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Deutsche Schule Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English
Fees A$1,400 - 23,215
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 170
Type Co-educational
Opened 2008
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Australian Curriculum, German Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages German, English, French
Strengths Languages, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Primary School
Introduction

Deutsche Schule Melbourne is a German-English bilingual primary school in Fitzroy North. It delivers a dual curriculum that blends the Victorian Curriculum with the Thüringen curriculum, enabling a smooth transition between systems. The school is VRQA-compliant and KMK/ZfA-recognised as a German Auslandsschule, emphasising cross-curricular connections and bilingual, intercultural learning. In Foundation Year, about 80% of instruction is in German and 20% in English; by Year 3 the German component balances to 50/50. Core subjects include German, English, Mathematics (German in the early years, bilingual from Year 3), Sachunterricht, HPE, Art, Music, Ethics and Class Council, with French introduced from Year 5. The program uses immersion, CLIL and explicit language instruction with a one-teacher–one-language approach, taught by German and English native speakers. Facilities at 96 Barkly Street include a library with German, English and French resources, an Instrumental Program, and after-school care. Extra-curriculars span sport, choir, chess, circus, theatre and garden clubs.

The Essentials

Deutsche Schule Melbourne has 170 pupils, instruction in German, English.

Location
DSM is located in Fitzroy North, Melbourne, at 96 Barkly Street, corner of Dean Street. It is 6.5 kilometres north of Flinders Street Station; the main entrance is on Barkly Street. Parking is limited on Barkly Street, Dean Street and Holden Street, with a car park off Holden Street for quick drop-off or pick-up. Public transport options include Tram 11 (CBD to Holden St/St Georges Rd) and Tram 96 (Holden St/Nicholson St), and bus routes 246, 250, 251, 253 stop nearby; bikes/scooters may be parked at bike racks on Dean Street.

Stages
Foundation to Year 6 with plans to become a secondary school

Type
German-English bilingual primary school with a dual curriculum

Additional learning support
Bunte Stunde is a cross-class school support and extension program providing differentiated small-group support across Prep to Year Six, including remediation, consolidation and extension; weekly sessions in German, Mathematics and English led by two teachers per class.

Country affiliation
Australia and Germany

School day structure
School day 9:00 am–3:15 pm; English, German and Mathematics taught daily, with Integrated Studies, Art, Music and Physical Education scheduled throughout the week; recess 10:30–11:00, lunch 12:30–1:30; OSHC before/after school care 7:00–9:00 am and 3:30–6:00 pm.

Bus service
Porter Street/Holden Street bus stop in front of the car park served by buses 250 and 251; Stop 358 Nicholson St/Holden St served by buses 246/250/251/253.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
No boarding is offered; Outside School Hours Care runs before and after the school day (7:00–8:45 before school and 15:30–18:00 after school).

Food Options
Breakfast and lunch are brought from home; the school emphasizes healthy and balanced meals.

Governance and Ownership
Deutsche Schule Melbourne Inc is a not-for-profit incorporated association. Its constitution sets the purpose to establish and operate a kindergarten, pre-school, primary and secondary school in Melbourne and to promote German language and culture alongside English. The Association has about 120 members and is governed by a Board that oversees overall strategy and leadership; membership and board arrangements are defined in the constitution and related governance pages.
Fees

Annual tuition at Deutsche Schule Melbourne ranges from AUD 1,400 to AUD 23,215 for 2026/27.

Application Fee
- Application fee: AUD 200 payable with an application of enrolment. This fee is neither refundable nor transferable.

Enrolment Fee and Capital Contribution
- Enrolment fee: AUD 1,400 (one-off per student).
- Capital contribution: AUD 3,000 (one-off per family).
- Total payable on acceptance for a new family: AUD 4,600 (Application fee + Enrolment fee + Capital contribution). Total for an existing family when adding a student: AUD 1,400.
- Partial refund of the Capital Contribution if a family leaves within two years: AUD 1,500 after the first year (or part thereof) and AUD 500 after the second year (or part thereof).

