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Kardinia International College is an independent, coeducational, non-denominational K–12 school in Geelong, Australia serving students from ages 3 to 18. It offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for Kindergarten to Year 6 and the Diploma Programme for Years 11–12, with a vertical curriculum aligned to the Victorian Curriculum for Years 7–10 and both the Victorian Certificate of Education option. The campus spans 52 acres in Bell Post Hill, with a second Kardinia Grove Year 5 Campus on farmland for place‑based learning, permaculture and green energy. Facilities include the Goodfellow Aquatic Centre, a one‑to‑one device program, KICOnline and a laptop program in the Senior School. Kardinia was established in 1996, founded by Yoshimaro and Kiyoko Katsumata, and has grown to accommodate hundreds of students. The co‑curricular program covers sport, drama, music and many clubs, including French and Japanese language groups, debating and robotics. It emphasises international mindedness and community service.
Kardinia International College has 2,000 pupils, instruction in English.
Location
Geelong, Victoria, Australia. The main campus is in Bell Post Hill (29-31 Kardinia Drive, Bell Post Hill, 3215), near Corio Bay. Kardinia Grove Year 5 Campus sits on about 30 acres of farmland a short distance from the main campus. Geelong is approximately 75 km from Melbourne and is Victoria's second-largest city with easy access to the Great Ocean Road.
Stages
Kindergarten to Year 12. The IB Primary Years Programme is offered for Years K–6, a vertical curriculum for Years 7–10, and both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the Victorian Certificate of Education options for Years 11–12.
Type
Independent (private), coeducational, non-denominational Kindergarten–Year 12 International Baccalaureate World school.
Pupil Nationality Mix
Approximately 55 international students (of about 2,000) from overseas countries including Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, France and Japan.
Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is offered for students whose English is not their first language, with a customised program on arrival and additional English sessions as required.
Country affiliation
Australia
Religious affiliation
Non-denominational
Bus service
Private Kardinia Bus Service operated by McHarry's for Kardinia students. Buses have live RollCall tracking and mobile app notifications, seatbelts and air conditioning, and serve areas including Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula, Lara, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Colac, Altona, and the Greater Geelong District. Permanent and casual travel options are available; conveyance allowances may apply for eligible regional routes. For more information, contact the Bus Services Coordinator.
Fees
Annual tuition at Kardinia International College ranges from AUD 3,453 to AUD 10,546 for 2026/27.
Application and Acceptance Fees - Application fee (local students): AUD 250 (non-refundable). - Application fee (overseas students): Free of charge. - Acceptance / Confirmation deposit: AUD 500 (credited against first term fees) for Junior and Senior School; AUD 250 deposit for Kindergarten places.
Tuition fees (local students) — annual and per term totals - Kindergarten (3YO): Tuition AUD 6,006; Curriculum Levy AUD 194; Annual Total AUD 6,200; Total per term AUD 1,550. - Kindergarten (4YO): Tuition AUD 7,370; Curriculum Levy AUD 194; Annual Total AUD 7,564; Total per term AUD 1,891. - Lower Primary (Foundation–Year 2): Tuition AUD 7,974; Curriculum Levy AUD 2,386; Annual Total AUD 10,360; Total per term AUD 2,590. - Middle Primary (Years 3–4): Tuition AUD 9,198; Curriculum Levy AUD 2,386; Annual Total AUD 11,584; Total per term AUD 2,896. - Upper Primary (Years 5–6): Tuition AUD 9,658; Curriculum Levy AUD 2,386; Annual Total AUD 12,044; Total per term AUD 3,011. - Years 7–8: Tuition AUD 13,947; Curriculum Levy AUD 3,205; Annual Total AUD 17,152; Total per term AUD 4,288. - Years 9–10: Tuition AUD 16,475; Curriculum Levy AUD 3,205; Annual Total AUD 19,680; Total per term AUD 4,920. - Years 11–12: Tuition AUD 17,887; Curriculum Levy AUD 3,205; Annual Total AUD 21,092; Total per term AUD 5,273.
