Schools and Family Life in Australia

The Australian Education System

Australia has a high-quality education system that consistently ranks among the best in the world. Schooling is compulsory for children between the ages of six and sixteen (or seventeen in some states). The system is structured as follows:

• Primary school — From Kindergarten or Prep (age 5) through to Year 6 (age 11-12).
• Secondary school — From Year 7 through to Year 12 (age 12-18). Students complete their final exams in Year 12 to receive a certificate that qualifies them for university entry.

Parents can choose between three main types of schools:

• Government (public) schools — Free for Australian residents and citizens. These schools are well-resourced and many achieve excellent academic results. Approximately 65% of Australian students attend public schools.
• Catholic schools — Partially government-funded with moderate fees, typically between AUD $2,000 and $8,000 per year. These schools are open to students of all faiths.
• Independent (private) schools — Fees range from AUD $8,000 to $40,000 or more per year. These schools often offer smaller class sizes, extensive extracurricular programs, and strong pastoral care.

For children arriving from overseas, many schools offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support programs to help with the transition. Intensive English centres are also available in most states for children who need more comprehensive language support before entering mainstream classes.

Childcare and Early Education

Finding quality childcare is a priority for many doctor families, particularly when both parents are working. Australia offers several types of early childhood care:

• Long day care — Centres that operate from approximately 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, catering to children from six weeks to school age. These are the most common form of formal childcare.
• Family day care — Care provided in a registered educator's home, typically with smaller groups of children. This option suits families who prefer a more intimate, home-like environment.
• Preschool or kindergarten — Structured early learning programs for children in the year or two before school (ages 3 to 5). Most children attend at least one year of preschool.
• Outside school hours care (OSHC) — Before-school, after-school, and school holiday programs for primary school-aged children. Essential for families where both parents work full-time.

Childcare costs in Australia are among the highest in the world, but the government provides substantial subsidies through the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Depending on your household income and the type of care, the subsidy can cover 50 to 90 percent of the cost. For a doctor's household income, the subsidy typically covers around 50 to 65 percent of fees.

Waitlists for popular childcare centres can be long, so it is advisable to start researching and applying for places well before your arrival date.

Family Support and Healthcare

Australia provides a strong safety net for families through government services and community support:

• Medicare — Australia's universal health system provides free or subsidised access to doctors, specialists, and public hospital treatment. As a doctor working in Australia, you and your family will generally be covered by Medicare once you hold an eligible visa.
• Family Tax Benefit — A government payment to help with the cost of raising children, available to eligible families based on income and the number of children.
• Paid Parental Leave — The government scheme provides up to 20 weeks of parental leave pay. Many employers, including public health services, offer additional paid parental leave on top of this.
• Maternal and child health services — Free maternal and child health nurses provide regular check-ups, developmental assessments, immunisations, and parenting support from birth through to school age.
• Community and cultural groups — Most Australian cities and regional towns have active multicultural communities, playgroups, religious organisations, and social groups that help families connect and settle in.

For information on how to bring your partner and children to Australia, including visa requirements and the application process, see our dedicated page on Bringing Your Family to Australia.

Settling In as a Family

Relocating to a new country is a significant change for the whole family. Here are some practical tips for making the transition smoother:

• Research schools early — Popular schools, especially in desirable suburbs, can have waiting lists. Begin your research and enrolment inquiries as early as possible.
• Choose your suburb carefully — Proximity to your workplace, school quality, public transport access, and community amenities should all factor into your decision. Our Best Cities for Doctors page can help with location choices.
• Budget for the first few months — Initial costs such as bond payments, furniture, car purchase, school uniforms, and setting up utilities can add up quickly. Review our Cost of Living guide to plan ahead.
• Connect with other families — Join local parent groups, school communities, and cultural associations to build a support network. Many hospitals also have social groups for staff and their families.
• Support your partner — If your partner is not working initially, help them connect with community groups, language classes (if needed), and professional networks to ease their transition.

Many overseas doctor families describe the first six months as the most challenging period of adjustment. After that, most find that the quality of life, safety, educational opportunities, and community support make Australia an excellent place to raise a family.

Important Planning Note

This page is designed as practical guidance for overseas doctors and should be used alongside official requirements published by AHPRA, the AMC, relevant specialist colleges, and the Department of Home Affairs.

Rules, fees, and processing times can change. Before lodging any application, verify current criteria directly with official sources listed on our Resources page.