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Prince Alfred College

Australia, Adelaide

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$18,870 - 32,640
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1420
Type Boys School, Boys School (boarding), Co-educational
Opened 1869
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Australian Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages Mandarin, French, Italian, Spanish, English
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Outdoor Education, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Prince Alfred College is a day and boarding school for boys, ages 2 to 18, in Adelaide. The curriculum combines Australian Curriculum through Year 10 with the IB Diploma Programme and South Australian Certificate of Education in Years 11 and 12, taught within faculties such as Art, Design & Technology; Commerce, Law and Public Policy; Drama; English; Health & Physical Education; Humanities; Languages; Mathematics; Music; and Science. The Preparatory School (Reception to Year 6) provides core English and maths with specialist subjects including art, Chinese, music, PE, robotics, science and technology. Founded 1869, college sits on a 9.8‑hectare Kent Town campus 2.5 km from Adelaide. Facilities include ANZAC Hall for music and drama, RED Centre with a stadium and pools, and Boarding House for up to 150 residents. The school operates two libraries, Scotts Creek and Wambana outdoor centres, and a co‑curricular program with sport, arts and service learning opportunities.

The Essentials

Prince Alfred College has 1,420 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
Adelaide, South Australia. Main campus on 9.8 hectares at 23 Dequetteville Terrace, Kent Town, about 2.5 km east of the Adelaide city centre, on the edge of the eastern parklands.

Stages
Early Learning Centre to Year 12; Preparatory School (Reception–Year 6); Secondary School (Year 7–12).

Type
Independent/private day and boarding school for boys.

Additional learning support
On-site early intervention program with specialist speech and occupational therapy.

Religious affiliation
Uniting Church in Australia

School day structure
School day starts at 8:15. Roll call at 8:30. Recess at 10:40–10:50; lunch at 1:10–1:20; lessons resume at 2:00. Reception concludes at 3:00; Years 1–2 conclude at 3:15 on Fridays and 3:30 on Mondays–Thursdays.

Bus service
Bus services are provided by Kanga Coachlines. Buses are anticipated to arrive no later than 8:20 am and depart no later than 3:45 pm. Eastern services cost $7 per trip; Hills services $8 per trip; a $50 term booking per family.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The Boarding House provides a home away from home for 150 boys. It offers twin-share and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Residential staff live on site to supervise and support wellbeing. Boarders gather in the Dining Room for breakfast, recess, lunch and dinner, with snacks after school and supper; the catering team accommodates allergies or dietary restrictions.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform must be worn at school, while travelling to and from school, and on designated occasions. Uniform items should be clearly named. The College Shop stocks new and used uniforms for students from ELC to Year 12; second-hand uniforms are accepted on consignment.

Food Options
The boarding dining program provides breakfast, recess, lunch and dinner in the Dining Room; boarders have a snack after school and supper. The catering team prepares healthy meals and accommodates allergies or dietary restrictions.

House System
There are four houses: Taylor, Watsford, Waterhouse and Cotton. Students represent their house in activities across academics, sport, service and co-curricular, with house competition and events such as the Wesley Cup.

Governance and Ownership
Prince Alfred College is governed by the Prince Alfred College Council, established under the Prince Alfred College Incorporation Act 1878 (amended 2010). The Council oversees governance and strategic development and comprises seven elected members and two ex-officio members.
Fees

Annual tuition at Prince Alfred College ranges from AUD 18,870 to AUD 32,640 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment fees

- Application (non-refundable): AUD 100.
- Enrolment Acceptance Fee (payable on offer): AUD 1,250. This includes AUD 660 for lifelong membership to the Old Collegians Association. The enrolment acceptance fee is non-refundable.

Annual tuition, consolidated charge and total fees (day students)

- Reception: Tuition AUD 16,080; Consolidated Charge AUD 2,790; Total Fees Payable AUD 18,870.
- Year 1–2: Tuition AUD 17,220; Consolidated Charge AUD 2,790; Total Fees Payable AUD 20,010.
- Year 3–4: Tuition AUD 19,910; Consolidated Charge AUD 2,910; Total Fees Payable AUD 22,820.
- Years 5–6: Tuition AUD 22,440; Consolidated Charge AUD 3,300; Total Fees Payable AUD 25,740.
- Years 7–8: Tuition AUD 26,790; Consolidated Charge AUD 3,840; Total Fees Payable AUD 30,630.
- Year 9: Tuition AUD 26,790; Consolidated Charge AUD 4,860; Total Fees Payable AUD 31,650.
- Years 10–12: Tuition AUD 28,800; Consolidated Charge AUD 3,840; Total Fees Payable AUD 32,640.

