Starting school
Victoria’s first year is Foundation, for children who turn 5 by 30 April. Queensland’s is Prep, by 30 June. South Australia’s Reception has a Term 1 and a Term 3 start, depending on the birthday.
STATE COMPARISON · WHAT CHANGES WHEN YOU MOVE
What changes by state?
Australian schooling has a lot in common. Some differences can matter at exactly the wrong time if you don’t know about them.
Tell us where you’re coming from, where you’re going and where your learner is in their journey. We’ll show you what changes, what matters now, and anything you may need to act on before you miss it.
Compare states for my learnerNo account needed. Nothing is saved.
Compare what changes for your learner
Choose where you live now, where you’re comparing, and your learner’s year. Add a move date if you have one, and we’ll check what falls before it.
Try a worked example:
Key differences for your learner
Choose the places and your learner’s year above, then press “Show what changes for us”.
If you’re moving, check these first
Year placement · Enrolment · Opportunity deadlines · Senior study credit · Subject availability · Costs and visa status. The order follows your learner’s year once you compare.
Examples of how states and territories differ
A few examples. Your comparison above shows the ones that matter for your learner.
High-ability pathways
NSW runs full-time Opportunity Classes in Years 5 and 6 and selective high schools from Year 7. Victoria’s four selective entry high schools start at Year 9. Western Australia’s Gifted and Talented programs take students into Years 7, 9, 10 and 11.
Senior schooling
VCE in Victoria, HSC in NSW, QCE in Queensland, SACE in South Australia, WACE in Western Australia, TCE in Tasmania, the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate, and the NTCET, built on the SACE. In Tasmania and the ACT, many students move to a college for Years 11 and 12.
Local school entitlement
Victoria uses school zones, and a small number change each year. NSW uses intake areas, Queensland uses catchments, and most Adelaide high schools are zoned.
Regional and distance options
NSW’s Aurora College runs online selective classes for students in rural and remote areas, through a local host school.
Sources: each state’s education department and curriculum authority. Last checked: 16 to 19 October 2026.
New to Australia or on a temporary visa?
Your visa can affect three separate things: whether your learner enrols the usual way, whether your learner can apply for some programs, and what fees apply at government schools. The rules are different in each state and territory.
We’ve read the rules for some visas in every state and territory, on each government’s own pages. Where we haven’t read the rules for your visa, we say so.
Common questions
Every state counts Years 1 to 12 the same way and starts secondary school in Year 7. The first year has different names (Foundation, Prep, Kindergarten, Reception, Pre-primary, Transition). The new school confirms the year level when you enrol.
Usually, in part, and each certificate has its own rules. In South Australia, for example, a semester of Year 11 elsewhere can count for up to 50 SACE credits, but some compulsory parts must be done in South Australia. Credit and subject availability are separate questions, so ask the new school about both.
Each state and territory sets its own rules for fees, enrolment and program eligibility for families on temporary visas. In Queensland, for example, many work visas are exempt from state school tuition while some visas aren’t. Check the rules for your state and visa.
Earlier than many families expect. In NSW, applications for Year 7 usually open in November of Year 5 and close in February, and there are no late applications. Victoria’s selective entry is for Year 9, with the exam in June of Year 8.
No. Schools across Australia use a common set of documents to pass on student information when a family moves state. Talk to the new school about any support, adjustments or programs so nothing is missed.
Planning a move or comparing states?
Get a comparison built around your learner’s year, where you live now, where you’re going, and any move date.