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Choosing The Right School When You Move to Australia

by | Dec 15, 2016

If you’ve decided to make the move to the sunnier climes of Australia, then your head is probably spinning from the amount of arrangements you need to attend to. From obtaining your skilled visa, finding a job, looking for a new home and shipping your stuff – the list may seem pretty endless and it certainly doesn’t get any easier If you’re moving your entire family over via Family Migration to Australia as well. Your to do list to get your children settled may even be more paramount than your own. After all you’ll need to choose somewhere to live that will suit the whole family, as well as being in a good location for schools and work.

Choosing A School In Australia

Choosing a school for your children can be hard enough in your own country, let alone in a new country where they will need to make new friends and perhaps learn a new schooling system with completely different term times. Here’s a few bite size bits of information on the Australian schooling system to help plan your move to Australia.

Australia’s School System

Australia has state schools – which are sometimes referred to as public schools, as well as faith schools and private schools. So not too different from the UK schooling system, aside from the public school term.

State Schools versus Private Schools in Australia

Many new migrants to Australia feel that private school is the best option as they feel their child will be a little more sheltered from the strange, new Aussie lifestyle. However, you may feel that once you’ve spent a little time in your new area, your child may be happier going to a state school along with other local children. This way they can integrate and get settled much more easily. You may also find that having a short commute to school is also beneficial for both yours and your child’s work/life balance. So make sure you check out the schools near your new home first and if they’re a solidly good state school, then this is worth considering. You can also check out any Australian school’s performance by logging on to http://www.myschool.edu.au/, to give you even more insight into what kind of education your child can receive in Australia. Private schools in Australia can cost anywhere between $800 and $29,000 per year depending on how old your child is. Senior school tends to be more expensive than junior years. Catholic schools in Australia are also funded by the church. So you can expect to pay between $600 and $3000 per year for your child’s education should you choose a one.

State School Fees in Australia

It’s worth bearing in mind as a new migrant to Australia that you may not be able to enjoy the benefits of free education if you’re on a temporary resident’s visa. Those states which offer free state education for your child, if you are not a permanent resident or Australian citizen include:

  • Queensland
  • South Australia
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia

If you are a temporary resident and you wish to live in the states indicated below, you may be facing the prospect of school fees:

  • New South Wales
  • Australian Capital Territory
  • Northern Territory
  • Tasmania

So, with the prospect of school fees in mind, it’s worth looking for a job in an area where you may be able to benefit from a free education or minimal schooling fees. However, if money is of no object, you have greater freedom of choice regarding where you choose to settle in Australia. It’s worth noting that temporary resident holders, such as 457 visa holders, can enjoy free or reduced school fees if you choose to live and work in the Northern Territory or Tasmania. So make sure you check before you decide on where to move to in Australia. Considering a move to Australia? Speak with one of our registered migration agents today at enquiries@my-oe.com.

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