Boarding fees and boarding total (annual)

- Boarding fee component (separate boarding charge): AUD 30,480; Boarding Consolidated Charge AUD 1,320; Boarding total component AUD 31,800.
- Combined annual totals for boarding students (tuition + boarding + consolidated charges):
- Boarding Years 7–8: AUD 62,430 (per year).
- Boarding Year 9: AUD 63,450 (per year).
- Boarding Years 10–12: AUD 64,440 (per year).

International student fee highlights and requirements

- International tuition totals are higher; example totals for international students include: Reception total AUD 28,380; Years 5–6 total AUD 35,250; Years 10–12 total AUD 47,520. The international schedule also requires payment of a refundable deposit and additional pre-commencement amounts for new international students as described below.
- International students required pre-commencement payments: tuition for one semester, consolidated charge for one semester, boarding for one semester (if applicable), IB Diploma fee if applicable, application + enrolment fee (total AUD 1,350 indicated on international schedule), refundable deposit AUD 1,000 (to be offset against final charges at end of Year 12), Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of study, and homestay fees where applicable.

Per-term / instalment amounts and billing schedule

- Payment options include: Full year in advance (2% discount when paid by the full-fees deadline), three instalments, or weekly/fortnightly/monthly instalments via the Parent Lounge / School Easy Pay. Miscellaneous term charges are invoiced at the end of each term and are due within 30 days of invoice.
- Example three-instalment amounts (per instalment) shown as a guide: Reception AUD 6,290; Years 1–2 AUD 6,670; Years 3–4 AUD 7,607; Years 5–6 AUD 8,580; Years 7–8 AUD 10,210; Year 9 AUD 10,550; Years 10–12 AUD 10,880. These instalment amounts exclude variable miscellaneous term charges and transaction costs.
- Payment due dates for the three-instalment plan (illustrative schedule used in the fee material): Instalment 1 due in February; Instalment 2 due in May; Instalment 3 due in August. All remaining fees must be paid by the end of November under weekly/fortnightly/monthly plans. Miscellaneous term charges are due within 30 days of invoice.

What the Consolidated Charge covers and miscellaneous charges

- The Consolidated Charge is compulsory and covers most curriculum activities including camps, excursions, theatrical performances, and many sport and co-curricular program costs. Miscellaneous individual charges (textbooks, stationery, subject-specific materials, special projects, and outdoor education) are charged at the end of each term and are payable within 30 days.

Other compulsory and common additional costs

- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma fee: AUD 2,490 (where applicable). Voluntary Building Fund donation is listed at AUD 450 (tax deductible). Student laptops: all students in Years 7–12 are required to purchase the nominated device. Uniforms and second‑hand uniform options are available through the College Shop; uniform purchases and other incidental items are additional costs charged separately.

Discounts and concessions

- Sibling discounts apply to tuition and boarding fees only: second son 10%; third son 20%; fourth son 30%; fifth and subsequent sons 40%. A 5% family discount arrangement applies where families have children at both Prince Alfred College and Seymour College. A 2% discount applies for payment of full year fees in advance by the specified due date.

Payment methods and transaction costs

- Accepted payment methods: BPAY (PAC Biller Code provided on statements), electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the College bank account, credit card payments via the Parent Lounge (VISA, MasterCard, American Express), and cash/cheque (cash up to a specified limit). Specific banking details and BPAY references are provided on school statements.
- Card and transaction costs (examples shown): bank account payments attract a small processing rate (example 0.43% incl. GST), standard VISA/MasterCard payments attract an example surcharge (approximately 1.37% incl. GST), American Express around 1.90% incl. GST; weekly/fortnightly/monthly instalment plans may incur a 1% administration fee. Failed direct debit fees and other small administrative fees apply. Transaction cost amounts and surcharges apply as shown on fee materials and statements.

