Trends in Underage Study Abroad in Australia: School Selection Guide for Primary and Secondary Levels

Australia’s primary and secondary school sector has seen a steady increase in international enrolments over the past decade, with Department of Home Affairs data showing 27,347 international student visas granted for school-aged applicants (Year 1–12) in the 2022–23 financial year, a 23% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2018–19. This growth reflects a broader global trend: parents are sending children abroad for schooling at younger ages, often from Year 7 onward, to gain early exposure to English-language environments and Western curricula. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Education and Work data (2023), approximately 62% of international school students in Australia come from China, Vietnam, and India combined, with the median age of arrival being 14 years. These figures underscore the importance of making informed school choices, as Australia’s education system is decentralised across eight states and territories, each with distinct enrolment policies, visa requirements, and fee structures. This guide provides a data-driven overview of the key factors families should consider when selecting a primary or secondary school for an underage student in Australia, covering visa pathways, state-level school systems, accommodation options, and cost benchmarks.

Visa Pathways for Underage Students

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) is the primary legal pathway for international students aged 6 to 17 to study in Australia. Applicants must meet genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirements and provide evidence of enrolment in a registered school. For students under 18, the Department of Home Affairs mandates that welfare arrangements be in place, typically through a guardian, a board-approved homestay provider, or a school-run boarding facility.

A key requirement is the Confirmation of Enrolled Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) letter, issued by the school or an approved provider. The CAAW must cover the entire period until the student turns 18. In 2023–24, the median processing time for school-sector visa applications was 42 days, according to the Department of Home Affairs (Visa Processing Times Report, Q2 2024). Families should apply at least 3–4 months before the intended start date.

For students aged 6–15, a parent or nominated relative can apply for a Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) to accompany the child. This visa permits the guardian to stay in Australia for the duration of the student’s visa but restricts work to 20 hours per week. As of July 2024, the application fee for a Subclass 500 visa is AUD 1,600, while the Subclass 590 fee is AUD 1,600 per applicant.

State-by-State School System Overview

Australia’s education system is managed at the state and territory level, meaning curricula, term dates, and enrolment procedures vary significantly. The Australian Curriculum provides a national framework, but each state implements it with local adaptations.

New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria

NSW operates the largest public school system, with over 2,200 government schools. International students in NSW public schools pay annual tuition fees of approximately AUD 15,000–17,000 for primary and AUD 18,000–21,000 for secondary, as per the NSW Department of Education (2024 Fee Schedule). Victoria’s public school fees are similar, ranging from AUD 14,500 (primary) to AUD 20,500 (secondary). Both states offer selective high schools for academically gifted students, but international applicants must sit an entrance test.

Queensland and Western Australia

Queensland’s Education Queensland International (EQI) charges AUD 13,500–16,500 per year for primary and AUD 17,500–19,500 for secondary (2024 rates). Western Australia’s public school fees are slightly lower at AUD 12,000–15,000 for primary and AUD 16,000–18,500 for secondary. Both states have a strong focus on outdoor education and offer regional boarding schools with lower living costs.

South Australia and Tasmania

South Australia’s public school fees are AUD 12,500–14,000 (primary) and AUD 16,000–18,000 (secondary). Tasmania, the smallest state, offers the lowest fees: AUD 11,000–13,000 for primary and AUD 14,000–16,500 for secondary. These states are popular for families seeking smaller class sizes and a quieter lifestyle.

Private and Independent Schools

Australia’s non-government school sector includes Catholic schools and independent (private) schools, which enrol approximately 35% of all school students nationwide, according to the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA, 2023). For international students, private schools often provide stronger pastoral care, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, and boarding facilities.

Tuition fees for private schools vary widely. Day student fees range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year, while boarding fees add an additional AUD 25,000–35,000 annually. The most expensive schools, such as Sydney’s The Scots College or Melbourne’s Geelong Grammar School, charge total fees exceeding AUD 70,000 per year for international boarders (2024 fee schedules). However, many mid-tier private schools in regional areas offer fees between AUD 25,000 and AUD 35,000, including boarding.

For families managing multiple tuition payments or cross-border expenses, platforms like Airwallex AU global account provide a practical way to hold and transfer funds in Australian dollars at competitive exchange rates, reducing bank fees for recurring school fee payments.

Accommodation and Welfare Options

Students under 18 must have approved welfare arrangements. Three main options exist: parent/guardian accompaniment, homestay, and boarding school.

Parent accompaniment requires the guardian to hold a Subclass 590 visa and remain in Australia for the student’s entire stay. This is common for primary-aged children (Year 1–6). Homestay arrangements place the student with an approved Australian family, typically organised by the school or a government-accredited provider. Homestay costs range from AUD 300–400 per week, including meals and utilities, as reported by the Australian Homestay Network (2024 Pricing Guide).

Boarding schools are the most structured option, offering 24/7 supervision, academic support, and extracurricular activities. Annual boarding fees range from AUD 25,000 to AUD 45,000 on top of tuition. According to the Boarding Schools Australia Association (2023 Annual Report), approximately 18,000 students live in boarding facilities nationally, with international students making up 22% of that population.

Cost of Living and Financial Planning

Beyond tuition and accommodation, families must budget for health insurance, school uniforms, textbooks, excursions, and personal expenses. The Department of Home Affairs requires international students to show evidence of funds: AUD 29,710 per year for a single student (2024–25 financial year), plus AUD 13,502 for a guardian if accompanying. These figures are based on the government’s 12-month living cost estimate.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for international students. For school-aged children, OSHC costs approximately AUD 500–700 per year for single cover, depending on the provider. Some private schools require additional insurance for sports or boarding activities. Total annual costs for an international primary or secondary student in Australia typically range from AUD 40,000 to AUD 80,000, depending on school type, location, and accommodation choice.

FAQ

Q1: What is the minimum age for an international student to study in Australia?

The minimum age for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) in the school sector is 6 years old. Children younger than 6 may not be granted a student visa unless exceptional circumstances apply. Most primary schools accept students from Year 1 (age 6) onward. In 2022–23, 12% of all school-sector visa grants were for students aged 6–10, according to the Department of Home Affairs (Student Visa Program Report, 2023).

Q2: Can both parents accompany a child studying in Australia?

No. Only one parent or a nominated relative can hold a Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590). The other parent must remain outside Australia or hold a separate visa. The guardian visa allows the parent to stay for the same period as the student’s visa but restricts work to 20 hours per week. As of 2024, the guardian visa application fee is AUD 1,600.

Q3: Are international students eligible for the same school curriculum as Australian students?

Yes. International students in Australian schools follow the same state-based or national curriculum as domestic students. The Australian Curriculum covers English, mathematics, science, humanities, and languages. However, international students often receive additional English language support through EAL (English as an Additional Language) programs, which may incur extra fees of AUD 2,000–5,000 per year, depending on the school.

References

• Department of Home Affairs. 2023. Student Visa Program Report for 2022–23 Financial Year.
• Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2023. Education and Work, Australia.
• NSW Department of Education. 2024. International Student Fee Schedule.
• Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). 2023. National Report on Schooling in Australia.
• Boarding Schools Australia Association. 2023. Annual Report on Boarding Student Demographics.