Enrolling your child in school in Australia: what to prepare

Once you have chosen a school, the next step is to contact it and ask about the enrolment process. Every school, every state, and each school year can have different rules — but the basic process usually follows a common framework. This guide helps you prepare before you call or email the school.

Contact the school first

The first step is always to contact the school directly by phone or email. Don’t make assumptions about the process — ask directly:

• Does the school have places available (if your child is starting mid-year)?
• What steps does the enrolment process involve?
• What documents do you need to prepare?
• How long does it take to process an application?

Many government schools have an online process, but some still require you to lodge documents in person. Ask specifically so you don’t make an unnecessary trip.

Documents commonly required

Every school has its own document list, but most will ask for some or all of the following:

Documents about the student:

• The child’s passport
• A visa or proof of residency status (a PR card, visa label, or VEVO confirmation)
• The child’s birth certificate — the original, or a certified translation if it is not in English
• School records or report cards from the previous school — if available; not required, but they help the school place your child in the right class

Documents about the family and address:

• Proof of your current residential address (a rental lease, or an electricity, water or internet bill showing your name and address)
• Proof of an address within the catchment area — if the school requires it (this usually applies to government schools with many applications)

Medical records:

• An immunisation history statement — available from Medicare or the AIR (Australian Immunisation Register)
• Information about any special health conditions, allergies, or support needs your child has (if applicable)

Note: This list is a general guide — each school has its own specific requirements. Always confirm with the school.

Initial English assessment

If your child is not yet fluent in English, the school will usually run a short assessment to understand their current level and place them in the right class. This is standard procedure — not a pass-or-fail test.

Based on the assessment, the school may recommend additional English support. At government schools, the EAL/D program (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) is free support designed specifically for newly arrived students.

For more, see the related guide on helping a child with limited English in the early stages at an Australian school.

Immunisation history

Schools usually require proof of immunisation, particularly the childhood vaccinations. If your child has not had all the vaccinations on the Australian schedule, contact your family doctor (GP) for advice on catching up.

The Immunisation History Statement (IHS) can be downloaded from the Medicare Online website or the Express Plus Medicare app.

When lodging documents online

Many schools, especially government schools, have an online enrolment portal. When filling in the online form:

• Have clear scans or photos of the required documents ready
• Enter your child’s name exactly as it appears in the passport — don’t use a shortened Vietnamese name or a nickname
• Note down the application number or confirmation email so you can follow up

If you have language difficulties filling in the form, some states have multilingual support services — ask the school or look for a local interpreting service.

After lodging your application

Processing times vary by school. If you don’t hear back within the time the school mentioned, contact them again to ask. This is normal and welcome.

Once your application is accepted, the school will provide information about the start date, the uniform list, books to buy, and other practical details. There is often a first meeting between parents and the class teacher — attend if you can.

If you don’t have all the documents

Some families newly arrived in Australia don’t yet have full proof of address or are staying with others. Contact the school and explain your situation honestly — in many cases, the school can be flexible or point you to settlement services that support newly arrived families.

Next steps

Once your child is enrolled, see the related guide on communicating with your child’s teacher and preparing for meetings.

If your child is not yet fluent in English, see the guide on helping a child with limited English in the early stages.