The Australian School System: An Overview for New Migrant Parents

One of the top priorities for a family settling in Australia is finding a school for their children. The Australian education system offers many good options — but there are also some significant differences from other countries that parents should understand in advance.

How the education system is structured

Year levels

The Australian school system is usually divided as follows (the names can vary slightly between states):

• Early Childhood / Preschool: Before formal schooling begins. Not compulsory in most states, but strongly encouraged.
• Primary School: From Year 1 to Year 6 (or Year 7 in some states). In Australia, primary school usually starts with Kindergarten/Prep (the first year before Year 1).
• Secondary School: From Year 7 to Year 12 (or Year 8 to Year 12 in states where primary school runs to Year 7). Year 12 is the graduating year.
• TAFE / University (post-secondary education): Vocational training at TAFE, or university, after Year 12.

The compulsory school-starting age is set by each state and territory — check the rules for the state where you live.

The school year

The school year in Australia begins in late January or early February and ends in December. There are four terms in the year, each about 10 weeks long, separated by holiday breaks.

If your child arrives part-way through the school year, contact the school directly — most schools accept students at any time of year if a place is available.

Types of school

Government schools

Government schools are run by the state or territory government. They are free of tuition fees for Australian residents (permanent residents and citizens). The quality of education at Australian government schools is generally good — not every private school outperforms the government schools in the same area.

Government schools usually give priority to students within their catchment area (the geographic zone close to the school). This is why your rental address can significantly affect your school options — check a school’s catchment before signing a lease if this is a priority for you.

Catholic and Independent (private) schools

Alongside government schools, there are two main types of private school:

• Catholic schools: Run by Catholic dioceses, these usually have more modest fees than independent private schools.
• Independent schools: This category includes private schools, other faith-based schools, and international schools. Fees vary enormously from school to school.

Private school fees in Australia span a very wide range — from relatively affordable to very high. Add in the extra costs (uniforms, activities, school supplies), and the total annual cost can be substantial.

Vietnamese / community language schools

Many areas with a large Vietnamese community have Vietnamese-language schools held outside regular school hours (on weekends). This is a good way for your child to maintain their Vietnamese and stay connected to their cultural roots.

Enrolment

The general process

Enrolling your child in a government school usually involves:

1. Identifying the school in the catchment area for your address
2. Contacting the school to ask about vacancies and the documents required
3. Submitting an enrolment application with all the required paperwork
4. Waiting for confirmation from the school

The documents usually required include: proof of residential address, the student’s identity documents (passport, visa), medical records (immunisations, and any underlying conditions), and academic records from their previous school (if available).

English-level assessment

Students arriving from overseas are usually assessed for their English level at enrolment. Depending on the result, your child may receive extra English support (EAL — English as an Additional Language) during or outside class hours. This is free support from the government school, not a negative mark against your child.

Medical records and immunisation

Australia has a No Jab No Pay / No Jab No Play policy linked to childcare subsidies — but for schools, the specific immunisation requirements vary by state. Check with the school and your state health authority about the vaccinations required.

Choosing the right school

There is no single “best” school for everyone — it depends on many factors: distance from home, academic versus all-round focus, your child’s friends, the family budget, and your long-term goals.

Some useful sources of information when choosing a school:

• myschool.edu.au — a government site providing data on each school: NAPLAN results (the standardised tests), student numbers, and resources
• School tours — most schools have open days for parents to visit
• Talking to other parents in your local Vietnamese community

The real cost of education

Even though government schools are free of tuition, there are still costs to account for:

• School uniforms (often a few hundred dollars per set)
• School supplies (books, stationery, and tablets at some schools)
• Voluntary school contributions (usually not compulsory, but encouraged)
• Extracurricular activities, excursions, and sport
• Outside tutoring (if you choose it)

All up, government school education is still a much more economical choice than private school — but it is not entirely free.

Next steps

If you are preparing to come to Australia with your family, see the related guide on the first-30-days checklist for new arrivals.

To plan your family’s costs, see the related guide on the cost of living in Australia and how to budget.