Tuition fees (annual totals and per-term billing by Year level)
- Ongoing annual fees (standard total per enrolled student):
- Foundation: Tuition component AUD 19,040; Consolidated charges AUD 1,510; Payroll Tax Levy AUD 880; Contribution Levy AUD 300; Total AUD 21,730.
- Year 1: Tuition AUD 19,040; Consolidated charges AUD 1,275; Payroll Tax Levy AUD 880; Contribution Levy AUD 300; Total AUD 21,495.
- Year 2: Tuition AUD 19,040; Consolidated charges AUD 1,275; Payroll Tax Levy AUD 880; Contribution Levy AUD 300; Total AUD 21,495.
- Year 3: Tuition AUD 19,040; Consolidated charges AUD 1,720; Payroll Tax Levy AUD 880; Contribution Levy AUD 300; Total AUD 21,940.
- Year 4: Tuition AUD 19,040; Consolidated charges AUD 1,720; Payroll Tax Levy AUD 880; Contribution Levy AUD 300; Total AUD 21,940.
- Year 5: Tuition AUD 19,040; Consolidated charges AUD 2,995; Payroll Tax Levy AUD 880; Contribution Levy AUD 300; Total AUD 23,215.
- Year 6: Tuition AUD 19,040; Consolidated charges AUD 2,995; Payroll Tax Levy AUD 880; Contribution Levy AUD 300; Total AUD 23,215.

- Per-term billing under the standard 4-term instalment schedule (Term 1, Terms 2–4):
- Foundation: Term 1 AUD 7,450; Term 2 AUD 4,760; Term 3 AUD 4,760; Term 4 AUD 4,760.
- Year 1: Term 1 AUD 7,215; Term 2 AUD 4,760; Term 3 AUD 4,760; Term 4 AUD 4,760.
- Year 2: Term 1 AUD 7,215; Term 2 AUD 4,760; Term 3 AUD 4,760; Term 4 AUD 4,760.
- Year 3: Term 1 AUD 7,660; Term 2 AUD 4,760; Term 3 AUD 4,760; Term 4 AUD 4,760.
- Year 4: Term 1 AUD 7,660; Term 2 AUD 4,760; Term 3 AUD 4,760; Term 4 AUD 4,760.
- Year 5: Term 1 AUD 8,935; Term 2 AUD 4,760; Term 3 AUD 4,760; Term 4 AUD 4,760.
- Year 6: Term 1 AUD 8,935; Term 2 AUD 4,760; Term 3 AUD 4,760; Term 4 AUD 4,760.

Consolidated charges and what they cover
- Consolidated charges are raised with the Term 1 invoice and cover textbooks, subscriptions, materials, incursions, excursions, camps, inter-school sports, swimming, the digital-age levy, language certificate examination (Year 6), and insurance. Consolidated charges are shown as a separate line in the annual fee breakdown above.

Payment schedule and payment terms
- Payment options available:
- Payment in advance (single payment) with an early-payment discount when paid in full by the specified date. (Early-payment discount does not apply to consolidated charges or other levies.)
- Four term instalments (default if no alternative selected). Term invoice due dates are: Term 1 payable by the specified Term 1 date; Term 2 payable by the specified Term 2 date; Term 3 payable by the specified Term 3 date; Term 4 payable by the specified Term 4 date. Specific term due dates are included in the school's term invoice schedule.
- Ten monthly instalments via direct debit (December to September) are available; direct-debit forms must be completed in advance. Failure to maintain agreed instalments may incur a AUD 50 administration fee and the school may rescind the instalment arrangement, making outstanding fees immediately due and payable.
- Overdue accounts may result in suspension of tuition, cancellation of enrolment and/or recovery actions; a late fee of AUD 50 may be charged on overdue accounts. Absence does not entitle to a reduction in tuition for that billing period. If extended leave is requested, a place-reservation administrative fee of AUD 500 may be charged.

Fee payment methods and surcharges
- Electronic funds transfer (bank transfer) to the school's account (Bendigo Bank) using the student invoice number and student name as reference. SWIFT code is provided for international transfers. PayID (ABN) is available.
- Credit card payments accepted; surcharges apply: 1.65% for debit cards and 2.1% for Visa/Mastercard/AMEX credit cards (bank-set and subject to change). Direct debit is used for monthly instalments.

Other costs and additional fees
- Additional fees may apply for Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) and vacation care programs, extra-curricular programs, instrumental lessons and any non-core school programs.
- Short-term enrolments (one to three terms) may attract an additional charge of AUD 1,500 per child per term; consolidated charges for short-term enrolments are charged on a pro rata basis.
- Uniform costs, if applicable, and individual instrument or activity costs are additional and charged separately under other school fees or program charges.

