International schools in Australia 2026: fees & curricula

International and private schools in Australia

Australia's private and independent schools are concentrated in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Most teach the Australian Curriculum leading to a state senior certificate — the HSC in New South Wales, VCE in Victoria, and equivalents elsewhere — while a substantial number offer the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP and Diploma), and a smaller set follow British (IGCSE/A-Level), French, German, Japanese or American programmes. Annual tuition at private and international schools commonly ranges from roughly A$15,000 to A$50,000 or more, with elite Sydney and Melbourne day schools at the top end. Budget separately for enrolment and building levies, deposits, uniforms, transport, technology and exams, which can add several thousand dollars a year. Popular schools have waitlists, so apply early.

Government schools, visa fees and homeschooling

Government (public) schools are free for the children of Australian citizens and permanent residents; education is a state and territory responsibility, so enrolment rules and any voluntary contributions vary by jurisdiction. Children of temporary-visa holders can generally attend government schools too, but most pay international-student tuition — commonly around A$5,000 to A$17,000 a year depending on the state and year level, with some visa subclasses (such as certain skilled-work visas) exempt in some states. International students on a student visa must also hold Overseas Student Health Cover. Homeschooling is legal in every state and territory, each with its own registration and oversight rules, so check the education department for your state.

At a glance

Where it fits in a borderless plan

Australia pairs free, high-quality government schools for citizens and permanent residents with a deep bench of IB and private options for globally mobile families. Schools are often the deciding factor in a family move, so weigh them alongside healthcare, banking and where you are tax-resident. If Australia is a longer-term base, see our guide to dual citizenship in Australia. Compare options in our international-schools guide.