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International Schools in Melbourne, Australia

Compare 66 international schools in Melbourne, Australia. Filter by curriculum, fees (average AUD 14,358), location, and more to find the right international school now.

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Schools listed
66
Curricula
12
Average annual fee
AUD 14,358
Fee range
AUD 110 – 61,335
More school facts
Most common curriculum
Australian Curriculum (43 schools)
Average school size
1,102 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Wesley College Melbourne
Oldest
Woodleigh School (1856)
With boarding
5
About international schools in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne’s international-school scene is closely integrated with the city’s broader independent-school sector, so pupils will commonly find International Baccalaureate programmes alongside the Victorian Certificate of Education and some British-style (IGCSE/A-Level) options rather than a separate expat-only system. Many schools teach in English while offering strong language programmes or bilingual streams (Mandarin, Japanese, French and other languages are commonly available), and families should budget for private-school tuition that typically sits in a wide band rather than a single price point. The Victorian school year begins in late January and most schools run a principal intake at the start of the school year with some mid-year places available, so families usually need to start applications several months before arrival and have school reports, immunisation records and identity documents ready. Be aware that visa or temporary-resident status affects enrolment pathways and fee classification for public versus private places, and additional costs such as enrolment levies, uniforms, excursions and optional programs are common.

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FAQs for Australia

What curricula do international schools in Melbourne commonly offer?
Most international or internationally-minded schools in Melbourne offer the International Baccalaureate at one or more stages (PYP, MYP, DP), Australian senior certificates such as the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), and some schools deliver British IGCSE/A-Level pathways or US-style programmes. Many independent schools combine the local and international curricula so you can often find IB options taught alongside VCE or national syllabuses.
How much should we expect to pay for international-style schooling in Melbourne?
Tuition for independent and international-style schools in Melbourne varies widely by school, year level and whether the place is day or boarding; published figures for 2025 - 2026 show middle ranges around the low tens of thousands of Australian dollars and senior-year fees that can rise into the mid-tens to high-tens of thousands per year. Expect extra charges on top of headline fees for enrolment/capital levies, excursions, uniforms, specialised programmes and optional activities.
When does the school year start and how far ahead should we apply?
Victorian schools start their academic year in late January (Term 1) and that is the primary intake for most schools; some providers also accept mid-year or termly transfers where space allows. Popular year levels can have waiting lists, so families relocating to Melbourne are usually advised to begin shortlisting and submit applications several months before their arrival to secure a place and to allow time to gather school reports and health records.
What languages and bilingual options are available?
English is the language of instruction at most schools, but many international and independent schools offer intensive language programmes in Mandarin, Japanese, French, German, Spanish and other languages, and a smaller number run bilingual streams where two languages are used for classroom instruction. If continuing a child’s home-language education is important, check for in-school language tracks, native-speaker staffing and how language teaching is sequenced across year levels.
Will my child need a visa or special paperwork to enrol, and does visa status affect fees?
Yes - visa subclass and residency status are important: children on a student visa (subclass 500) or other temporary visas may have to be enrolled as international or temporary residents and can be charged international tuition or temporary-resident fees, while Australian permanent residents and citizens follow domestic enrolment rules. Schools that recruit international pupils will issue the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) required for a student visa and will list the documentation they need; check the Department of Home Affairs and the school’s international-student advice early in your planning.