Refunds, withdrawals and notice requirements

- Application and acceptance/enrolment fees are non-refundable. For refunds related to visa refusal, the school's guidelines provide for reimbursement of pre-paid fees less an administration charge when evidence of visa refusal is supplied. Refund requests and cancellations must be made in writing to the Headmaster; the College's refund guidelines and international student handbook set out specific timelines and amounts retained in different withdrawal circumstances. A full term's written notice is required to withdraw a student or change boarding status; if one term's notice is not given, one term's fee will be charged in lieu of notice. OSHC levies and certain other pre-paid levies are not refundable. Refunds are reimbursed in Australian dollars and are processed within specified timeframes under the College refund guidelines.

Late payment, interest and enforcement

- The College reserves the right to charge interest on overdue accounts at the prevailing published rate of the referenced bank overdraft, to apply late payment fees (an example late payment administration fee is noted in the fees material), and to terminate enrolment for unpaid fees at the due date. A late payment fee or penalty may apply to overdue instalments.

Notes on invoicing and timing of miscellaneous charges

- Miscellaneous/optional items (subject-specific charges, textbooks, excursions, some co-curricular costs) are invoiced at the end of each term and are separate to tuition and consolidated charges; these term charges are due within 30 days of invoice. International students receive specific invoicing and pre-commencement instructions (for example, semester-level pre-payments and deposits).
Academics

Prince Alfred College teaches Australian Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
Australian Curriculum Framework is studied through to the end of Year 10. In Years 11 and 12 the college offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). The learning is organized around faculties: Art, Design & Technology; Commerce, Law and Public Policy; Drama; English; Health & Physical Education; Humanities; Languages; Mathematics; Music; and Science. Preparatory School (Reception to Year 6) provides core English and maths with specialist subjects including art, Chinese, music, PE, robotics, science and technology, in a fun, engaging and internationally-minded learning program.

Higher Education Progression
IB Diploma Programme graduates are well prepared for university and are recognised by universities worldwide. In Australia, IB is accepted by the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia, with potential credit for IB subjects in some courses. PAC's IBDP materials indicate graduates commonly enter Australian universities and, increasingly, institutions in the USA, UK and other countries.

Gifted and Talented
Academic Support & Extension provides differentiated in-class learning programs to meet individual needs, access to extra-curricular tutoring, a dedicated Special Education Needs Coordinator, Individual Learning Plans as needed, one-on-one coaching, small group extension sessions, and dedicated tutors for Middle and Senior School students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral care provides individualized support and nurtures character. The Princes Men Program fosters social responsibility and service-mindedness. Values of Respect, Excellence, Belonging and Endeavour guide boys' actions across the Prep, Middle and Senior Schools. The SchoolTV Newsletter offers resources to help parents with wellbeing issues. The pastoral care program creates a safe, supportive environment where every boy belongs and can thrive.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Dedicated Special Education Needs Coordinator; differentiated in-class learning programs; Individual Learning Plans as needed; one-on-one coaching; small group support; dedicated tutors for Middle and Senior School; access to extra tutoring.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The International Students Transition Program includes intensive English classes and lessons in cultural understanding, with the International Student Coordinator providing ongoing mentoring and support.

Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral care emphasises wellbeing with a proactive approach to student health and welfare support; each boy has a dedicated tutor in Middle and Senior Schools to ensure academic and wellbeing needs are met.

Safeguarding
A Children and Young People Safeguarding Policy exists.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1869 as a Methodist church school for boys in Kent Town. The foundation stone of the Main Building was laid by HRH Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, during his 1867 visit, and the College was named in his honour. Founders were a group of Wesleyan Methodists who sought to establish a Methodist church school for boys in the mid-1860s. Since 1869, Prince Alfred College has educated thousands of boys under the guidance of eleven headmasters.

