Expat Education Guide: Schools in Sydney

Education Overview

Sydney 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 26 education-related costs.

Sydney offers a high-quality education system that consistently ranks well in international assessments. The city provides diverse educational options including government (public) schools, non-government (private) schools, and a growing number of international schools. Sydney's education is known for its strong academic standards, multicultural environment, and comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and practical skills.

Quick Stats

Education Score

5.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$8,160

Monthly Costs

$6,470/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $250

International School Application Fee $500

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,600/mo

Tuition Fees International $2,500/mo

Transportation Monthly $120/mo

Showing 6 of 26 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 15 →

Bondi

Density 4/6

Types: Public, Catholic, and independent options

Notable: Bondi Public School, Galilee Catholic Primary, Bondi Beach Public School

Paddington

Density 4/6

Types: Private, public, and Catholic options

Notable: Paddington Public School, Glenmore Road Public School, St Francis of Assisi Prim...

Newtown

Density 4/6

Types: Public, Catholic, and alternative education options

Notable: Newtown High School of Performing Arts, Newtown Public School

Want to See Your Numbers?

Get personalized education costs, timelines, and checklists for your family in Sydney.

Free to start. No credit card required.

Practical Tips

Contact desired schools directly to understand out-of-area application timelines

timelines vary by school and early application is generally recommended due to limited spaces

Consider schools in Epping and Eastwood for academic excellence

these areas have top-performing public schools but lower housing costs than North Shore

Enroll kids in vacation care programs 3 months ahead

popular programs like those at Lane Cove and Willoughby fill up quickly, especially during summer

Consider joining your school's P&C association in February

this is often when committees form and it offers a great way to engage with the school community and contribute

Useful Links

NSW Department of Education

Official government site for information on public schools in Sydney, enrollment procedures, curriculum, and support services for families relocating to NSW.

›

Study NSW

NSW Government's official guide for international students moving to Sydney, including education pathways, institution listings, and student support services.

›

The University of Sydney

Australia's first university and one of Sydney's premier higher education institutions, offering comprehensive information for prospective international and domestic students.

›

TAFE NSW

Government provider of vocational education and training in NSW, offering practical skills development and pathways to further education for Sydney newcomers.

›

NSW School Finder

Government tool to locate and learn about public schools in Sydney based on location, helping newcomers identify suitable schools for their children.

›

Explore Other Guides

Immigration Guide Housing Guide Healthcare Guide Finance Guide Transport Guide Pets Guide

Education Guides in Australia

View all 140+ city guides →

Frequently Asked Questions

Sydney 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 Sydney 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 26 education-related costs to consider when moving to Sydney, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

Plan Your Entire Move to Sydney

Access step-by-step guides, personalized budgets, and expert tips for education and 6 other relocation categories across 140+ cities.

Free to start. No credit card required.

Data verified: March 2026

This was the general picture

Your move to Sydney looks nothing like this

This guide covers Sydney for everyone. Your plan covers your origin country, your kids' ages, your budget, your dog — with real costs, a sequenced task list, and the things most families don't find out until it's too late.

Build your personalised plan — free →

Takes 2 minutes to set up