Schools — public, Catholic, independent, and enrolling from overseas

Schools are state-run. The Commonwealth funds a portion, the states deliver. Choose between:

Public (government) schools

• Free or low-cost (uniforms, books, excursions still cost).
• Many have catchment areas — you generally attend the school zoned to your address. Out-of-zone enrolment is possible but not guaranteed.
• Some specialist public schools (selective high schools in NSW; SEAL programs in VIC; OC classes; gifted programs) — entry by test.

Catholic schools

• Run by Catholic Education systems in each diocese.
• Lower fees than independent schools. Verify with the relevant diocese.
• Religious instruction is part of the curriculum.

Independent (private) schools

• Range from low-fee to very high-fee. Verify with the school directly.
• Often have their own admission processes and waitlists.
• Mix of religious and secular.

Enrolling a child from overseas

• Public schools: contact the school directly. You'll need passport, visa grant letter, proof of address (rental lease or bills).
• Some schools require evidence of vaccination status (AIR or equivalent). See Medicare and immunisation.
• For non-PR/citizen children, some states charge an "international student" fee for public school enrolment — verify with your state's education department.

State by state

• NSW Department of Education: https://education.nsw.gov.au/
• Department of Education Victoria: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/
• Department of Education QLD: https://education.qld.gov.au/
• SA Department for Education: https://www.education.sa.gov.au/
• WA Department of Education: https://www.education.wa.edu.au/
• TAS Department for Education, Children and Young People: https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/
• ACT Education Directorate: https://www.education.act.gov.au/
• NT Department of Education: https://education.nt.gov.au/