About NSW schools
NSW Government Schools offer international students academic excellence in a safe, welcoming environment. Experienced university-trained teachers help students to achieve their best results. Qualifications from NSW Government Secondary High Schools are internationally recognised.
Places are available for international students at some NSW Government Primary Schools and more than 150 NSW Government Secondary High Schools.
Student visa holders need to apply to DEC International to enrol in NSW Government Primary Schools and Secondary High Schools. Holders of all other visa types may be eligible to enrol under the Temporary Residents Program.
| Australian students attend school for 13 years | ||
|---|---|---|
| Primary School | Kindergarten to Year 6 | 7 years |
| Junior Secondary High School | Years 7 to 10 | 4 years |
| Senior Secondary High School | Years 11 and 12 | 2 years |
Class hours are usually from 9.00am to 3.30pm, five days a week; some schools have slightly different class hours.
Term dates
The school year in New South Wales is divided into four terms.
Why choose a NSW Government School?
At NSW Government Schools, international students are well cared for and supported in a safe, fun and positive learning environment.
Our schools offer a wide range of subjects and activities including English, mathematics, science, technology, languages, creative arts and humanities. Extracurricular activities such as drama, dance, sport and debating are also popular.
Students with a particular flair for performing arts, technology, languages or sport may apply to high schools which specialise in these activities.
At our schools, the focus is on the academic progress, social development, physical safety and wellbeing of every child. Each school has a dedicated welfare team including the International students coordinator, school counsellor, English language support teachers and a careers advisor.
Our teachers are fully qualified and university-trained, including specialist English as Second Language (ESL) teachers. Class sizes are relatively small, usually between 10 and 30 pupils.
Schools are well equipped with excellent libraries, auditoriums, gymnasiums, computer rooms and science laboratories. Laptop computers are available for students in Years 9, 10 and 11 for educational use.
Most schools have spacious landscaped gardens and playgrounds with lots of trees providing shade. There are also playing fields and ovals for sport and other outdoor activities.
The following programs of study are available to student visa holders:
NSW government schools' provider code on CRICOS is 00588M. All our programs offered to international students are also registered on CRICOS.
School locations
Search for NSW government primary and high schools available for enrolment by international students or temporary residents:
Find out more about studying at a NSW government schoolAbout NSW schools
Do you need help?
Ask a question online or contact
DEC International or an authorised agent
for help with choosing a school or enrolling.
Brochures
The NSW Government Schools brochures contain information about study options, our schools
and the study experience.
International Student Guide (pdf 2,771 KB)
Study Abroad (pdf 1,612 KB)
Schools Directory (pdf 8,440 KB)
Application Form (pdf 483 KB)
See more and translated documents
Signup for alerts
ESOS Framework
The Australian Government wants international students to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding study experience in Australia.
Read more about the ESOS Framework.
Agent search
DEC International has a worldwide network of representative agents who can help you complete and submit your application to study.
These representatives must provide you with accurate and up-to date information and advice regarding programs, courses, application procedures, living and studying in Australia. They can also assist with your visa application. If you wish to apply through an agent it is recommended that you use an agent on this list. If you choose to use another agent who is not published on this list, then TAFE NSW is not responsible for the accuracy of the advice provided to you.
TAFE NSW English Language Centre agents
TAFE NSW English Language Centres also engage agent representatives and details of these agents can be found on the English Language pages for each of the listed Institutes. These agents may recruit students for intensive English language courses but not for any other courses at TAFE NSW.
- Crows Nest (Northern Sydney Institute)
- Kingscliff (North Coast Institute)
- Liverpool (South Western Sydney Institute)
- Newcastle (Hunter Institute)
- Port Macquarie (North Coast Institute)
- Ultimo (Sydney Institute)
- Wollongong (Illawarra Institute)