Community
The PAC community includes Friends of PAC (FoPAC), Old Collegians, Grandies Club, and the Rowing Parent Support Group. Friends of PAC coordinates events that connect families with the College, including the Family Fun Night, Ladies in Red luncheon, FoPAC Fashion Event, and staff and student morning teas. Old Collegians maintains a global network of alumni (PAOCA), founded in 1878, with life membership and ongoing news and events. The Grandies Club, founded in 1988, brings together grandparents and friends for events such as Grandies Day, Grandies Morning Tea, and the Grandies Christmas Lunch.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Friends of PAC (FoPAC) is the school's parent-teacher association. All parents and guardians are welcome to join FoPAC and participate in the life of the College. FoPAC runs regular friend-raising events including Family Fun Night, Ladies in Red luncheon, FoPAC Fashion Event, and morning teas for staff and students, and it supports school events including sports days. FoPAC meetings are held in the Red Centre, typically in the evening, with meetings scheduled on several Mondays each term. Membership is open to those connected to the College, and contact details are provided by FoPAC.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The main Kent Town campus covers 9.8 hectares and is 2.5 km from central Adelaide, serving students from the Early Learning Centre through Year 12. ANZAC Hall provides an auditorium for music and drama, with upgraded audio-visual facilities added in 2019. The RED Centre is a flexible sports and health facility with a stadium and swimming pools. The Boarding House, opened in June 2019, offers state-of-the-art accommodation for up to 150 residents across four storeys with ensuite options and shared spaces. The campus grounds include two ovals, cricket nets, Plexipave tennis and basketball courts, a hockey/tennis Supergrasse pitch and a Health Centre on site, with additional off-campus facilities at Scotts Creek Outdoor Centre and the Wambana Campus."

Sports Facilities
The RED Centre is a flexible sports and health facility with a stadium, swimming pools and multipurpose spaces used for in-school and co-curricular activities. The John Dunning Sports Centre is a purpose-built sports stadium located at the Preparatory School. The grounds feature two ovals, cricket nets, Plexipave tennis and basketball courts. There is a hockey and tennis Supergrasse pitch on site.

Academic Facilities
The Preparatory School and Secondary School each have their own libraries with a wide range of resources. The Secondary School houses the Professor John P. Keeves Library, opened in June 2022, a light-filled open-plan space designed to support independent study, collaborative learning and research. Keeves Library includes a collaborative teaching space, a quiet zone for individual study, study cubicles and a help desk area with displays. Language study is core to the curriculum, and students can continue their language study in the IB or SACE program.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Sport, performing arts, outdoor education, clubs and activities, service learning, and tours and excursions are part of Prince Alfred College's co-curricular program. Scotts Creek Outdoor Centre near Morgan on the Murray River hosts adventure and aquatic activities. The Wambana Campus on Yorke Peninsula hosts the Year 9 Extended Stay Program. The College operates a House System to support student life and community.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Prince Alfred College offers a broad range of co-curricular activities that complement academic learning and STEM interests. Prep School Clubs & Activities include Artificial Intelligence, Art, Chess, Chinese, Drama, Engineering, Gardening, Music, Singing and Sport; Secondary School Clubs & Activities include Chess, Debating, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Languages (including the Bletchley Club) and Public Speaking. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award provides an international framework for developing adventurous journeys, community service, physical recreation and skill-building.

Arts & Creative
Performing Arts provides opportunities across music, drama and film. The Music program includes ensembles and tuition across big bands, concert bands, drum corps, guitar, jazz bands, Motown bands, piano, rock bands, saxophone, string ensembles and vocal ensembles. Drama offers on-stage productions and Tech Crew experiences, with opportunities to participate in plays and musicals; Film & Media, through the Bleed Red program, teaches students to produce and edit audiovisual projects and develop storytelling skills.

Cultural & Language
Language-focused clubs support multilingual learning. Prep School Clubs & Activities include Chinese, and Secondary School Clubs & Activities include Languages, including the Bletchley Club. Cultural engagement is embedded in co-curricular life through language study and performing arts, enriching boys' broader educational experiences.

Social & Hobbies
Boys participate in a variety of social and hobby activities, including Chess, Debating and Public Speaking. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award offers additional opportunities for personal development and teamwork. Performing Arts and Music programs provide avenues for collaboration, performance and social engagement among peers.

Community & Service
Service Learning is a core element of the co-curricular program. Students participate in community service programs including Uniting Care appeals, outreach camps, Indigenous and rural community support, and Sunrise Children's Village Orphanage support, including a service trip to Cambodia. Participation in these programs runs from Reception through Year 12 to cultivate responsibility and contribution to others.