Sibling discounts
- Second child from the same family while both attend in the same year: 13% discount on tuition fees.
- Any subsequent children from the same family: 23% discount on tuition fees. (Sibling discounts do not apply to consolidated charges or other levies.)

Refunds and notice requirements
- The Application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Partial refunds of the Capital Contribution are applied if a family leaves within two years: AUD 1,500 after the first year (or part thereof) and AUD 500 after the second year (or part thereof).
- One term's written notice is generally required to withdraw a student; failure to provide the required notice may affect fee liabilities. Absence for any part of a billing period does not reduce fees for that period. Overdue or unpaid fees may lead to suspension or cancellation of enrolment.

Boarding
- Deutsche Schule Melbourne operates as a Foundation–Year 6 primary school; boarding facilities are not applicable.
Academics

Deutsche Schule Melbourne teaches Australian Curriculum, German Curriculum, IB (DP).

Curriculum
Deutsche Schule Melbourne is a German-English bilingual school. The curriculum combines the Victorian Curriculum with the Thüringen curriculum to create an integrated program that transitions smoothly between the two systems. In Foundation Year, approximately 80% of instruction is in German and 20% in English; in the later years the German component moves toward about 50% in each language. The primary curriculum includes German, English, Mathematics, Sachunterricht (science, humanities and social studies), Health and Physical Education (HPE), Art, Music, Ethics and Class Council, with French introduced from Year 5; Mathematics is taught in German in the early years and in both languages from Year 3. The program is VRQA-compliant and KMK/ZfA-recognized as a German Auslandsschule, and emphasises cross-curricular connections and bilingual, intercultural learning.

Student Teacher Ratio
Class sizes are kept small.

Exam Results
Year 5 VERA results are consistently above average; NAPLAN data is reviewed annually but not used in isolation, as DSM emphasises bilingual literacy across languages.

Higher Education Progression
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is planned for Years 11 and 12. The IB is globally recognised and accepted by universities worldwide. In Australia, IB scores are converted to ATAR for university entry, with typical conversions around 24/45 to ATAR ~68. In Germany, the IB Diploma is recognised as a general university entrance qualification, and the IB is accepted by more than 1,200 universities in over 100 countries.

Gifted and Talented
Bunte Stunde is a cross-class support and extension program to address individual talents, interests and abilities. It creates differentiated small learning groups for remediation, consolidation or extension, with cohorts across Prep to Year Six and two teachers per class.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school views social-emotional learning (SEL) as a cornerstone of DSM's education. DENK-WEGE is implemented to promote social-emotional, cognitive, and language skills for primary school students. This program strengthens mental health, resilience, and willingness to learn, and supports healthy emotional and social development. DENK-WEGE contributes to the prevention of bullying, disciplinary issues and behavioural problems. The seven core themes are rules and manners; healthy self-esteem; emotions and behaviour; self-control; problem-solving; friendships and social living; learning and organisational strategies, taught in weekly 45-minute sessions. A Learning Diversity Coordinator, a School Counsellor, and pastoral practices such as Class Circles and Class Councils support students' social and emotional development and wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides Learning Diversity support through a Learning Diversity Coordinator who works with students individually or in small groups to help recognise emotions, understand how those emotions affect behaviour, and learn calming or problem-solving strategies. The coordinator uses visual tools, role play, guided discussions, and social stories to support learning and transitions and to promote inclusion. A School Counsellor offers individual support for students identified as needing it. Pastoral practices such as Class Circles and Class Councils, and restorative approaches support a safe, inclusive classroom environment.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches in German and English, with all lessons delivered by native speakers of both languages. Foundation Year features about 80% German and 20% English, progressing toward a 50/50 balance by the end of primary. English is used as a language of instruction alongside German, and no prior German knowledge is required for entry. The curriculum blends the Victorian and German systems, enabling smooth transfer between school systems.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the DENK-WEGE program, which focuses on mental health, resilience, and willingness to learn. It includes seven core themes and weekly 45-minute sessions integrated across the school. A Learning Diversity Coordinator and a School Counsellor provide targeted social-emotional support, while Class Circles and restorative practice contribute to a positive and supportive school climate.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is embedded in School Policies, including a Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy and a Child Safe Code of Conduct. Complaints and Grievances, Serious Incidents and Mandatory Reporting, and First Aid policies guide safeguarding practice. Staff training includes Child Protection and related safety standards, and staff are required to satisfy child protection screening.
Parent Experience

