Will my child go into the same year level after moving interstate?

Usually, but not always. Starting ages and cut-off dates differ between states, so schools sometimes place a child in a different year. The school decides, often in discussion with you, based on age and previous schooling.

Do temporary visa holders pay fees at government schools?

It depends on the state or territory and on the visa. In some states many temporary residents pay education fees, with exemptions for certain visas or circumstances. Contact the education department in the state you are moving to for the current rules.

Can I enrol my child before we arrive in Australia?

You can usually contact schools and start the process before you arrive, and some states require temporary visa holders to apply through a central program first. Most government schools confirm enrolment once you have an address in their area.

What help is there for children learning English?

Government schools in every state offer some English as an additional language or dialect support, and some states run intensive English programs for newly arrived students. Ask the school or your state education department what is available locally.

Moving interstate or from overseas: enrolling

Moving with children is easier if you sort out school early. Each state and territory runs its own system, with its own enrolment rules and its own name for the first year of school, so a move interstate can mean a different year level as well as a new school. This guide explains what to check.

Moving interstate

Check the year level. Starting ages differ between states, so a child may be placed in a different year than you expect. Ask the new school how it decides, and see school starting age by state.
Find your local government school for your new address, using the state's official map. See school zones and catchment areas by state.
Bring recent school reports, any learning support or health plans, and your child's immunisation history statement.
In Years 11 and 12, each state has its own senior certificate. Moving during these years can affect subject choice, so talk to the new school as early as you can.

Arriving from overseas

Children of Australian citizens and permanent residents can enrol at their local government school on the same basis as any other family. Bring passports, visa details, proof of address, any previous school reports (translated if possible) and vaccination records, which may need to be recorded with the Australian Immunisation Register.

Many government schools offer English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) support, and some states run intensive English centres or schools for newly arrived students. Ask your state education department what is available.

Temporary visa holders

Whether you pay fees at a government school depends on your state or territory and on your visa. In some states, many temporary visa holders pay education fees and must apply through a central program before a school can enrol their child; some visa types are exempt. In New South Wales, for example, this is managed by the Temporary Residents Program (opens in a new tab). Check the rules with the education department in the state you are moving to before you arrive.

Catholic and independent schools set their own fees and enrolment policies for temporary visa holders, and some charge different fees for international students.

A simple plan

Choose where you will live with schools in mind, and check the local government school for that address.
Contact the state education department, or the school, about year level and any fees for your visa.
Gather documents: identity, visa, address, reports, immunisation and any support plans.
Look at Catholic and independent schools too, with find schools near you, and enquire before you move.

Common questions

Will my child go into the same year level after moving interstate?: Usually, but not always. Starting ages and cut-off dates differ between states, so schools sometimes place a child in a different year. The school decides, often in discussion with you, based on age and previous schooling.
Do temporary visa holders pay fees at government schools?: It depends on the state or territory and on the visa. In some states many temporary residents pay education fees, with exemptions for certain visas or circumstances. Contact the education department in the state you are moving to for the current rules.
Can I enrol my child before we arrive in Australia?: You can usually contact schools and start the process before you arrive, and some states require temporary visa holders to apply through a central program first. Most government schools confirm enrolment once you have an address in their area.
What help is there for children learning English?: Government schools in every state offer some English as an additional language or dialect support, and some states run intensive English programs for newly arrived students. Ask the school or your state education department what is available locally.

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.