International and Bilingual Schools in Sydney
Sydney is Australia's largest city and its most internationally minded, with a school sector that reflects the diverse backgrounds of its population. For expat families arriving from Europe, Asia or North America, the good news is that Sydney's schools are strong, English is the language of instruction across the system, and there is a growing number of genuinely bilingual programmes available for families wanting to maintain or develop a second language alongside English.
This guide covers the international and bilingual school options in Sydney for 2026, with detailed information on curricula, top schools, fee expectations and admissions advice for newly arrived families.
How Sydney Schools Work for Expat Families
Australia does not have a separate "international school" sector in the same way as many Asian or Middle Eastern cities. Instead, expat families typically enrol their children in one of three types of schools: independent (private) schools, which are fee-paying and offer high academic standards; Catholic schools, which are partly government-funded and offer good quality at moderate fees; or public (government) schools, which are free for Australian citizens and permanent residents but charge tuition for temporary visa holders.
A growing number of Sydney independent schools now offer bilingual programmes combining English with French, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese or Italian. The International Baccalaureate is also available at several Sydney schools, providing curriculum continuity for internationally mobile families.
Top International and Bilingual Schools in Sydney
Kambala
Kambala is an independent Anglican girls' school in Rose Bay, one of Sydney's most prestigious eastern suburbs. It offers the Australian curriculum with the IB Diploma available at senior level, and has a strong tradition of academic and extracurricular excellence. Kambala's waterfront campus and outstanding resources make it one of Sydney's most sought-after schools. Annual fees range from approximately AUD 22,000 to AUD 38,000 depending on year group.
Cranbrook School
Cranbrook School is an independent boys' school in Bellevue Hill, consistently ranked among Sydney's top performing schools in the HSC (Higher School Certificate). It offers a rigorous academic programme with strong co-curricular activities including sports, music and outdoor education. Cranbrook has a diverse international student community and is a popular choice for expat families from the UK and Asia. Fees are approximately AUD 28,000–AUD 40,000 per year.
Australian International Academy
Australian International Academy (AIA) in Kellyville offers a unique bilingual English-Arabic programme alongside the standard Australian curriculum and IB Diploma. It is one of very few Sydney schools offering genuine bilingual instruction in Arabic and is well suited to families from the Middle East or North Africa who want to maintain Arabic language proficiency alongside a strong Australian education. Fees are significantly more accessible at approximately AUD 10,000–AUD 18,000 per year.
Bilingual Programme Options in Sydney
For families specifically seeking bilingual education, Sydney offers several pathways. Several state schools participate in the Department of Education Intensive English Centres (IEC), which provide transition support for newly arrived students with limited English. At private school level, the IB's language requirements mean that IB Diploma students always study a second language, and many IB schools have strong French, Spanish or Mandarin departments. The Alliance Française and the Instituto Cervantes in Sydney also offer language schooling for children outside regular school hours as a supplement to mainstream schooling.
If maintaining a specific home language is your priority, it is worth exploring Saturday language schools — Sydney has a rich network of community language schools in Mandarin, Korean, Greek, Italian, Arabic and many others, which are inexpensive and widely attended alongside mainstream schooling.
School Fees in Sydney: 2026 Overview
Sydney's independent school fees are among the highest in Australia, though still significantly lower than equivalent international schools in Singapore or Hong Kong:
- Primary (Kindergarten–Year 6): AUD 12,000–AUD 30,000 per year
- Secondary (Year 7–Year 10): AUD 22,000–AUD 38,000 per year
- Senior Secondary (Year 11–Year 12): AUD 28,000–AUD 42,000 per year
Catholic schools typically charge AUD 5,000–AUD 12,000 per year, offering significantly better value. Government schools charge a tuition fee for temporary visa holders of approximately AUD 11,000–AUD 14,000 per year, making them a competitive option for families on assignment.
Note that Sydney's international school options via the search tool are also available — visit ISA's Sydney school search to compare schools.
Admissions in Sydney: Key Advice
The Australian school year runs from late January to mid-December (four terms). The main enrolment intake is for Term 1 (late January), and applications for this intake should be submitted by August–October of the previous year for popular independent schools. Some schools have waiting lists of several years for certain year groups. Mid-year entry for Terms 2, 3 or 4 is possible and often easier to secure on short notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do expat children on temporary visas qualify for Australian government school education?
Children of temporary visa holders (including 457/482 Work visas and partner visas) are entitled to enrol in NSW government schools but are charged an annual tuition fee of approximately AUD 11,000–AUD 14,000 per student. Children of Australian citizens and permanent residents attend government schools free of charge. The tuition fee for visa holders makes Catholic and some independent schools competitive by comparison.
Is the HSC (Higher School Certificate) recognised internationally?
Yes. The NSW HSC is recognised by universities in the UK, USA, Canada and across Asia. Students applying to UK universities need to check ATAR conversion tables; UK universities typically require an ATAR of 92–99 for competitive programmes. US universities accept the HSC alongside SAT/ACT scores. Families who may move before Year 11 often opt for schools offering the IB Diploma for better curriculum portability.
How long does it take to enrol in a Sydney independent school?
For a place available now, the process typically takes two to four weeks: initial enquiry, school tour, application submission, assessment (for some schools at secondary level), offer and acceptance. Most schools can then finalise the start date and any uniform/materials requirements within a further one to two weeks. Contact the school registrar as soon as your arrival date is confirmed.