How to enroll your children in school in Australia? Everything you need to know!

If you’re a migrant who has just arrived in Australia, one of your first concerns is likely: How do I enrol my children in school?It’s not just about choosing the best educational option—it’s also about meeting legal and administrative requirements to ensure a smooth process. Thankfully, the enrolment process in Australia is fairly clear, though there are a few important steps and documents to keep in mind to avoid surprises.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to enrol your children in an Australian school, what documents may need translation, and how Entrelingo can help with official translations.

What are the requirements to Enrol Your Children in School in Australia?

1. Choose the Type of School:

Australia has a diverse education system with both public and private options.

• Public schools are government-funded and offer free education up to the end of secondary school.

• Private schools charge tuition fees but often offer specialised or international programs.

Each state and territory in Australia manages its own public school system, so requirements may vary slightly depending on where you live.

Private schools tend to have a more competitive application process and may require enrolment and tuition fees upfront.

2. Check the Minimum Enrolment Age

Each Australian state has specific rules about the minimum age for school enrolment.Generally, children begin primary school in the year they turn 5 (depending on the state), and secondary school starts in Year 7.

3. Documents Required for Enrolment

Whether you choose a public or private school, the following documents are commonly required:

• Birth certificate – to verify the child’s identity and age.

• Passport or visa – either yours or your child’s, as part of the migration process.

• Proof of address – such as utility bills, a lease agreement, or any official document confirming your Australian address.

• Previous school records – if your child has attended school in your home country, these records or academic reports will help determine the right education level and any support needs.

  
  

4. Document Translation: Will You Need It?

If any of your documents are not in English, they must be officially translated.

In Australia, official documents must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters).This includes birth certificates, school records, and other official paperwork.

Entrelingo offers NAATI-certified translation services, meaning your documents will be ready to present to schools with no issues.Whether you need to translate academic records, health certificates, or any other documentation, Entrelingo ensures everything is accurate and fully compliant for your school enrolment process.

5. Vaccination Requirements

Australia’s health and education systems are very focused on student safety.To enrol your child, you’ll typically need to provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations.This can include a vaccination certificate from your home country, which must be translated into English if required.

How to Choose the Best School for Your Children?

Once you’ve prepared your documents and decided which type of school suits your family best, consider these additional factors:

• School location – Some schools offer special programs for migrants, like English classes for international students.

• Extra programs – Some schools have extracurricular activities that may interest your child, such as sports, arts, or music.

• Parent reviews – Talking to other parents who’ve been through the process can offer valuable insights.

  
  

What If Your Child Has Special Education Needs?

If your child has additional learning or language needs, Australia has a strong support system in place.

This can include English as a Second Language (ESL) programs or extra resources to assist their learning.

It’s important to inform the school about any special needs during enrolment so they can provide the appropriate support from the start.

Final Thoughts

Although the school enrolment process in Australia may seem overwhelming at first, don’t worry—it’s simpler than it looks!With the right documents and a little guidance, you can ensure that your children receive a quality education in this beautiful country.

And remember, if you need help translating documents for school enrolment, Entrelingo is here to assist you.We provide NAATI-certified official translations, so your paperwork is fully accepted without delays or issues.

If you have any questions or need more information about the process, feel free to contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way in your new life in Australia.

💬 Stay Connected and Informed

To stay up to date with the latest migration and Skills Assessment news—and connect with other professionals on the same journey—we invite you to join our exclusive WhatsApp group.

There, you can share experiences, ask questions in real time, and receive ongoing support from both our team and a community of fellow migrants.

You’re not alone in this journey. Join us here and become part of a network of professionals committed to building a future in Australia.