Sydney is one of Asia-Pacific's most international cities, but its school system surprises many newcomers: there is no single "international school sector" in the way Hong Kong or Dubai has built one. Instead, expat families choose between strong Australian independent schools that take international students, dedicated foreign-national schools (Japanese, French, German, Chinese) and the world-leading public selective system. Picking the right path matters more in Sydney than almost any other expat city.
This 2026 family guide explains how to choose an international or independent school in Sydney as an expat family: which curricula are on offer, the schools English-speaking families actually use, fees in Australian dollars, and the practical considerations of admissions in New South Wales.
The four pathways
Most relocating families end up in one of four buckets:
- Top Australian independent schools. Co-educational and single-sex GPS / AAGPS schools delivering the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) or the IB Diploma. The default choice for English-speaking families staying 3+ years.
- National schools. Sydney Japanese International School, German International School Sydney, International French School of Sydney and Sydney Chinese School - geared towards their respective national curricula.
- Multi-faith / community schools. Australian International Academy (Strathfield, Kellyville) and similar - Islamic or community-funded private schools delivering the NSW curriculum.
- NSW public selective schools. Free but academically highly selective. Realistic only for families staying long enough to enter at Year 5 or Year 7 through the Opportunity Class or Selective High School test.
Top schools for expat families in Sydney
Cranbrook School
Independent boys' day and boarding school in Bellevue Hill, offering both the NSW HSC and the IB Diploma. Strong international cohort and one of the most established Oxbridge / Ivy League pipelines in Sydney. View Cranbrook profile.
Kambala
Independent girls' school (Pre-K to Year 12) in Rose Bay. Pastoral focus, well-rated boarding programme, and a popular choice for expat families with daughters relocating from London, Hong Kong or Singapore. View Kambala profile.
Queenwood
Girls' day school in Mosman, K-12. Strong academic reputation and one of the most selective girls' schools in Sydney. View Queenwood profile.
International Grammar School (IGS)
Co-educational, secular and language-immersive - every primary student studies at least one of six languages daily. NSW HSC pathway with optional IB Diploma. View IGS profile.
The International French School of Sydney
French Education Ministry-recognised school covering Maternelle through Terminale, leading to the French Baccalaureate. View International French School profile.
German International School Sydney
Sydney's only fully bilingual German-English school, delivering the German Abitur and IB Diploma. View German International Sydney profile.
Curricula on offer
- NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC): The state qualification, widely recognised by Australian and major foreign universities.
- IB Diploma: Offered by Cranbrook, IGS, German International, and several smaller independents. Strong for non-Australian university applications.
- French Baccalaureate: Through the International French School only.
- German Abitur: Through German International only.
- Cambridge IGCSE / A-Level: Limited availability in Sydney - most British expat families opt for the IB instead.
School fees in Sydney (AUD, 2025/26)
Approximate annual fees (Australian dollars) for international students; locally enrolled fees can be 10-25% lower:
- Australian independent primary (K-6): AUD 25,000 - 38,000
- Australian independent secondary (Year 7-10): AUD 35,000 - 48,000
- Senior years (Year 11-12, HSC or IB): AUD 38,000 - 55,000
- National schools (French, German, Japanese): AUD 22,000 - 36,000
- Boarding: add AUD 28,000 - 40,000 per year
Add a one-off enrolment fee of AUD 1,500 - 5,000 and a Building Fund / capital levy of AUD 2,000 - 4,500 per year at most independents.
Practical admissions tips
- Apply two years ahead for top independents. Cranbrook, Kambala, SCEGGS Darlinghurst and Queenwood maintain long waitlists for Year 5 and Year 7 entry.
- Confirm the international student visa pathway. Schools must hold a CRICOS code to enrol international students on a Student Visa (subclass 500).
- Choose by suburb. Eastern suburbs (Bellevue Hill, Rose Bay, Mosman) cluster the top day schools; St Ives and Wahroonga the North Shore options.
- Check the language profile. If you want bilingual retention, IGS or the relevant national school will deliver it.
- Plan for HSC vs IB choice early. Switching at Year 11 is impractical.
Explore more Asia-Pacific options
To compare Sydney with Singapore, Hong Kong, Melbourne or Auckland, browse the school rankings on International School Advisor.
FAQ
Can my child attend a Sydney public school on a temporary visa?
Yes - most NSW public schools accept temporary residents and bridging visa holders, but international students on Student Visas must pay fees and enrol through the Department of Education's international division.
What is the difference between the HSC and IB Diploma in Sydney?
The HSC is the New South Wales state qualification, recognised globally. The IB Diploma is a separate international qualification with stronger recognition for non-Australian universities.
How early should I apply to a top Sydney independent school?
Apply at least 2 years before the intended entry year for Year 5, Year 7 and Year 11. Top day schools regularly close waitlists earlier than that.