Australia is home to one of the world’s most respected school education systems, attracting thousands of international students every year. With its high academic standards, safe learning environment, and culturally diverse society, Australia provides a nurturing space for children from Kindergarten through Year 12 to grow academically and personally. The school curriculum is designed to foster creativity, independent thinking, and practical skills, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond. Whether enrolled in a public, private, or boarding school, international students benefit from modern teaching methods, English-language immersion, and a strong focus on student wellbeing
What is a Student Visa (Subclass 500 – School Sector)?
The Student Visa (Subclass 500 – School Sector) allows international students aged 5 to 18 to study full-time in an Australian primary or secondary school. This visa grants the child permission to stay in Australia for the duration of their school program and ensures they receive a high-quality education in a safe, multicultural environment.
Types of Schools in Australia
- Public (Government) Schools: Funded by the government; relatively lower tuition fees.
- Private Schools: Independently managed, often faith-based or international, offering additional facilities and programs.
- Boarding Schools: Provide on-campus accommodation, common in regional areas and private systems.
Education Levels in Australian Schools
| Education Level | Year Range | Typical Age |
|---|---|---|
| Primary School | Prep to Year 6 | 5 – 12 |
| Junior Secondary | Years 7 to 10 | 12 – 16 |
| Senior Secondary | Years 11 to 12 | 16 – 18 |
Popular States & Territories for International Students
- New South Wales (NSW)
- Victoria (VIC)
- Queensland (QLD)
- South Australia (SA)
- Western Australia (WA)
Each state operates its own education department and international student program with separate application processes.
Intakes in Australian Schools
- Term 1: January/February (main intake)
- Term 2: April
- Term 3: July
- Term 4: October (limited availability)
Most international students are encouraged to apply for Term 1 for a smooth academic transition.
Top Public School Systems Accepting International Students
- NSW Department of Education (DE International)
- Victorian Government Schools (Vic DET)
- Queensland Government Schools
- South Australian Government Schools
- Western Australia – Education and Training International (ETI)
Admission Requirements for International School Students
- Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered school
- Age eligibility and year-level placement
- Recent academic transcripts
- English language ability (if required by the school)
- Welfare arrangements if under 18
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Tuition Fees for International Students
| State/Territory | Public Schools (AUD/year) | Private Schools (AUD/year) |
| NSW | $13,000 – $17,000 | $18,000 – $30,000+ |
| VIC | $11,000 – $16,000 | $20,000 – $35,000+ |
| QLD | $12,000 – $15,000 | $18,000 – $30,000+ |
| SA & WA | $10,000 – $14,000 | $16,000 – $28,000+ |
Note: Tuition fees vary by school, location, and year level.
Visa Application Information (Subclass 500 – School Sector)
- Apply online via ImmiAccount
- Pay visa application fee: AUD $710
- Submit required documents:
- CoE
- GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) statement
- Proof of funds
- Welfare arrangements
- OSHC certificate
- Visa processing time: 1 to 2 months (average)
Cost of the Student Visa
| Cost Component | Amount (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | AUD $710 |
| OSHC (Health Insurance) | AUD $500 – $1,000/year |
| Biometrics (if required) | AUD $100 |
| Translation/Document Fees | Varies (AUD $50 – $200 per item) |
Visa Processing Time
| Processing Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation | 2–4 weeks |
| Application Review | 4–8 weeks |
| Total Processing Time | 1 to 2 months |
Accommodation & Welfare Options
- Homestay with local families (school-approved)
- Boarding facilities (in private or regional schools)
- Living with a parent/guardian (if the guardian has a Subclass 590 visa)
Rules for Parents of Minor Children (Subclass 590 – Guardian Visa)
- Must be a parent or legal guardian
- Can stay in Australia to support a student under 18
- No work rights (only limited study rights)
- Linked to the duration of the child’s schooling visa
Pathway to Higher Education in Australia
Completing Year 12 in Australia allows students to:
- Apply to Australian universities directly
- Enter foundation programs or diploma pathways
- Access local student advantages (no need for additional entrance exams like IELTS if completed in Australia)
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Limited at the school level
- Some private or elite schools offer merit-based scholarships
- Boarding discounts and bursaries may be available
Final Tips for Parents & Students
- Start planning at least 6–9 months in advance
- Understand each state’s specific intake, fees, and documentation
- Always use certified education consultants or agents for guidance
- Prioritize welfare, accommodation, and school reputation
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Related FAQs
Are scholarships available for international school students?
Scholarships are rare at the school level but may be offered by some elite private or boarding schools based on academic merit or special talent.
Can the student change schools after arriving in Australia?
Yes, but they must notify the Department of Home Affairs and apply for a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the new school.
Can a parent accompany more than one child on the same Guardian Visa?
Yes, one parent or legal guardian can accompany multiple dependent school-aged children under one Guardian Visa (Subclass 590).
Do Australian schools require English proficiency for international students?
Some schools do require a minimum English level, especially for students entering secondary grades. Support programs like ESL or EAL are also available.
Disclaimer
This publication is provided for general information only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed. The information contained in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice of this website or its affiliates. Previous results do not guarantee a similar result. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, express or implied that the contents of the publication are accurate, complete or current. Schoolingvisa.com is a service that facilitates a student’s process of acquiring a study visa by being a partner of other visa and immigration service companies. We offer consultancy services on student visas and any other visa, immigration options, but we do not directly provide any visas. We are not part of any government or immigration department. We do not provide any type of professional immigration, regardless of the destination.
Note: The information provided in this article is general, subject to frequent change and does not constitute any legal advice. For any specific study visa and legal advice you can rely on, please contact the consultants/advisors, lawyers and members of our expert team.