Australia public school guide

How to choose a public school

• State governments run public schools

  Australian public schools are run by the states: primary from Foundation to Year 6, secondary from Year 7 to 12.

  Source:Productivity Commission (Australian Government) (checked 2026-06-03)

• Entitled to the local intake-area school

  In NSW every child is entitled to enrol at the government school for the intake area where they live, found with the School Finder; other schools take out-of-area applications.

  Source:NSW Department of Education (checked 2026-10-31)

• Private and international schools are alternatives

  Catholic, independent and international schools take applications directly.

  General guidance · confirm with the district or school

Reading official ratings

• My School shows NAPLAN results

  My School, run by ACARA, shows each school's NAPLAN results and progress, comparison with similar schools, enrolment and attendance. ACARA says there are no league tables and NAPLAN does not measure overall school quality.

  Source:ACARA (checked 2026-10-31)

English support

• Ask the school about English support (EAL/D)

  States and schools organise support for students learning English as an additional language (EAL/D) differently; ask about hours and format at the enrolment interview.

  General guidance · confirm with the district or school

Timeline

• Starting age and the school year

  In NSW a child who turns 5 on or before 31 July can start kindergarten that year and must be at school by their 6th birthday; other states use other cut-offs.

  Source:NSW Department of Education (checked 2026-10-31)

Fees and visas

• Temporary-visa families often pay fees

  NSW's Temporary Residents Program charges most children of temporary visa holders an application fee and tuition, with exemptions (for example a parent who is a citizen or permanent resident, or low income). Victoria lists dependant tuition of A$13,600 (primary) to A$18,700 (Years 11-12) a year, and Queensland charges dependants of temporary visa holders (hardship waivers exist). Rules differ by state.

  Always confirm your own situation with the official authority or an immigration professional.

  Source:NSW Department of Education (checked 2026-10-29)Victoria Department of Education (checked 2026-10-30)Queensland Government (checked 2026-10-30)

Enrolment steps

Follow them in order. Each step carries its official source and the date we checked it.

1. 1

   Find the intake-area school

   Use the state's school finder (School Finder in NSW) to see the local school for the address.

   Source:NSW Department of Education (checked 2026-10-31)

2. 2

   On a temporary visa, start with the state programme

   Temporary-visa families apply first to the state's temporary residents programme (NSW) or international education office and get an Authority to Enrol where required.

   Always confirm your own situation with the official authority or an immigration professional.

   Source:NSW Department of Education (checked 2026-10-29)NSW Department of Education (checked 2026-10-31)

3. 3

   Gather documents

   Proof of identity and age (such as a birth certificate), proof of address (lease, utility bill), an Australian Immunisation Register history statement, any court orders or support plans; temporary residents add passports and current and previous visas.

   Source:NSW Department of Education (checked 2026-10-31)

4. 4

   Application and interview

   Complete the application in English (translated versions help), and the principal may invite you to an interview.

   Source:NSW Department of Education (checked 2026-10-31)

5. 5

   Pay fees where they apply

   If fees apply, pay the state's tuition; check amounts and exemptions on the state's page.

   Always confirm your own situation with the official authority or an immigration professional.

   Source:Victoria Department of Education (checked 2026-10-30)Queensland Government (checked 2026-10-30)

This page organises official information. It does not decide eligibility or placement.

Districts by state or region

• New South Wales129 districts
• Victoria80 districts