History
Deutsche Schule Melbourne began in 2004 after Klaus Steinmetz visited Melbourne and inspired the German‑Australian bilingual school idea; the Deutsche Schule Melbourne School Association was formed with support from the German Lutheran Trinity Church, the German Catholic St Christophorus Parish, and the German Consulate. It opened in 2008 for a first composite Prep to Year 2 class with around 15 students, and the playground was inaugurated in May. In 2009 it was officially recognised as a Deutsche Auslandsschule (German School Abroad) by the German Federal Government, and a teacher training program was established. VRQA granted full primary school registration in 2010, followed by further infrastructure improvements. By 2017 the school welcomed 100 students and opened the Music Pod; in 2024 a new Vision & Mission was launched along with campus upgrades.

Community
DSM fosters transparency, openness and collaboration with the community; transparency and communication are key to the educational partnership between parents, teachers and students. Principal Jörg Dopfer engages in open dialogue with students, parents and teachers and seeks annual feedback to understand what they love about DSM. A Parent Representative Committee (PRC), a Student Council and a Consultative Committee meet regularly with school leadership to discuss new ideas, listen to feedback, and implement improvements. In 2023 DSM created a new Vision & Mission Statement after workshops involving students, parents, the Board and staff.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Deutsche Schule Melbourne is a not-for-profit incorporated association with around 120 members. Membership fees are $25 per year, and members support the school through working groups or committees and by helping with school events. Organisations can sponsor the school, and donations can be directed to gift funds. The Board is responsible for the overall governance, strategy and performance and oversees school management. DSM operates gift funds including the DSM Scholarship Fund, the DSM Library Fund and the DSM Building Fund, with donations over $2 tax-deductible.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
DSM is a German-English bilingual primary school located at 96 Barkly Street, Fitzroy North. The library offers books, CDs and DVDs in German, English and French, with weekly library sessions; the catalog is accessible from home and parents can help in the library, which is also open during lunch on a weekday. Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) operates in DSM spaces, before school from 7:00 to 8:45 and after school from 15:30 to 18:00, managed via the Fully Booked platform. The school runs an Instrumental Program with lessons in piano, drums, guitar, ukulele, recorder, trumpet, saxophone and various woodwind instruments, taught by music teachers on all weekdays during class time. Extra-curricular activities occur four afternoons per week, including soccer, choir, chess, circus, theatre and garden club.

Academic Facilities
DSM uses immersion, CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) and explicit language instruction as its bilingual teaching model, guided by the principle of one teacher – one language. Deutsch instruction is prominent in the early years and balances to 50% Deutsch/50% English by Year 3. The school follows both Victorian and German curricula, with all lessons taught by German and English native speakers. An Instrumental Program provides 30-minute music lessons during the school day across multiple instruments.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extra-curricular activities are offered on four afternoons per week to complement the academic program. Activities include soccer, choir, chess, circus, theatre and garden club, with after-school sessions typically running from around 3:45pm to 4:30pm; enrollment for the next term is arranged at the end of each term.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers extra-curricular activities on four afternoons per week to complement the academic program. Activities include soccer, choir, chess, circus, theatre and a garden club. After joining, students have snack and playtime before the activities start at 3:45 pm and finish at 4:30 pm. Enrolment for the next term is sent to parents by email at the end of each term.

Arts & Creative
The Instrumental Program runs during school hours, offering piano, ukulele, guitar, trumpet, drums and woodwind instruments. Students from Year 1 to Year 6 may enroll, with Foundation Years eligible from the second half of the year. Each lesson lasts 30 minutes and rotates so students do not miss the same subject repeatedly. Performances occur at weekly school assemblies, the annual Music Soirée, and at the Christmas Market.

Cultural & Language
German Week Melbourne showcases German culture at DSM. Celebrate German Culture at DSM was held on Saturday, 25 October 2025 and included six activities: German Kaffeeeklatsch, a bilingual books/toys flea market, a foosball tournament, a Merck Life Science SPARK activity for kids, German language trial sessions by the Goethe-Institut Australia, and a live podcast on German pronunciation and vocabulary, with live music by Fiction.

Social & Hobbies
After-school activities include Soccer, Choir, Chess, Circus, Theatre, Gardening and Dancing. These run on four afternoons per week, with snack and playtime before sessions and a 4:30 pm finish time.

