Enrolling Your Child in an Australian School

When to Start the Enrolment Process

Timing depends on the school type and sector. For public schools, start 6–12 months before the year of entry. For Catholic schools, 12–18 months ahead is recommended. For independent private schools, many require applications 2–3 years before entry, and some elite schools recommend registering at birth for Kindergarten entry.

Key Age Cutoffs

• Foundation/Prep/Kindergarten: Must start by age 5 or 6. Cutoff dates vary by state — typically 30 April (NSW, VIC) or 30 June (QLD, WA, SA).
• Year 7 (secondary): Usually age 12–13
• Year 11: Usually age 15–17

Required Documentation

All schools require the following:

• Proof of age: Birth certificate or passport
• Proof of residence: Lease agreement, rates notice, or utility bills (for public schools in-zone)
• Immunisation records: Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) history statement
• Previous school reports: For transfers between schools
• NAPLAN results: If applicable
• Visa or citizenship documents: If applicable
• Medical information: Allergies, medical conditions, medications
• Emergency contact details: At least two contacts

Public School Enrolment Process

1. Identify your local school using the state education department's school finder
2. Contact the school to confirm availability and request an enrolment package
3. Submit the enrolment application with supporting documents
4. The school reviews the application and confirms eligibility
5. You receive an offer letter — accept within the time frame specified
6. Attend orientation days and complete any additional forms

Private School Enrolment Process

1. Research schools and register your interest (may involve a non-refundable application fee of $100–$500)
2. Sit entrance exams or attend interviews (for selective or competitive schools)
3. Receive an offer of a place
4. Pay an acceptance fee or enrolment deposit (often $500–$3,000, sometimes non-refundable)
5. Complete enrolment paperwork including fee agreements
6. Pay the first term's fees to confirm commencement

Waiting Lists

Popular schools (especially private and selective public schools) maintain waiting lists. Key points:

• Applying early (years in advance) significantly improves chances
• Sibling priority is common — siblings of current students go to the top of the list
• Some schools run a "ballot" or "lottery" for oversubscribed places
• Waiting list positions are not guaranteed — keep backups in mind
• For Catholic schools, parish membership and baptism priority apply

Enrolment for New Arrivals

International students and recent migrants may need additional documentation including visa details, translated school records, and English language proficiency reports. Temporary visa holders may be charged international student fees in public schools ($5,000–$15,000/year). Permanent residents are treated the same as citizens for public school enrolment.

Mid-Year Transfers

Moving schools mid-year is common. Notify the current school, gather records, and contact the new school. Public schools must accommodate in-zone students regardless of timing. Private schools may have mid-year vacancies or waiting lists.

2026 Enrolment Timeline at a Glance

• 2–3 years before entry: register interest and apply at independent schools; join waitlists.
• 12–18 months before: apply to Catholic schools; confirm your public school zone.
• 6–12 months before: lodge public school enrolment; sit scholarship or selective tests.
• Term 4 of the year before: attend orientation days; complete medical and consent forms.
• First day: bring the enrolment confirmation, immunisation record and emergency contacts.

What Happens If You Apply Late

Late applications are common — families move, or plans change. For public schools, in-zone students must be accommodated regardless of timing, so a mid-year move into a zone is straightforward. For out-of-zone public places and private schools, late applicants join the end of the waiting list; private schools sometimes hold vacancies into December as deposits lapse. If you are turned down, ask to join the waitlist, keep in touch with the registrar, and have a backup school ready. Selective schools only accept entry through their testing process — there is no late path.

Documents Checklist

• Birth certificate or passport (proof of age).
• Lease, rates notice or utility bills (proof of residence for zone schools).
• Australian Immunisation Register history statement.
• Previous school reports and NAPLAN results for transfers.
• Visa or citizenship documents where relevant.
• Keep scanned PDF copies of everything — you will need them again.

Enrolment Fees to Expect

Private schools typically charge a non-refundable application fee of $100–$500 when you apply, then an acceptance or enrolment deposit of $500–$3,000 (sometimes refundable against the first term's fees) when you accept a place. Public and Catholic schools rarely charge application fees, though Catholic schools may ask for a small enrolment levy. Budget for these before you apply — and confirm in writing what is refundable if you change your mind.