èßäav

If you’re planning on moving to Australia from the UK, making sure your whole family settles in comfortably is a top priority, and that includes understanding the Australian education system.

For families deciding between a move to Australia or the UK, education often plays a big role in the final decision. Both countries are known for high academic standards, strong literacy rates, and world-class universities, but they differ in structure, curriculum, and costs.

In this guide, we’ll compare the UK and Australia’s schooling systems to help you understand the process.

How Do Australian Schools Rank Globally Compared to the UKÌý

The standard of education in Australia is world-class, and continues to rank highly globally in 2025. The ranks Australia 17th in the world for its education, scoring slightly lower than the UK at 10th. According to the, the average student in Australia scores 499 in reading literacy, maths and sciences, which is above the average of 488. The OECD also give Australia an overall 8.6/10 for its education, with 84% of adults aged 25-64 having completed upper secondary education.

Comparing this to the UK’s education system, the OECD rank us lower, scoring a 6.7 out of 10 for education overall. 82% of adults aged 25-64 have completed upper secondary education in the UK, but score higher than Australia for their reading literacy, maths and science scores of 503. If we look at universities, the UK has more in the top 10 globally, like Oxford and Cambridge, but Australia has many top-100 universities. 

Comparing How the Australian Education System Works vs The UK

As in the UK, you will have a choice between public (state) schools, faith schools and private education, with most children attending public schools. Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, with the government recommending a year at preschool before primary school.

The school structure in Australia is also divided into preparatory school (kindergarten), primary and secondary school, and then higher or further education for those who want to attend. When it comes to choosing a public school for your children, it is based on a catchment area, just like in the UK.

The Australian Curriculum is a national framework developed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). It provides a consistent foundation for what all Australian students should learn from Foundation (Prep) to Year 10, regardless of where they live. Each state or region sometimes adapts or modifies the curriculum slightly to fit local contexts.

Australia vs UK education system overview:

Australia:

• National Curriculum across most states (with slight local variations)
• Students finish high school with a state-specific certificate, such as HSC in NSW or VCE in Victoria
• Students can go on to university or choose vocational options like TAFE or an apprenticeship

UK:

• Separate curricula: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have differences.
• Students take GCSEs at age 16, then choose A-levels, BTECs, or apprenticeships
• A-levels heavily influence university admission

Is Education Free In Australia?

Yes, education at primary and secondary school level and sometimes Vocational Education (TAFE) is free for Australian citizens and permanent residents. However, this means that if you are not yet a permanent resident in Australia, your child may be considered an international student, and subject to tuition fees, but some visas and states will have exceptions to this rule. If you are a Humanitarian or Refugee Visa holder, all public schooling is free, and some Skilled/Work Visas holders get fees waived or reduced, depending on the state.

Is Higher Education Free in Australia?

No, university is not free in Australia, but the government subsidises a portion of your course cost, called the Commonwealth Supported Place. You will have to pay the remaining student contribution, which is typically between AUD $4,000 and $15,000. You can also access the HECS-HELP loan, which means you don’t have to worry about paying back your student fees until you earn $51,550 per year.

If you are on a temporary visa, you or your children will be classed as international students and not eligible for student loans. Annual tuition fees are around AUD $20,000–$45,000+ and vary depending on the course.

Australia Public Schools

In Australia, public schools, often called state schools, are government-funded and managed by state or territory education departments. They are free to attend for Australians and permanent residents, but you will be expected to pay for certain things such as school uniforms, books and other supplies. Temporary visa holders will have to pay tuition fees. 

Australian schools use a catchment zone like in the UK, so the schools you can apply for will be based on your address. To get a head start, you can enter your future address or the area you plan to live in into school zone maps found on state education websites. You apply to each school directly, and in order to qualify for free public school education, you will need to show documentation as proof of residence.

Curriculum and term dates vary slightly by state, so to find exact information, you can view each state’s education department website:

• NSW –
• VIC –
• QLD –
• WA –
• SA –
• ACT –
• TAS –
• NT – Ìý

Private Schools in Australia

There are plenty of private schools to choose from across Australia, although fees can be high. There are independent schools, and then there are those that are associated with a faith or an educational ideology. As with the UK, these private schools are considered to offer a better education with more varied extracurricular activities.

Many religious schools in Australia are Catholic, although there are schools representing all religions. These are often cheaper than standard private schools, and sometimes even cheaper than the temporary visa tuition fees paid to state schools. 

Higher Education in Australia

A popular pathway for many students after secondary school in Australia is TAFE colleges. TAFE institutions provide vocational education and training programs, which can be a great option for students who want to pursue specific trades or practical skills. It’s a popular route for those wanting to study nursing, construction, engineering, and hospitality.

University is another option for Australian students, with the country boasting 43 in total, and 7 ranked in the top 100 globally. The Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, and University of New South Wales are amongst some of the most notable. The country’s universities consistently perform well in research output, student satisfaction, and international outlook, making them attractive options for both domestic and international students.

To apply for courses, students should apply to the with their Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or equivalent international qualification for acceptance.

Removals to Australia

If you are travelling to Australia with your children, particularly on a temporary visa, be prepared to pay for their education even if you are sending them to public school. If you are keen on private education, it may be worth considering a faith-based private school as it may even offer a saving compared to public school tuition fees.

However, whether you choose public or private, you can rest assured they will be receiving a world-class education, with a strong focus on sports and extracurricular activities. Education changes from state to state, so look at the schools in the region you are considering moving to before you make a final decision.

Once those decisions have been made, it’s time to get excited about the great standard of living the whole family will enjoy Down Under. Get in touch with 1st Move International and we can get you safely moved to Australia. We’ve been helping UK expats settle in Australia for over 25 years, so what are you waiting for? Get your free tailored quote for your international removals to Australia and kickstart your new adventure.