Enrolment types - International students

Applications are to be submitted via an education agent registered with the Directorate. The application form outlines key information, including terms and conditions.

1. Submit completed application form to ieu@act.gov.au, including relevant supporting documentation (passport, school reports) and administration fee.
2. You will receive email acknowledgement from the International Education Unit.
3. If the enrolment is approved, an offer package is forwarded to you.
4. Tuition payment is due when you sign and return the enrolment acceptance form.
5. The International Education Unit issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) by email and, if applicable, a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW).
6. Enrolling students require a valid visa from the Department of Home Affairs prior to commencing study.

Temporary residents should maintain adequate schooling arrangements for their school-age dependants. Visa classification determines family liability for tuition costs and for those applicants on a bridging visa, this assessment is against the conditions of their previous visa. The application form outlines key information, including terms and conditions.

1. Submit completed application form to ieu@act.gov.au, including relevant supporting documentation (visa, passport, medical insurance cover, residential address confirmation) and administration fee.
2. You will receive email acknowledgement from the International Education Unit.
3. If the enrolment is approved, an offer package is forwarded to you.
4. Tuition payment is due when you sign and return the enrolment acceptance form, noting a payment schedule can be negotiated to assist family finances, if required.
5. The International Education Unit confirms which school site, with reference to the family’s residential address, as Priority Enrolment Areas in the ACT (PEA) apply.
6. The International Education Unit issues an Approved Reference Number (ARN) and the family can then complete online enrolment to the allocated school.

Note: Diplomats (including holders of Special Purpose visas under the Status of Forces Agreement) and New Zealand (NZ) citizens with a NZ passport, enrol directly at their PEA school and are not subject to international student tuition fees.

Children settling in Canberra on visas 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 785, 790 or 866 (collectively relating to Refugee, Humanitarian, Protection or Safe Haven status) are welcome to enrol in ACT public schools.

Holders of these visas are not liable for international student tuition fees. Documentation required includes passport (if available), visa notification and proof of ACT residence. Access Cards are not necessary.

The International Education Unit confirms which school site, with reference to the family’s residential address, as Priority Enrolment Areas in the ACT (PEA) apply. Email ieu@act.gov.au for enrolment assistance.

Dependants of asylum seekers on bridging visas who are applying for a Protection visa are eligible for fee exemption to enrol in ACT public schools. Email ieu@act.gov.au for enrolment assistance.

The Directorate:

• accepts decisions by Companion House based on the provision of a Protection Visa Acknowledgment letter from the Department of Home Affairs that a protection application has been lodged, accepted and is monitored;
• accepts Access Cards and proof of ACT residence for asylum seekers with no other documents needed;
• processes fee exemptions for asylum seekers for the remainder of the school year in which application is made and reviews documentation annually in November (to ensure eligibility is still in place); and
• processes fee exemptions for asylum seekers for preschool acceptance in the year of application, acknowledging enrolment takes effect from the commencement of the next school year subject to availability.

Visitor visa holders may enrol in ACT public schools for a minimum of five weeks ($2,100) and a maximum of 10 weeks ($4,100). There is an additional $265 application fee. Email ieu@act.gov.au for assistance to identify the most appropriate school site, program content and duration.