What major curricula will my child find in Adelaide international schools?
You will commonly find three pathways: the Australian Curriculum leading to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), International Baccalaureate programmes (Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma) at several schools, and Cambridge IGCSE/AS-A Levels at a smaller number of providers. Schools often combine these with local VET (vocational) options and English-acquisition programmes for recent arrivals. The choice matters for subject structure, assessment and international recognition, so check how each pathway aligns with your child’s plans.
Which languages are typically offered and is bilingual education available?
Most Adelaide schools teach languages such as Mandarin, Japanese, French, German, Korean, Spanish, Indonesian and Italian, and the South Australian School of Languages provides additional options outside normal timetables. A few schools run bilingual or special-interest language streams; however, the default language of instruction is English and bilingual provision is not universal, so confirm availability and levels offered at each school.
How much should we expect to pay for schooling in Adelaide?
Costs depend on sector: local government schools do not charge tuition for Australian residents (international students pay tuition), while Catholic and independent schools publish their own fee schedules. Published tuition often excludes compulsory levies, uniforms, excursions, devices and, where offered, boarding, so the total annual cost can be materially higher than the headline tuition. Check each school’s current fee schedule and ask for a full breakdown of compulsory extras before budgeting.
When is the main intake and how far ahead should we apply?
The Australian school year for most schools begins in late January or early February, and that is the principal intake point, but many schools also accept mid-year transfers or have rolling intakes for international students. For international moves you should begin enquiries and applications several months in advance to allow for placement, any English testing, documentation and visa processing; popular schools or particular programmes can also have waiting lists. Always confirm the school’s published enrolment timetables and required supporting documents.
What support is available for children new to English or new to Australia?
Adelaide schools typically offer English-as-an-additional-language (EAL) support and some have intensive secondary English courses to help recent arrivals settle academically and socially. The South Australian Department for Education and many independent schools arrange homestay placements for younger international students (homestay generally from about 12 years old) and larger independent schools also operate boarding houses with pastoral care. When comparing schools, ask about the size and structure of EAL provision, welfare arrangements, and how the school monitors progress for newly arrived students.
What practical things should relocating families check when comparing schools in Adelaide?
Families should check curriculum and qualification pathways, language and EAL support, welfare arrangements (homestay or boarding and on-site student wellbeing services), and the school’s published fee schedule including compulsory extras. Location and transport links matter for daily life, and you should also look at enrolment requirements, visa/CRICOS status where applicable, parent communication practices and extracurricular offerings that will help your child settle. Visit if you can, request a copy of the enrolment policy and ask for recent examples of how the school supports international students during the first term.
