Enrolling Your Children in School in Australia: A Practical Guide

Enrolling your child in school is not a single, uniform national process — each state has its own education department and its own procedures. But there are common principles that apply everywhere, and understanding them helps you prepare in the right direction no matter which state you are in.

Types of school in Australia

Government / State schools

Funded by the state and federal governments. Tuition for eligible students (permanent residents, citizens, and certain visa holders) is free — you do not pay a tuition fee. However, many government schools will ask for a voluntary school levy or contribution — this is not a legal requirement, but many families pay it to help support school activities.

Parents still need to buy books, uniforms, and school supplies — and this cost can be supported through a concession card if your family is eligible.

Catholic schools

Run by Catholic dioceses, these receive part of their funding from government and charge an additional fee directly to parents. The fees are usually lower than independent private schools but higher than government schools. They are open to students who are not of the faith.

Independent / Private schools

Fees vary widely — from moderate to very high. Many schools offer scholarships and financial assistance for eligible families. Facilities are often better and there are more extracurricular activities, but the quality of education at government schools in Australia is also highly regarded.

There is no automatic rule that “private schools are better than government schools” — many government schools in Australia have very strong academic rankings.

School-starting age

The compulsory school-starting age varies by state but is typically from around 5–6 years old (Prep/Kindergarten/Foundation year) to 17 years old. Check the specific rules for your state with the local education department.

Before the compulsory school age, children can attend preschool / kindergarten / long day care — look into childcare in Australia if your child is below school age.

Catchment zones and enrolling in a government school

Government schools usually have a catchment zone (an enrolment area) — you have priority for a place at the school covering the address where you live. If you want to enrol at a school outside your zone, this is usually possible but depends on vacancies and that school’s policy.

How to find the school for your area: search on your state education department’s website — enter your home address to see which school is in your catchment.

The enrolment process

Step 1 — Identify the type of school and the specific school

• Decide between a government or private school
• Find a suitable school in your area (check the state education department website, ask the community, and look at MySchool.edu.au for information comparing schools)

Step 2 — Contact the school

• Phone or visit the school office in person
• Ask about vacancies, the enrolment package, and orientation dates

Step 3 — Submit the enrolment application

• Complete the school’s enrolment form
• For state schools, you may be able to apply online through the education department website, or submit it in person at the school

Step 4 — Provide documents

• Your child’s passport or birth certificate
• Visa or proof of residency status
• Proof of address (lease agreement, utility bill)
• Immunisation history — required by most schools
• School records from their previous school (if available)

Step 5 — Assessment and starting school

• The school may arrange an assessment of English level and knowledge to determine the right class
• Once confirmed, the school will advise the start date

English support — EAL/D

Australian government schools run a support program for students learning English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) — it helps new arrivals learn English alongside other subjects. This program is free and available at most government schools.

The level of support varies by school and state — ask directly when you enrol. Some states have Intensive English Centres (IEC) or Introductory English Programs — concentrated English programs before students integrate into a mainstream classroom.

Your child does not need to know English before starting school — the system is designed to support new arrivals.

Enrolling part-way through the year

It is entirely possible — Australian schools are used to taking in new students at any point in the school year. Contact the school directly and explain your situation — most schools will accommodate it.