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International schools in Sydney

students in class
Hoverstock / Envato Elements
Written byDebi McLeodon 17 August 2025

As an °µÍø½ûÇø in Sydney, you have an extensive range of options when it comes to schooling your children. Moving to a new country is a significant undertaking, and selecting the right education for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make. Thanks to Australia's internationally respected education system, it will be hard to put a foot wrong. But when it comes to choosing a new school for your child, the diverse selection of schools can seem overwhelming. International schools are just one of the options, and they are very popular with °µÍø½ûÇøs.

Sydney's international schools offer °µÍø½ûÇø families a range of curriculum options to help children continue their education in a foreign country with minimal disruptions. They also provide multicultural school communities comprised of other °µÍø½ûÇøs, which can make it easier for both children and their parents to settle in. So, if you have your heart set on an international school education in Sydney, read on for more insight into Australia's education system and how to select an international school in your new city.

The education system in Australia

Each state and territory in Australia has its own education department. This means there are slight differences when it comes to schooling. The school year runs from late January until December throughout the country and is divided into four terms. Children in Australia start school at the age of five or six, and school is compulsory until the completion of Year 10 or until the student turns 17.

School in Australia

School in Australia is divided into three main stages, and school is compulsory for all children from a certain age. The Australian school system covers:

  • Foundation which is also called preschool, prep, or kindergarten, and is for children aged three to five years.
  • Primary school is from years one to six and is compulsory for all children in Australia.
  • Secondary school runs from years 7 to 12 and is compulsory up to year 10.

And schools in Australia fall into three sectors:

  • Government-funded schools (public);
  • Catholic schools;
  • Non-Government (private or independent, including international schools).

Why choose an international school in Sydney

While moving country is stressful for adults, there can be a significant impact on children. Moving schools is one thing, but moving countries can be a big ordeal for little ones. But while the transition can be challenging, international schools have dedicated support services and programs to help make the adjustment just that little bit easier. International schools provide a supportive environment for newcomers, helping °µÍø½ûÇø children adapt to their new country within a vibrant, multicultural community and a raft of brand-new friends who are living the same experience.

Another reason why °µÍø½ûÇø families might choose an international school is for the different curriculum options they provide. International schools in Sydney offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British GCSE and A-Levels, while some also offer elements of the American curriculum. Having a variety of options means your child can continue with their studies with minimal disruption. Being able to choose the curriculum can provide a seamless transition if you are to move country again, allowing you to continue the same globally recognized curriculum at another international school. The opportunity for continuous learning in your native language and preserving your culture can also be appealing, as can the chance for your child to become fluent in another language. There are many reasons why °µÍø½ûÇø families choose international schools for their children's education.

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an educational qualification that is recognized around the world. It began in Switzerland in 1968, and . There are four IB programs for students aged 3-19 years, which aim to develop well-rounded, resilient, and self-motivated young people.

  • Primary Years Programme (PYP) - Ages 3-12;
  • Middle Years Programme (MYP) - Ages 11-16;
  • Diploma Programme (DP) - Ages 16-19;
  • Career-Related Programme (CP) - Ages 16-19.

Between 2020 and 2024, the number of programs worldwide jumped by 34.2%. The globally recognized program is geared towards university preparation, culminating in the IB Diploma that students receive after completing the demanding two-year Diploma Programme. An IB student's education is tailored to suit their context and culture, and there is a strong focus on global citizenship. Students enjoy a diverse education with the prospect of learning a second language, and they are encouraged to be critical thinkers and drive their own learning. If you have obtained an IB Diploma, there are advantages when it comes time to apply for a place at university, and students with the IB Diploma are more likely to continue on to university than non-IB students.

Schools must be authorized IB schools to be able to offer the program, and . There are 22 schools offering the IB programme in the Sydney area, and

International schools in Sydney

When it comes to international schools in Sydney, there is a diverse mix of curricula to choose from, and international schools have a broader range of language programs than other schools as well, which means your child will have the opportunity to keep learning in their mother tongue. And if English is not your child's first language, look for international schools that offer bilingual programs and English as a Second Language (ESL) support. The downside of international schools is that the cost of educating your children can be rather expensive, and entry to schools can be highly competitive, too. However, the opportunity for multilingual, multicultural learning — and the chance for your child to continue with a curriculum that aligns with your home country — can be hard to beat.

Good to know:

International schools in Australia must be registered with the . This is mandatory for institutions that accept student visa holders. If you are thinking about an international school for your child, it is essential to start looking into things as early as possible. Utilize online °µÍø½ûÇø networks to get an idea about schools, and in addition to CRICOS, the following websites are helpful for researching potential schools:

  • ;
  • ;
  • .

