International Students
High and Primary Schools Fees
Planning to study in Australia with your children? Three things shape your plan: family eligibility, school enrolment and fees. This guide covers each one so you can check them before you apply.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information and does not assess individual visa or school-enrolment eligibility. Rules, fees and program availability may change. Confirm current requirements with Home Affairs, the relevant state education authority and any course provider before applying or making financial commitments. Visa decisions, school placement, fee exemptions and learning outcomes are not guaranteed.
Family Eligibility: What Changed on 2 October 2026
Check this before you plan schooling. The Department of Home Affairs changed the rules for family members on Student visa applications.
- Applicants generally can no longer include a partner or dependent children in a Student visa application. This includes further Student visa applications.
- Exceptions apply to groups such as PhD students, students sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or Defence, students on a foreign government scholarship, and eligible students from a Pacific or ASEAN member country.
- Current Student visa holders can no longer add family members after the visa is granted.
- If you already have family members included in your current Student visa and are applying for another Student visa in Australia, you may be able to include them in that application. The primary applicant and all included family members must be in the same location when the application is lodged. Separate requirements apply to eligibility to lodge a further application in Australia.
- Current Student visas are not affected. Applications lodged before 2 October 2026 are assessed under the rules in place at lodgement.
Your situation may fit an exception, or it may call for a different plan. Read our summary of the 2 October 2026 student visa changes or check the Home Affairs factsheet.
Not sure which rules apply to you?
Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances with a registered migration agent.
Schooling System Overview
Primary School
Age Group: 5 – 13 years
Grades: Prep to Year 6. The first year has different names by state, such as Kindergarten in New South Wales, Pre-primary in Western Australia and Reception in South Australia.
Education Journey: A preparatory year introduces children to school life. Primary school ends at Year 6, before high school.
High School
Age Group: 13- 18 years
Grades: 7 through to 12
Completion: Year 12 completes secondary school and includes final assessments.
Enrolment and School Fees
To enrol in a state school, contact the state education department’s international students team. Government-school enrolment procedures vary by state and visa category. Start by checking the relevant state education authority’s requirements. Depending on the state, the process may involve the authority, the school and, in some cases, the parent’s university.
Some families need school-placement documentation for a child’s visa application. In NSW, DE International issues a Confirmation of Placement for relevant dependant applications. Placement documentation should not be treated as confirmation of a visa outcome or admission to a particular school.
A guide to the annual fees for Australian Government (State) Schools, listed by state:
Queensland: $14,100.00 AU – $17,600.00 AU
New South Wales: $15,000.00 AU – $18,400.00 AU
Victoria: $13,200.00 AU – $26,820.00 AU
South Australia: $11,400.00 AU – $15,000.00 AU
Western Australia: $14,600.00 AU – $19,000.00 AU
*Prices were correct as of 2024. Some students may be eligible for fee exemptions; contact the State Authority for more information.
Budgeting for a family?
Use our Financial Capacity Calculator as a starting point for estimating costs. Confirm current visa financial requirements and actual school fees separately.
General Requirements
The prerequisites for international students to enter primary and high school programs in Australia highlight the need for English proficiency and adherence to program durations.
These requirements are designed to ensure that international students have the language skills needed to succeed in their studies in Australia. It's important for prospective students and their families to understand these prerequisites fully and to prepare accordingly, including through language preparation programs if necessary.
Primary School
Duration: Minimum program period is six months.
English Proficiency: Proof of English level or participation in a Young Learners Program is required.
High School
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
Students not meeting these requirements can partake in a High School preparation course to reach the required level.
Language Support
English requirements vary by state, school and year level. Children whose English is still developing may start in an English language program first.
English Programs for Young Learners
Some providers offer English-language programs for younger students. Depending on the provider and course, these may include language practice, classroom activities and an introduction to Australian school routines.
Before enrolling, ask about age requirements, placement assessments, curriculum, class sizes, available support, activities, fees and any relationship with local schools.
Participation does not guarantee school admission, a particular English-language level or readiness for a specific year level.
High School Preparation
Some providers offer English-language preparation courses for students considering secondary school in Australia. Depending on the course, content may include academic English, subject-related vocabulary, writing, speaking and study skills.
Ask the provider about entry requirements, assessments, course duration, class sizes and progression arrangements. Confirm admission requirements separately with the intended school.
Progress varies between students. Completing a preparation course does not guarantee admission or achievement of a particular English-language standard.
Before making study or relocation commitments
Book your consultation to discuss study plans, visa requirements and school-enrolment considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my children when I study in Australia on a Student visa?
From 2 October 2026, applicants generally can no longer include a partner or dependent children in a Student visa application. Exceptions apply to groups such as PhD students, students sponsored by DFAT or Defence, students on a foreign government scholarship, and eligible students from a Pacific or ASEAN member country. Current Student visas are not affected.
Can I add my children to my Student visa after it is granted?
No. Current Student visa holders can no longer add family members after the visa is granted, and the Department of Home Affairs lists no exemptions to this rule. Family members already included in a current visa may be included in a further application, if everyone is in the same location when it is lodged.
Who handles my child’s school enrolment?
The state education authority’s international students team generally finalises enrolment. Local schools can share information, but they do not complete the process. In New South Wales, the authority issues a Confirmation of Placement, which is used when applying for the child’s visa.
How much do Australian state schools charge international students?
Fees vary by state, year level and visa type. Fees are reviewed regularly, so confirm with the state authority.
Can my child be exempt from school fees?
Some dependants may be, depending on the state. In New South Wales, for example, exemptions may apply to dependants of certain doctoral students at NSW main campus universities, and of students on full Australian Government, DFAT, Defence or eligible NSW university scholarships. Application fees may still apply.
What if my child’s English is not ready for school?
English requirements vary by state, school and year level. Some states run intensive English programs, such as Intensive English Centres in New South Wales and Western Australia and English Language Centres in Victoria. These generally carry an extra fee.