Tuition fees (overseas students) — summary - Senior School tuition (overseas students): AUD 32,038 (note this figure includes school bus fee where applicable). - Junior School tuition (overseas students): AUD 28,196. - Payroll Tax Levy for overseas students: AUD 225. - Compulsory Overseas Student medical insurance: approximately AUD 1,000 per year (Australian Government requirement). - Tablet computer rental (international students): AUD 760 per year. - Foundation Levy (international students): AUD 750 per year.
Levies and additional mandatory charges - Foundation Levy (per family): AUD 750, applied to the eldest student's fees. - State Government payroll tax levy (recovery charge per student): AUD 125 for Highview; AUD 225 for Junior and Senior School.
Bus fees (annual and per semester by zone) - Zone 1: Annual AUD 1,646; Per semester AUD 823. - Zone 2: Annual AUD 2,220; Per semester AUD 1,110. - Zone 3: Annual AUD 3,244; Per semester AUD 1,622. - Zone 4: Annual AUD 4,160; Per semester AUD 2,080. - Casual bus trip charge (per trip, charged monthly): AUD 12.
Other user-pays charges and typical costs - Casual bus fee: AUD 12.00 per trip. - Lock replacement: AUD 26.00. - Student diary replacement: AUD 14.00. - ID card replacement: AUD 20.00. - Lost/damaged library books, lost/damaged instruments, co-curricular charges, VET/VCE/IB fees, and music lesson charges: charged as incurred (amounts vary by program). - International uniform estimates (first year only): School uniform approximately AUD 1,000; Sports uniform approximately AUD 400 (Year 11–12 may require less sports uniform). - IB registration and exam fee (IB students): AUD 1,060. - VCE assessment program and textbook estimates: approximately AUD 200–300 for Year 11 and approximately AUD 500 for Year 12. - Airport pick-up (optional private car): approximately AUD 150–170; shuttle service approximately AUD 48; first-time arrival and departure airport pick-up/drop-off may be provided free of charge.
Sibling and family fee discounts - Sibling discounts on net tuition (applied to younger child's net tuition only): two students 12%; three students 15%; four students 20%; five students 23%. - Kardinia Student discounts on tuition fees by child order: Second child 12%; Third child 15%; Fourth child 20%; Fifth child 23%.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoice issue and due dates (example schedule used for the published annual fee cycle): - Term 1 & full year (fees in advance): Issue date 21 November 2025; Due date 5 December 2025. - Term 2: Issue date 16 January 2026; Due date 6 February 2026. - Term 3: Issue date 3 April 2026; Due date 1 May 2026. - Term 4: Issue date 3 July 2026; Due date 31 July 2026. - Fees and charges are due and payable by the stated due date on the invoice. - Fees in advance option: a 3% discount is offered on the net tuition component if the full account is paid by the stipulated fees-in-advance deadline.
Payment methods accepted - Direct Debit: weekly, fortnightly or monthly options available (arrangements via the College Accounts team). - BPAY: each account includes a unique BPAY Customer Reference; Biller Code 585331. - EFTPOS and Credit Card: payments accepted in person or via phone (Debit & Credit — VISA, Mastercard and American Express). - Cheque: payable to Kardinia International College (Geelong) Ltd. - For direct debit setup and payment queries, contact accounts@kardinia.vic.edu.au.
Boarding / Homestay arrangements and fees - The College does not operate on-campus boarding. Overseas students typically use a homestay program. - Homestay program (includes accommodation, meals, laundry and one hot lunch per week): AUD 450 per week (charged per semester). - Homestay placement fee: Free of charge. - Guardian arrangement fee: Free of charge. - A deposit for additional charges (overseas students) of AUD 500 is held and refunded on final account reconciliation.
