Catholic schools are the largest group of non-government schools in Australia, and they are found in cities, suburbs and country towns across every state and territory. They charge fees, usually lower than independent schools, and they welcome families of other faiths as well as Catholic families. This guide explains how they work.
Two kinds of Catholic school
- Systemic schools are run by the Catholic education office of a diocese. Most Catholic primary schools and many secondary schools are systemic. The system sets enrolment policy and fees, and pools funding across its schools.
- Congregational or independent Catholic schools are run by religious orders, such as the Jesuits, Marists, Christian Brothers, Mercy or Josephite sisters, or by their own boards. Many are secondary schools, some with boarding, and they set their own fees.
Enrolment priorities
Each diocese or school sets its own priorities. A common pattern is that Catholic children who live in the parish come first, then siblings of current students, then Catholic children from outside the parish, then children of other Christian faiths, then other families. Some schools ask for a baptism certificate, or a letter from your parish priest. Read the enrolment policy of each school you are considering.
Most Catholic primary schools take their main intake at Foundation, and secondary schools at Year 7. Applications for Year 7 often close well before Year 6, so enquire early.
Fees
Systemic Catholic school fees are usually set by the diocese and are often lower than at independent schools, with sibling discounts and help for families in hardship. Congregational schools set their own fees, which can be higher. Ask for the full list of charges, including levies, camps and devices. Our private school fees pages show published fees with their sources.
Religious life
Religious education is part of the curriculum, and students take part in prayer, liturgies and Masses, and in the school's community service. Sacraments, such as First Communion, are usually prepared through the parish, with the school's support. Families of other faiths are generally welcome to enrol on the understanding that their child will take part in the school's religious life; ask the school what that means day to day.
Finding Catholic schools near you
On Schools Near Me you can filter any state by sector, for example Catholic schools in Victoria or Catholic schools in New South Wales, or find schools near you and see every sector together.
Common questions
- Can non-Catholic families enrol at a Catholic school?
- Yes. Most Catholic schools enrol families of other faiths and none, usually after Catholic families and siblings when places are limited. Students are expected to take part in religious education and the school's religious life.
- Do I need a baptism certificate to enrol?
- Many Catholic schools ask for a baptism certificate to apply their Catholic enrolment priority, but it is not usually required for families of other faiths. Check the enrolment policy of the school or diocese.
- Are Catholic school fees the same at every school?
- Not exactly. Systemic schools in a diocese often have similar fees set by the Catholic education office, while congregational and independent Catholic schools set their own fees, which can be higher. Ask each school for its current schedule.
- What if we cannot afford the fees?
- Catholic education offices and schools generally offer fee relief or concessions for families in financial hardship, in confidence. Ask the school's enrolment or finance office before deciding the school is out of reach.
Sources
We check guides against official sources. Rules can change, and some details vary by area, so check with the source before you act.
Last updated 1 November 2026.