What curricula will my child find at international schools in Sydney, and how do they differ?
You will commonly find the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP) alongside schools that follow a national system (for example French or German national curricula), British programmes (IGCSE/A-Levels) or the New South Wales/Australian curriculum. The IB is an internationally recognised continuum of programmes oriented around inquiry and international-mindedness, while national systems follow the home country’s syllabus and assessment; British programmes tend to emphasise IGCSEs then A-Levels, and Australian schools prepare students for the HSC or the IB if they offer it. Check each school’s prospectus to see which years the specific programme covers and how university pathways are explained.
How much do international schools in Sydney cost and what extra charges should I budget for?
Annual tuition varies considerably by school and by year level; a recent compilation of published fees shows a typical annual tuition of about A$35,840, with most schools clustering between roughly A$16,000 and A$45,000, and the full published range extending lower and higher depending on school and year. On top of headline tuition expect application and enrolment fees, possible one-off capital levies, subject or IB programme charges, transport, uniforms, excursions and, for boarding or some overseas students, refundable deposits. Always request the school’s full fee schedule and sample invoice so you can budget for compulsory and optional extras.
When should we apply and what is the usual admissions rhythm?
Most international and independent schools align with the New South Wales school year, with the main intake at the start of the academic year in late January, so families commonly begin applications many months earlier; some schools hold assessment and interview rounds in the preceding terms (Term 3 - 4) and make offers before Term 1. Many schools also list formal entry points (early years/Kindergarten, Year 3, Year 7 and Year 11) and will consider mid-year or other entries where places exist, so contact the admissions office early to learn deadlines, testing windows and scholarship schedules. Overseas applicants should allow extra time for visa processes and any advance payment or bond requirements.
Our child isn’t fluent in English - what language support can international schools provide?
Provision varies but many international schools run formal English as an Additional Language (EAL/ESL) or language-development programmes, and some schools teach bilingually or offer first-language sections (for example Mandarin or French streams) where substantial learning occurs in that language. Schools typically describe their language support in prospectuses and will assess language needs as part of admissions; arrange a meeting with the learning-support or admissions team to review tailored English-language pathways and entry assessments. If you are considering a national-language school (for example a French or German curriculum school), check whether the school expects home-language competency for entry to certain year groups.
What should we look for on a school visit and in the prospectus?
Look for clear information about the curriculum and qualifications offered, published outcomes or sample subject pathways (IB/HSC/other), how languages and EAL support are delivered, class sizes and teacher-student ratios, and details of pastoral care and welfare arrangements. Also check the full fee schedule (including levies, subject charges and refund/withdrawal terms), the admissions and scholarship timetable, and what support the school offers overseas families around visas, orientation and settling in. If anything is unclear, ask admissions for written clarification so you can compare schools on common, factual points.