Leadership & Professional
All year levels participate in Class Councils during the week. Class Councils foster social skills, safety, independence, choice and accountability to peers, and are used to address readiness to learn and both minor and more significant issues using restorative practices.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school offers before and after school care (OSHC) from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm. The School Day runs 9:00 am to 3:15 pm, with English, German and Mathematics taught daily and Integrated Studies covering science, geography, history, health, Indigenous culture and civics through hands-on experiences. Physical Education is taught two to three times per week.
Languages

Language Provision
Deutsche Schule Melbourne teaches in English and German and follows a dual curriculum. The school is accredited in Victoria and Germany. All lessons are taught by German and English native speakers. There is a New Arrivals Pathway in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5 for students without prior German language knowledge.

Bilingual Teaching
DSM is a German-English bilingual primary school with a dual curriculum offering Foundation to Year 6. Lessons are taught by German and English native speakers. A 'one teacher-one language' approach is used; in Foundation Year, 80% of lessons are in German and 20% in English, moving to a 50/50 split from Year 3. No prior knowledge of German is required for parents or students.

Immersion Programs
The bilingual program uses three approaches: immersion, CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), and explicit foreign language teaching. Immersion means learning a subject entirely in the second language, so students understand through meaningful content. CLIL combines subject work and language goals with targeted language support (Sprachsensibler Fachunterricht/ DFU), and is used alongside German content. Explicit language teaching complements immersion and CLIL by focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and communication in German and English.
Reputation

Accreditations
KMK recognition; Zentralstelle für Auslandsschulwesen recognition as a German School Abroad (Deutsche Auslandsschule, DAS); VRQA compliance
Admissions

Admissions
1. When to apply: Places at Deutsche Schule Melbourne are limited, so applying early gives your child the best chance of securing a place. Applications are accepted year-round and start dates are flexible depending on availability. Submitting the application well in advance helps families plan around the school calendar.
2. Enrolment requirements: Deutsche Schule Melbourne welcomes families from all cultural and language backgrounds and provides a supportive, inclusive learning environment. No prior German language skills are required for entry into Foundation Year, Year 1 and Year 2. For Foundation Year, the child must have completed a recognised four-year-old Kindergarten program, be five years old by 1 January in the year they begin Foundation Year, and children who turn five between 1 January and 30 April may be considered subject to a School Readiness Assessment. For entry into Year 2 and above, the enrolment meeting will review the child's linguistic background and readiness for the bilingual program, covering their experience with German and English, openness to bilingual learning, and how the school can support a smooth transition. The meeting also reviews recent school reports and discusses the option of a trial day, and may arrange a more formal language assessment if needed.
3. Start your child's journey: How to apply:
• Submit an Application: Complete the Application for Enrolment and provide supporting documents such as birth certificate, passport, visa (if applicable), immunisation record, and any relevant reports.
• Attend an Enrolment Meeting: Foundation Year applicants are invited to meet the Principal around 14 months before the intended start date; for mid-year starts or later year levels, enrolment meetings are scheduled on demand.
• Receive an Offer: If a place is available, a written Offer of Place is issued. To confirm enrolment, return the signed Enrolment Acceptance Form and pay the required amounts by the stated deadline: A$1,400 enrolment fee (non-refundable) and A$3,000 capital contribution (applied over the first three school years).
• Confirmation of Place: Once the signed Enrolment Acceptance Form and payment are received, the place is confirmed. The place is typically secured around one year before the child begins, enabling planning with confidence.
4. Transitioning to School: The school aims for a positive, smooth start for every child. Foundation Year offers two transition lessons in November before the school year begins, during which the child visits a Foundation Year classroom, meets future teachers and classmates, and is paired with a Buddy for day-one support. The first six Wednesdays of Term 1 are free for Foundation Year students to ease the transition. For students starting in later year levels or during the school year, an individual welcome and ideally a trial day are provided; if a trial day isn't possible, the school works with families to support a smooth transition into the school community.

Scholarships
The Deutsche Schule Melbourne Scholarship Fund invites donations to support families facing temporary financial hardship so they can continue their child's education at DSM or enable a new family to join the DSM community. Donations can be made via an electronic payment form or by filling in a Donation Form and submitting it to DSM.
School Events
The school has not added events
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