Sydney is a magnet for international families thanks to a strong economy, world-class universities and the simple appeal of harbour-side living. The school sector here is unusually rich, with a deep mix of independent, Catholic, government, and dedicated international schools. This guide walks expat families through how to apply to international schools in Sydney for 2026, including visas, timelines and what each school looks for in applicants.
The Sydney international school sector
Sydney has fewer dedicated international schools than other global cities its size because most independent schools already operate on a global standard, with strong IB Diploma or HSC track records and large international cohorts. The dedicated international schools serve specific communities, and several mainstream independent schools also welcome expat families on full international fees.
Curricula and end qualifications
Most Sydney schools deliver the New South Wales curriculum leading to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), which is recognised across Australian and most international universities. A growing number of schools also offer the IB Diploma alongside or in place of the HSC. Some international schools follow national curricula from France, Germany or Japan to serve their respective communities.
Top international schools in Sydney
The International French School of Sydney
This school delivers the French Education Nationale curriculum from maternelle through Terminale, leading to the French Baccalauréat. It serves French-speaking expat families and others wanting a fully bilingual French-English path. See International French School of Sydney profile on ISA.
International Grammar School
IGS in Ultimo offers a multilingual programme with strong language streams including Mandarin, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish, leading to the IB Diploma or HSC. See International Grammar School profile on ISA.
Australian International Academy Strathfield
This school combines the Australian curriculum with strong language and Islamic studies programmes, serving a diverse community. See Australian International Academy Strathfield profile on ISA.
Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School
Glenaeon offers a Steiner Waldorf curriculum with international families well represented across the school. See Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School profile on ISA.
Cranbrook School
Cranbrook is one of Sydney's leading independent schools, with strong academic outcomes through the HSC and IB Diploma. See Cranbrook School profile on ISA.
Visa considerations for school applications
Children of visa holders typically attend school under the parent's primary visa. Children attending school independently require a Subclass 500 student visa, which has its own requirements including health cover, financial evidence and a Confirmation of Enrolment from the school. The visa pathway shapes the timeline for everything else.
Admissions calendar
Sydney schools follow an Australian academic year that runs late January to mid-December, with intakes typically aligned to Term 1 in January. Top independent schools may have waitlists open from birth in their popular cohorts, so register early. For 2026 entry, applications close in most schools by April 2025 for the most competitive year groups, although mid-year places sometimes appear from internal moves.
Documents and assessments
Plan to provide the last two years of school reports, a teacher recommendation, the child's passport, and any specialist learning support reports. Most independent schools run an entrance assessment combining a written test and an interview. International schools tied to a national curriculum may require evidence of prior schooling in that system.
Fees and overseas student rates
For Australian residents and citizens, independent school fees range from AUD 18,000 to AUD 45,000 per year. International students on Subclass 500 visas typically pay between AUD 20,000 and AUD 55,000. Government schools accept international students at much lower fees, between AUD 11,000 and AUD 18,000, but with limited intake spaces.
Tactics for a smooth application
Apply to two or three schools to keep options open. Sydney's selective schools sometimes reject strong applicants simply because the year group is full. Visit campuses in person where possible, and use the visit to ask about pastoral care, sport, and the cultural mix of the cohort. Compare options across Australia on International School Advisor.
FAQs
What visa does my child need to attend school in Sydney?
Children of visa holders attend under the parent's visa. Children attending school independently need a Subclass 500 student visa, which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from an approved school plus health cover and financial evidence.
How much does an international school in Sydney cost in 2026?
Australian residents pay between AUD 18,000 and AUD 45,000 per year at independent schools. International student rates run AUD 20,000 to AUD 55,000. Government schools admit a smaller number of international students at AUD 11,000 to AUD 18,000.
When should I apply for a Sydney school?
Apply 12 to 24 months ahead of your intended start for the most popular schools. Many top independent schools maintain waitlists from birth for popular cohorts, so register early.