Expat Education Guide: Schools in Melbourne

Education Overview

Melbourne scores 5.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 15 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Melbourne boasts a world-class education system, consistently ranking among Australia's best and internationally competitive. The city offers a diverse range of educational options with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, critical thinking, and holistic development. Melbourne's education landscape features a mix of government (public) schools, Catholic schools, independent private institutions, and a growing number of international schools catering to its multicultural population.

Quick Stats

Education Score

5.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$8,550

Monthly Costs

$6,056/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $120

Private School Application Fee $250

International School Application Fee $450

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,500/mo

Tuition Fees International $2,500/mo

Transportation Monthly $120/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 15 →

Toorak

Density 5/6

Types: Private, independent, and religious schools

Notable: St Catherine's School, Geelong Grammar Toorak, Loreto Mandeville Hall

Carlton

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private and tertiary institutions

Notable: University High School, Carlton Gardens Primary, University of Melbourne

Fitzroy

Density 4/6

Types: Public, Catholic, and independent schools

Notable: Fitzroy High School, Academy of Mary Immaculate, Fitzroy Primary

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Practical Tips

Apply for public schools as soon as your residential address in Victoria is confirmed.

Enrolment depends on your residential zone and school capacity, with popular schools filling quickly.

Utilize State Library Victoria's free study spaces if you don't have university access.

It offers excellent facilities and free internet without requiring student ID or membership.

Join community education centers in Brunswick and Footscray for affordable short courses

these centers offer significantly cheaper rates than TAFE for similar practical skill courses and provide better networking opportunities with locals

Always check individual school websites for specific tour dates and times in inner eastern suburbs.

Tour schedules vary greatly between schools and are set for optimal staff availability and student experience.

Useful Links

Department of Education and Training Victoria

Official Victorian government education portal with information on public schools, enrollment procedures, and education policies.

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Study Melbourne

Victorian government initiative supporting international students with information on education providers, student life, and support services.

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Find a School - Victoria

Official tool to locate and learn about government schools in Melbourne based on your residential address and school zones.

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TAFE Victoria

Information on Victoria's Technical and Further Education institutions offering vocational training and practical skills development courses.

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The University of Melbourne

Website of Australia's leading university located in Melbourne, with information on courses, admissions, and research opportunities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Melbourne has 15 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne, 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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