Enrolling children in Australian public school: a step-by-step guide
Who attends public school for free?
Government (public) schools in Australia are free for:
- Australian citizens and permanent residents (PRs).
- New Zealand citizens.
Children on temporary visas (subclass 482, 485, etc.) are generally charged school fees at government schools — fees vary by state and school. Contact your state’s Department of Education to confirm what applies to your situation.
Private and Catholic schools charge tuition regardless of visa status — enrol directly with the school.
Compulsory school ages
| State | Starts (compulsory) | Ends (compulsory) |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Age 6 (Kindergarten year) | Age 17 or completion of Year 10 |
| VIC | Age 6 (Prep) | Age 17 |
| QLD | Age 6 (Prep) | Age 16 or completion of Year 10 |
| WA | Age 6 (Pre-primary) | Age 17 |
| SA | Age 5 (Reception) | Age 17 |
Many families enrol earlier — Kindergarten/Prep classes start from age 4–5 in most states.
Documents needed for enrolment
Core documents:
- Child’s birth certificate or passport.
- Two proofs of address in the school’s catchment zone: lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement, council rates notice, etc.
- Parent/guardian visa and child’s visa (grant letter or ImmiAccount printout).
- Immunisation History Statement — obtained free from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) via myGov, your GP, or by calling Services Australia on 1800 653 809.
- Previous school reports or academic records (if available — helps the school assess the appropriate year level).
- Any disability, learning needs, or specialist reports (IEP, assessment reports) — helps the school arrange appropriate support.
Finding the right school
Most states use a local intake area (catchment zone): children are prioritised for the government school whose catchment zone matches their home address.
School finders by state:
- NSW: my.school.edu.au → search by postcode.
- VIC: findmyschool.vic.gov.au
- QLD: schoolzfinder.education.qld.gov.au
If the local school is at capacity, the Department of Education will place your child at the nearest available school.
Enrolment process
- Contact the school — phone or email to confirm a place is available and ask about the enrolment procedure.
- Complete the enrolment form — usually available online via the state portal or as a paper form from the school office.
- Submit documents — in person or as scanned uploads.
- Receive confirmation — the school notifies you of the start date.
- Orientation — most schools arrange a brief meeting before the first day, particularly for new arrivals.
EAL/D support for new arrivals
Most government schools have an EAL/D (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) programme — specialist teachers provide targeted English support for students who are not yet fluent. Children arriving from overseas receive an assessment and support is tailored to their level.
Some states have dedicated programmes:
- Intensive English Centres (IEC) — NSW Department of Education: focused English instruction for newly arrived students (typically 1–2 terms) before transitioning to mainstream classes.
- New Arrivals Program — available in SA and some other states.
Language is not a barrier to starting school — contact the school and the Department of Education to find the best entry pathway for your child.
School costs beyond tuition
While tuition is free, expect some additional costs at government schools:
- Book packs / stationery: $100–$400/year.
- Uniforms (often optional but widely worn): $100–$300.
- Excursions and extracurricular activities: varies.
- Voluntary Building Fund contribution: tax-deductible donation (not compulsory).
Financial hardship assistance for books and uniforms is available at most schools — ask the front office.