Withdrawal, absence and refund terms - Withdrawal of enrolment: written notification is required. A full term's notice is required or a term's fee in lieu of notice is payable. - Extended absence where a family wishes to hold a confirmed place: full fees must be paid for each term of absence to retain the confirmed place. - Where fees remain unpaid for more than two terms, a payment plan must be entered into; failure to comply may result in withdrawal of the student's place and recovery action for monies owing. - International students are subject to the College's International Student Refund Policy and specific international refund provisions; deposits held for additional charges are refunded on final account reconciliation where applicable.
Contacts for fee queries and account management - All fee and account queries are managed by the College Finance/Accounts team; contact via accounts@kardinia.vic.edu.au or College Reception for direct payments and account assistance.
Academics
Kardinia International College teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Australian Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The school is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme for Kindergarten to Year 6, a vertical curriculum aligned with the Victorian Curriculum for Years 7–10, and both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the Victorian Certificate of Education options in Years 11–12.
Exam Results
The International Baccalaureate Diploma students achieved an average score of 35.47 (Nominal ATAR 93.27).
Gifted and Talented
Bridges Scholarships (General Excellence) are offered for high-achieving students; the scholarships are awarded for general excellence with emphasis on academic achievement and high achievement in arts, sport, leadership, science and technology, community service or social justice.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school teaches resilience and personal identity through Year 7-10 Health and Physical Education. The unit covers social and emotional challenges associated with adolescence and focuses on sexual health, gender, respect and relationships. It connects health topics to real-world issues and helps students understand how culture and healthcare systems shape wellbeing. The unit is ideal for students considering VCE Physical Education or IB Sport Science.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school supports overseas students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) subjects and classes, with extra English sessions available at lunchtimes as required.
Mental Wellbeing
The school includes mental health concepts, mental illness, and the influences of risk and protective factors, with the psychological basis of strategies that contribute to mental wellbeing addressed in VCE Science.
Safeguarding
The school has a full-time Homestay Coordinator responsible for the welfare of overseas students, and there are strong connections between the student, their family, the homestay provider and the College.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Kardinia International College accepts local and overseas students. It is CRICOS-registered (CRICOS number 01502C). It is an independent, private, coeducational, non-denominational Kindergarten–Year 12 International Baccalaureate World school. The Senior School offers the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma).
2. For overseas applicants, the enrolment process begins with completing the Online Application Form (no application fee). A copy of the student's recent school report and AEAS English Test must be sent to the College. The College will contact you to advise whether there is a vacancy and whether the application will proceed to interview, usually via Microsoft Teams. If successful, a provisional Letter of Offer detailing the fees and health cover payable in advance is issued. Fees are paid into the Kardinia International College Trust Account, and a Confirmation of Enrolment is issued on receipt of payment. A student visa can then be applied for using the COE, the receipt, health documents and passport at the local Visa Office.
3. Overseas Agents: Kardinia International College works with Overseas Agents. Global – IDP Global Network. China – ACIC; Aus-Asia International Education Alliance; Auscharm Pty Ltd; Education Information Centre (EIC); International Student Exchange Services (ISES) Pty Ltd; International Student Support Network (ISSN); JJL Overseas Education Consulting & Services Co Ltd; Kunming Hiuteng Visa Services Co Ltd; New Oriental Vision Overseas Consulting; SinoCredit Migration. Hong Kong – AAS Education Consultancy; AEC Education Consultancy; Introducing Australia Studies Centre (IASC). South Korea – Olive Education Center. Taiwan – Academic Asia Taiwan; AusAsia International Institute. Vietnam – Avenue to Success (ATS). Cambodia – WEdu Abroad.
4. Homestay Program: Kardinia offers a Homestay Program to its International students.
5. Fees: These fees are published for overseas students for 2026. Application Fee is free of charge. Tuition Fees (including school bus) Senior School: $32,038; Junior School: $28,196. Payroll Tax Levy: $225. Medical Insurance (approx. $1,000 per year). Homestay Program: $450 per week (charged per semester). Homestay Placement Fee: Free of charge. Guardian Arrangement Fee: Free of charge. Foundation Levy: $750 per year. Tablet computer rental: $760 per year. Deposit for additional charges: $500 (one off). Uniform (first year): School $1,000; Sports $400. VCE/IB study costs (textbooks, etc.) and other items are noted within the schedule.
