International students may be able to bring their family with them when they come to study in Australia.
However if you have children that are aged between 6 – 18 (Australian school age), then they may be required to enrol and study at an Australian Primary or Secondary School. The schooling for your children generally needs to be organised prior to applying for your own student visa. The requirements for enrolling students and school fees vary across Australian States and Territories, and across schools.
Primary School: Primary Schools in Australia cater to children aged from 5 – 13 years of age, and go from Prep to Grade 6 . Children start their Education in a preparatory class to prepare the child for the journey ahead. They complete their primary education at grade 6 then move on to High School.
High School: High Schools in Australia cater to children aged 13- 18 years of age, and go from Grade 7 through to Grade 12. High school students complete their education by sitting an exam in year 12 that encapsulates everything they have learned over their schooling life.
To be able to enrol to study at a state school, you will need to contact the State Education Department that deals with international students. You can talk to the local school, however all enrolments must be finalised through the State Education Authority for international students.
Listed below is a guide to help you understand the pricing for Australian Government (State) Schools per year.
- Queensland – Education Queensland International – Prices Range From $8800.00 AU – $14100.00 AU
- New South Wales – DEC International – Prices Range From $8500.00 AU – $10500.00 AU
- Victoria – Study Vic – Prices Range From $9676.00 AU – $14350.00 AU
- South Australia – SA International – Prices Range From $4160.00 AU – $5160.00 AU
- Western Australia – WA Education and Training –Prices Range From $13700.00 AU – $17880.00 AU
* Prices were correct as of 2016.
* Certain students may be able to apply to be exempt from paying fees. For further information, please contact the State Authority for international students.
What happens if my child’s English is not at the level required to enter primary or high school in Australia?
If your child’s English is not at the level required to enter school in Australia, they can undertake a preparation program with other international students.
Young Learners Program:
The Young Learners Course is designed to help young students learn about Australian culture and lifestyle, express their thoughts about themselves and prepare them for integration in to a domestic Primary school. Assessment Activities are carried out on daily basis to monitor the progress of the student, and make sure that they are fully prepared for entering the Australian Education System.
Course Features:
- A placement test determines the level most appropriate for your child.
- Weekly activities and monthly excursions complement your class program.
- Course material is varied and fun, including: internet research, extracts from books and movies, television and radio programs, singing and drama.
- Students take part in sporting and co-curricula activities with local schools.
- Small class sizes guarantee individual attention.
High School Preparation:
This course is designed to help students wanting to study in an Australian High School develop the required level of English language proficiency. The course includes English for Mathematics, English for Science, Novel, Academic Writing and Public Speaking.
The course delivery encourages positive, pro-active learning, with caring individual attention. Students develop self-confidence, maturity and self-awareness, while developing effective study habits appropriate to cope with the demands of the Australian education system. Assessment activities will be carried out as an integral part of the ‘every day’ teaching cycle. Student progress is monitored through regular assessment and class participation and programs are flexible to meet the needs of the individual students.
Course Features:
- A placement test determines the level most appropriate for you.
- Weekly activities and monthly excursions complement your class program.
- Course material is varied and fun, including: internet research, extracts from books and movies, television and radio programs, singing and drama.
- Students take part in sporting and co-curricula activities with local high schools.
- Small class sizes guarantee individual attention.
General Requirements for International Students to Study in Australia
The prerequisites can vary dramatically from Institution to Institution and State to State. This is a rough guide of basic requirements that need to be met.
Primary School.
Students in Prep to Year 6 can enter the Primary School program based on the following conditions:
- The minimum program period is six months in duration
- Students whose first language is not English will need to provide proof of their level of English or partake in a Young Learners Program.
High School.
Applications received from prospective international students will be assessed according to the following English language requirements. If the Student does not meet the required English Language requirement they can partake in a High School preparation course to get them to the required level.
English Requirements:
Year 7 & 8 = IELTS 4.0 – TOEFL = 31
Year 9 = IELTS 4.5 – TOEFL = 32
Year 10 = IELTS 5.0 – TOEFL = 35
Year 11 = IELTS 5.5 – TOEFL = 46
Year 12 = IELTS 6.0 – TOEFL = 60