How to enrol your child in an international school in Sydney

You can apply for a place at one of Sydney's international schools via the school's website or by using an . Applications usually require documentation such as visa details, passports, and school reports. Schools may also need an test result as well as an interview, which can be conducted online. If you are looking to apply to an IB school, they will also usually like to see any previous IB learning. Schools normally assist families with student visa applications and international health insurance coverage.

As Sydney is a major destination for international students, international schools are very popular, so it is important that you research your options early. Spots fill up quickly, and IB programs are particularly sought-after, so try to apply at least six months to a year in advance. Sydney is a large city, so consider choosing a suburb and a school that are close to each other to minimize travel times. And make sure you take all of the potential additional expenses into account, such as uniforms and books, so that you can determine a realistic budget.

When it comes to education in Australia, international schools can be costly. Tuition fees will vary depending on the institution, but there will also be differences between grade levels and the curriculum studied. Fees are usually paid by term or annually, and some schools will offer discounts if you have more than one child.

It is important to note that there will be additional costs in addition to the tuition fees. These include enrolment fees, uniforms, books, excursions, and boarding if your child will be attending a boarding school.

Examples of annual fees for international schools in Sydney:

Redlands

Year 11 and 12 (IB) — AUD 56,900 (USD 37,416) IB surcharge AUD 2,950 (USD 1,940)

is an international school in Cremorne on Sydney's lower north shore. Of the school's 1,700 students, 14% are international students. Students at the school come from more than 30 different countries, and Redlands supports the children of °µÍø½ûÇøs who spend an average of two to five years enrolled at the school.

Redlands offers co-educational learning across preschool, junior school (kindergarten to year two), junior school (years three to six), and secondary school (years seven to 12). Redlands introduced the International Baccalaureate (IB) in 1988 and is the oldest IB school in New South Wales. Students in years 11 and 12 have the opportunity to study either the IB or the Australian Higher School Certificate (HSC).

Cranbrook School

Years 7 to 10 — AUD 58,134 (USD 38,227)

is the first major Sydney school to offer at least three IB programmes, making it popular with international and °µÍø½ûÇøriate families. From the age of four to 18, students at Cranbrook can participate in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in junior school, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years seven to nine, and the Diploma Programme in Years 11 and 12.

This multi-campus Anglican independent day and boarding school overlooking Sydney Harbour has a multicultural population comprised of students from Australia, Thailand, Japan, London, Hong Kong, China, the USA, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, and the Bahamas. The school also deals with families directly regarding enrolments and does not liaise with education agents.

German International School

Year 1 to 4 annual fee — AUD 16,170 (USD 10,614)

The is located on Sydney's Northern Beaches and offers a bilingual education in English and German. Local and international students can study the NSW curriculum as well as the German State Thüringen. Founded in 1989, the school teaches children from preschool through to year 12 and offers the IB for students in Years 11 and 12.

The school's population of more than 410 students is made up of 38 nationalities, including Australia, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and there is no German language prerequisite. The school provides an intensive language immersion program, which leads to students becoming bilingual in German and English. The language program is introduced during the preschool years for three to five-year-olds and continues throughout their schooling.

Lycée Condorcet Sydney — The International French School Sydney

Years 10 to 12 — AUD 25,006 (USD 16,443)

More than 60 nationalities make up the student population of the . Situated in the beachside suburb of Maroubra, the international French school offers education from preschool through to Year 12. More than 1,200 are enrolled at the school, which provides the opportunity for students in Year 10 to choose one of three Baccalaureate Diplomas: the IB, the French International Baccalaureate (BFI), and the French Baccalaureate.

The primary language at the school is French, with support classes for children in both English and French for those needing assistance. Due to the popularity of the school, a selection process is in place for those on student visas. Additionally, there is a possibility for those on tourist visas to apply. However, they are only allowed to study in Australia for a maximum of three months.

Sydney Japanese International School

Year 1 to 9 annual fee — AUD 14,480 (USD 9,505)

The is open to families who have permanent residency or Australian citizenship and offers a bicultural learning environment on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. This independent, multicultural co-ed school offers the New South Wales curriculum for Kindergarten to Year six, and the Japanese curriculum for Years one to nine.

Students enjoy smaller class sizes across the International Division (NSW curriculum) and the Japanese Division (Japanese curriculum), and the school accepts children of any language ability. Students are taught language foundations from the first year, Kindergarten, and the school also offers English language support for children enrolled in the NSW curriculum.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

I am a former journalist who has worked as a communications and public relations consultant across a range of industries. I have lived in Melbourne, Sydney, and London and I have also enjoyed a diverse career in the not-for-profit sector, where I worked on projects across Australia, Asia, and the Pacific.

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