6. Prospectus: The Prospectus contains a summary of information about the College, its vision, learning goals, curriculum and facilities, and is translated into multiple languages. English Prospectus and translations are available.
Scholarships
Years 7–11 Music Scholarships, and from 2027 Bridges to the Future Scholarships (General Excellence) for Years 7–11. To be eligible for a scholarship, students must have an application for enrolment. Music Scholarships for 2027 are currently closed. Music Scholarships are awarded based on a video audition, a shortlisted live audition, school reports and an interview with a member of the College Leadership Team. For Years 7–11, minimum AMEB grade levels apply for instrumental and vocal entries; video auditions require two pieces on the primary instrument (two performances if multiple instruments), maximum 10 minutes total; shortlisted applicants attend an in-person audition with two contrasting works, some short tests and a brief interview. Successful Music Scholarship recipients receive a reduction in academic and/or music tuition fees, and must participate in instrumental/vocal ensembles. Bridges to the Future Scholarships (Years 7–11) are offered to new students in the following year who could not attend the College for financial reasons; awards focus on general excellence with emphasis on academic achievement plus strengths in arts, sport, leadership, science and technology, community service, or social justice, with demonstrated international mindedness. Applications for Bridges Scholarships require a maximum two-page summary of achievements and tests, school reports, most recent NAPLAN, parent tax information, two references, two short essays, and a birth certificate; Indigenous students are encouraged to apply. Bridges Scholarship registrations are open for Years 8–11, 2027 entry and close on Friday 29 May 2026. Bridges Scholarship registrations for Year 7 in 2027 have now closed.
FAQs
What age range does Kardinia International College serve?
Kardinia serves students from age 3 through to 18, covering Kindergarten to Year 12. The college operates across a main 52-acre campus in Bell Post Hill and the Kardinia Grove Year 5 Campus.
What curriculum does the school follow?
Kardinia offers the IB PYP for K-Year 6, the Victorian Curriculum for Years 7-10, and both the IB Diploma and VCE for Years 11-12. Students can choose their preferred senior pathway.
What are the IB results like?
IB Diploma students achieved an average score of 35.47, equivalent to a nominal ATAR of 93.27. This places them well above global IB averages.
What are the tuition fees?
Fees range from AUD 6,200 for 3-year-old Kindergarten to AUD 10,546 for Year 12 (local students). The application fee is AUD 250, with a AUD 500 acceptance deposit credited to first-term fees.
What languages are taught?
French and Japanese are offered through VCE. The IB Diploma includes French B, Japanese B, and Spanish ab initio. Year 9 students can participate in an immersive experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Does the school have a house system?
Yes, four houses: Cowie (green), Gotemba (blue), Morongo (red), and Thomson (yellow). Each house is divided into wings with a dedicated House Coordinator overseeing activities and pastoral care.
What sporting options are available?
The school participates in GISSA sports including tennis, cricket, badminton, fencing, hockey, judo, netball, football, soccer, rowing, surfing, yoga, volleyball, and touch rugby.
How diverse is the student body?
Around 55 international students from countries including Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, France, and Japan are part of the 2,000-strong student community.
Is there a homestay programme?
Yes, overseas students live with monitored local Australian families through the Homestay Program. A full-time Homestay Coordinator oversees welfare, and EAL support is provided as needed.
How do I apply?
Submit an application with the AUD 250 fee for local students (free for overseas). The college is CRICOS-registered (01502C) and accepts both local and international students from K to Year 12.
Are scholarships available?
Music Scholarships are offered for Years 7-11, and from 2027 Bridges to the Future Scholarships (General Excellence) will be available. An enrolment application must be submitted to be eligible.
What co-curricular activities are offered?
Activities include DAV Debating, Tournament of Minds, Robocup, French Club, Japanese Cultural Club, Duke of Edinburgh, drama productions, and various music ensembles including orchestras and bands.
