to see any previous IB learning. Schools typically assist families with student visa applications and provide information on international health insurance coverage as well.
Melbourne is a popular destination for international students, so international schools are in demand. Therefore, it is crucial to research your child's options early. Spots fill up quickly, and IB programs are particularly sought-after, so the earlier you apply the better.
Melbourne is a large city, so consider a school and a neighboring suburb to base yourself in — this can help reduce your travel times, which you'll be grateful for down the track. It is also important to take all of the potential additional expenses into account as well, such as uniforms and books, and application fees. That way, you can craft a realistic budget.
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