Oceania
Australia: schools and universities
Australia is one of the largest destinations for international students, and its school and university year follows the calendar year, starting in late January or February.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| School year | Late January or early February to December, in four terms |
| School systems | Run by each state and territory, alongside Catholic and independent schools |
| University year | February or March to November, with some mid-year intakes |
| University applications | Through state admission centres such as UAC, VTAC and QTAC, or directly for international students |
| Student visa | Subclass 500, with Overseas Student Health Cover for the whole stay |
Schools
Most children attend government schools, run by each state and territory, and Catholic and independent schools educate a large share of the rest. Children of some temporary visa holders pay fees at government schools in several states, so check the rules for your visa. International schools in the strict sense are few, mainly in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, and some independent schools offer the IB.
Universities
Australia's universities are mostly public. International students on a student visa must hold Overseas Student Health Cover for their whole stay, and the course must be registered on CRICOS, the national register for courses offered to overseas students. Many universities offer foundation programmes for students who need an extra year before a degree. The list of universities in Australia is a place to start comparing cities and campuses.
Before you apply
- Students from the northern hemisphere may face a gap of several months between school and a February start, or can look for a mid-year intake.
- Check whether your visa type means paying fees at a government school.
- Compare total costs, including health cover and rent, not only tuition.
Directory entry, checked October 2026. Entries describe the education system in general terms and link to country listings.