The Temporary Residents Program allows eligible students with temporary resident visas to study in a New South Wales Government School from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

The New South Wales Government Schools system is the largest education network in Australia. Each school offers a secure, safe and dynamic learning environment. Your child will have a rich and rewarding learning experience.

There are over 2,000 primary and secondary high schools in New South Wales. Before selecting a government school, please note that temporary residents are not eligible to enrol in Selective Secondary High Schools, the selective component of Comprehensive Secondary High Schools and Opportunity (OC) classes in Primary Schools and are generally not eligible to enrol in the Conservatorium Secondary High School.

Who can enter the Temporary Residents Program?

• All temporary resident visa holders with the exception of students holding a 571P visa
• Bridging visa holders
• Dependants of international students
• Visitor visa holders who are accompanied by their parents or staying with direct relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers or sisters) who are residents of Australia and over 21 years of age.

Who cannot enter the Temporary Residents Program?

• Students who are holding a 571P International Student visa
• Groups of students who attend New South Wales schools on an advertised tour
• Visitor visa holders who are not accompanied by their parents or staying with direct relatives

Which visas qualify for the Temporary Residents Program?

For details of which visa subclass can support an application for enrolment through the Temporary Residents Program, please refer to the Schedule of Visa Subclasses and Enrolment Conditions (pdf 91 KB). This document will outline the enrolment conditions and the type of fee structure applicable for each visa subclass.

How to apply

Before applying for enrolment, please ensure that you meet the General Conditions of Enrolment and Admission (pdf 151 KB) for the Temporary Residents Program.

Students applying for enrolment through the Temporary Residents Program cannot apply online to attend a New South Wales government school. Applications must be submitted in writing using the Temporary Residents Program Application Form for an Authority to Enrol (pdf 92 KB).

Fees

For details on the fees applicable for enrolment through the Temporary Residents Program, please refer to the Fees and Payment (pdf 164 KB) information document.

Application procedures

There are slightly different application procedures for each type of visa category.

• If your child is holding a temporary resident visa or a bridging visa, please click on the link below for details on the application procedures:
  Temporary Resident and Bridging Visa Holders (pdf 132 KB)
• If your child is currently overseas and is applying to be a dependant on an international student visa, please click on the link below for details on the application procedures:
  Dependants of International Students (pdf 139 KB)
• If your child is holding a visitor visa, please click on the link below for details on the application procedures:
  Visitor Visa Holders (pdf 212 KB)

Forms and publications

Below is a complete list of all forms and publications relating to the Temporary Residents Program.

• General Conditions of Enrolment and Admission (pdf 151 KB)
• Schedule of Visa Subclasses and Enrolment Conditions (pdf 105 KB)
• Application Form for an Authority to Enrol (pdf 92 KB)
• Fees and Payment (pdf 160 KB)
• Application Process for Temporary Residents and Bridging Visa Holders (pdf 132 KB)
• Application Process for Dependants of International Students (pdf 139 KB)
• Application Process for Visitor Visa Holders (pdf 212 KB)
• Application for Refund of the Temporary Residents Program Education Fee (pdf 175 KB)
• Exemption Information & Application Form (pdf 325 KB)
• Appropriate Academic Year Placement for a Student (pdf 120 KB)
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Education (pdf 148 KB)
• Temporary Resident Students with a Disability (pdf 144 KB)
• Locating a New South Wales Government School (pdf 134 KB)
• School Calendar (pdf 125 KB)
• Guardian / Carer Nomination Form (pdf 87 KB)

Information for school staff

Below is a list of forms and publications to assist school staff with the enrolment process for temporary resident students.

• Enrolment of non-Australian Citizens Procedures and Eligibility (pdf 170 KB)
  This document outlines eligibility and procedures for the enrolment of non-Australian citizens in NSW government schools.
• Proof of Identity and Residency Status (pdf 500 KB)
  This document provides information on the ways in which schools can broadly establish the citizenship status of those claiming to be Australian citizens as well as the identity and residency status of non-Australian citizens.
• Quick Reference Guide – Proof of Identity & Residency Status (pdf 30 KB)
  This document provides a quick reference guide for school staff to establish the residency status of a student.

Need more information?

If you require any further information on the Temporary Residents Program, please contact our office:

Postal address

Locked Bag 7004
Wollongong, NSW 2520
Australia

Phone, fax and email

Phone: +61 1300 300 229
(Open 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday Sydney time – Closed Public Holidays)
Fax: +61 2 4224 9074
Email: tempvisa@det.nsw.edu.au