Moving to Australia from USA: A Complete 2026 Guide
Education in Australia - For Families with Children
If you are moving with children, schooling is one of your most important planning considerations. Australian schools are excellent but operate differently from US schools in several important ways.
The Australian School System Overview
Australia's school year runs from late January to mid-December the reverse of the northern hemisphere. There is a long summer break from December to late January. The school system is compulsory from age 5 (or 4 in some states) through to age 17.
- Early childhood education: Kindergarten/Prep (age 4–5) is not compulsory but almost universally attended
- Primary school: Years K/P–6 (ages 5–12)
- Secondary school: Years 7–12 (ages 12–18) - with Year 12 being the final year, equivalent to US 12th grade
- TAFE: Technical and Further Education: the vocational training system, equivalent to US community college but more vocational in focus
- University: 3-year bachelor's degree (not 4 like the US), with an optional honours year
Government Schools Free for Permanent Residents
Australian state (government/public) schools are free for Australian citizens and permanent residents. School quality varies by location but the average standard is high. State schools are co-educational and follow state-based curriculum frameworks.
Temporary visa holders including 482 visa workers must pay tuition at state schools. Fees range from approximately AUD $5,000–$15,000 per child per year depending on the state and year level.Private and Catholic Schools
Australia has a robust independent school sector both Catholic systemic schools (which are subsidised and relatively affordable) and elite independent schools. Catholic school fees range from AUD $2,000–$8,000 per year. Elite independent school fees run AUD $25,000–$40,000 or more per year.
International Schools
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth each have established international schools often following an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum that are popular with expat families. IB schools in Australia charge AUD $20,000–$35,000 per year in tuition.
University in Australia - What Americans Need to Know
Australia has 43 universities, of which seven consistently rank in the global top 100. The Group of Eight (Go8) research universities are among the world's most respected institutions:
- Australian National University (ANU) - Canberra
- University of Melbourne - Melbourne
- University of Sydney - Sydney
- University of New South Wales (UNSW) - Sydney
- Monash University - Melbourne
- University of Queensland - Brisbane
- University of Adelaide - Adelaide
- University of Western Australia (UWA) - Perth
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