Leadership & Professional
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award fosters leadership, initiative and resilience through four core areas: adventurous journeys, community service, physical recreation and skill-building. Public Speaking and Debating develop leadership, communication and advocacy skills. The co-curricular program provides coaching, mentoring and opportunities for students to take on leadership roles within sport, arts and service activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Outdoor Education builds independence, confidence and resilience through a sequence of overnight and campus-based experiences. The program emphasizes character development, leadership, teamwork and wellbeing, with campuses at Scotts Creek and Wambana. Sport offers a wide range of summer and winter activities alongside dedicated facilities to support fitness, teamwork and overall wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages are a core part of the Prince Alfred College curriculum, and language study continues in the IB or SACE programs. In Years 7–10 all students study French, Italian, or Chinese, with English as an Additional Language available for eligible students in Years 9–10 and opportunities to study a mother tongue where offered. In the IB Diploma Programme, Language B is offered (French B, Italian B, Chinese B) and English B is available at Higher Level. The SACE program includes Language Acquisition options such as Chinese Background Speakers and Ab Initio Spanish, with Stage 1 Chinese Background Speakers and Stage 2 Chinese Background Speakers offered.
Reputation

Awards
Prince Alfred College Named a 2026 SASTA Science Active School.

Accreditations
CRICOS No 00368 A — The College is registered to enroll international students in Australia.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) — The College offers the IB Diploma Programme for Years 11–12.
South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) — The College offers the SACE on completion of Year 12.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquiry. The main entry points are Early Learning Centre (ELC), Reception, Year 5 and Year 7, with boarding available from Years 7 to 12. Places are offered subject to availability, and there is mid‑year intake for Reception depending on age and readiness. Enquiry can be pursued by viewing the prospectus online, learning about enrolment as an international student, and arranging a campus visit via a College Tour or a personal Admissions tour. 2. Application. To apply for admission, complete the online enrolment form; a separate enrolment form and fee apply for each child. It is advised to submit the ELC application at least 18 months before the desired start date and at least two years prior for other entry points. 3. Interview. Before an offer is made, prospective parents and their son(s) will be invited for a friendly interview with senior College staff. 4. Offer. Offers are made subject to availability and in accordance with the enrolment policy. Offers are issued on 1 March two years before entry (for example, 1 March 2023 for 2025 entry). If applying for entry this year or next, the admissions team will be in touch directly. 5. Acceptance. To accept an offer, complete the online acceptance and pay the non‑refundable enrolment acceptance fee of A$1,250. Once paperwork is complete, transition arrangements are arranged.

Scholarships
The College offers a range of scholarships across academic, boarding, music/performing arts, and general excellence, funded by donors through the Prince Alfred College Foundation Scholarship Fund. There are many named scholarships (e.g., Brett Gooden Space Science Scholarship, Brett Williamson Scholarship, Indigenous Scholarships, and others) and additional information about donating or establishing a scholarship is available through the Foundation. Not all scholarships are offered every year; awarding depends on the number of students currently on a scholarship and whether a suitable candidate applies. Scholarships are usually awarded by the end of a student's schooling (Year 12) and the process for entry starts in the year prior to commencement. Scholarships may be awarded in two rounds: Round 1 opens in October and closes in January; Round 2 opens in June and closes in mid‑July, with interviews typically in August. Interviews are conducted by two members of the College Executive, and all applicants are informed of progress. Scholarships can be selected for General Excellence, Music/Performing Arts, Chess, or Boarding, and applicants do not need to apply for a specific named scholarship. Academic Scholarships are offered via the ACER examination for Year 5 and Year 7 applicants, and some scholarships (including Boarding) are awarded based on merit through a competitive process that may include testing, interviews, and references. In Year 7, up to three full Academic Scholarships are offered; other scholarships may be awarded up to 100% in Years 8–11. Most scholarships contribute a portion of the fees (commonly 50%; some 25%; some Academic Scholarships can be up to 100%), and they do not cover uniforms, textbooks, or other sundry charges. An acceptance fee of A$1,250 is required to accept a scholarship. Indigenous Scholarships are linked to The Smith Family's Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP), with applications typically closing in May; applicants should check with PAC Admissions before applying. Overseas applicants may apply if they hold Australian residency. Scholarships by age specify which options are available for entry years (e.g., Year 5 scholarships for Year 4 entrants; Year 7 scholarships for Year 6 entrants; and Year 8–11 scholarships for Year 7–10 entrants). The majority of information about scholarships, eligibility, and the application process is available through the Scholarship FAQs, the List of Scholarships, and the ACER Examinations guidance. For full details on each scholarship category, required documents, and timelines, see the Scholarships resources and the ACER examinations section.
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