Expat Education Guide: Schools in Brisbane

Education Overview

Brisbane scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 13 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Brisbane offers a high-quality education system that consistently ranks among the top in Australia and internationally. The city is known for its strong public education sector, diverse private school options, and growing international school presence. Brisbane schools emphasize academic excellence, outdoor education, and technology integration, with many offering specialized programs in STEM, arts, and languages.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$6,980

Monthly Costs

$5,265/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $200

International School Application Fee $350

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,250/mo

Tuition Fees International $2,083/mo

Transportation Monthly $120/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 13 →

New Farm

Density 4/6

Types: State schools, private, and Catholic options

Notable: New Farm State School, Holy Spirit School

Paddington

Density 4/6

Types: State schools, private schools, early learning

Notable: Paddington State School, St Joseph's Primary

Spring Hill

Density 4/6

Types: State, private, and Catholic schools

Notable: Spring Hill State School, Brisbane Grammar School

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Practical Tips

Consider enrolling children in schools within the inner-city catchments like New Farm State School

they often have better resources and specialty programs compared to outer suburban schools

Try applying for school enrolments in Term 2 (April-June) rather than the busy start of year period

some spots open up mid-year and there's less competition from other families relocating

You could look into Queensland Academies' International Baccalaureate programs

these public selective schools offer IB, providing an international curriculum at state school fees

Consider getting school uniforms from Lowes or Target rather than official school suppliers

they stock generic uniforms that match most Brisbane school requirements at half the price

Useful Links

Queensland Department of Education

Official state education department providing school enrollment, curriculum information, and educational services for Queensland.

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Education Queensland International

Government agency supporting international students in Queensland schools with enrollment procedures and student services.

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University of Queensland

Premier Brisbane university offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs with comprehensive international student support services.

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Queensland University of Technology

Major Brisbane university specializing in technology and applied sciences with extensive student accommodation and support.

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Griffith University Brisbane

Multi-campus university in Brisbane offering diverse academic programs and dedicated international student services and support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Brisbane has 13 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Brisbane varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 27 education-related costs to consider when moving to Brisbane, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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