Australia — Living: Education

Key facts

• Public schools are generally free for Australian citizens and permanent residents, though schools may charge for materials, excursions, and activities.
• Private/independent school fees vary widely, commonly cited in the AUD 10,000-30,000+ per year range depending on school and state.
• International students studying in Australia need a Student visa (subclass 500); as of 1 July 2026 the visa application fee is AUD 2,500 for most applicants (AUD 2,050 for ELICOS/non-award courses).
• Student visa applicants must show evidence of funds covering tuition, living costs (currently around AUD 29,710/year), return airfare, and school costs for any dependants.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), mandatory for student visa holders, typically costs around AUD 500-700/year for a single person, depending on provider.

Steps

1. Step 1: Determine Eligibility — Check if you meet the eligibility criteria for Australian schools, which may include age, residency, and citizenship requirements.
2. Step 2: Research Schools — Research schools in your area or desired location to understand their specific requirements, costs, and curricula.

Costs

• Private school fees: varies by school
• Student visa (subclass 500) application fee: AUD 2,500 for most applicants as of 1 July 2026 (AUD 2,050 for ELICOS/non-award courses)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): approx. AUD 500-700 per year for a single person

Timelines

• Enrolment process: unknown, as this varies by school and location

Required documents

• Passport
• Proof of age and citizenship
• Health insurance documents

Common mistakes

• Not researching school-specific requirements and costs
• Not understanding visa requirements and application process