Primary Yrs K-6 (CRICOS course code 012395K) is a Primary School Studies delivered by ACT Education Directorate over 7 years. This course is designed for international students seeking a high-quality primary education in Australia's national capital, Canberra. The program covers the General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes field (120101), providing foundational knowledge and skills for young learners. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00643J), ACT Education Directorate ensures compliance with Australian education standards and the ESOS Act. This page offers an overview of fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa guidance for families considering this pathway.
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Primary Yrs K-6 (012395K) is a full-time primary school program offered by the ACT Education Directorate, a government provider responsible for public schools in the Australian Capital Territory. The course runs for 7 years (364 weeks) and is taught entirely in English. It falls under Field of Education 120101 - General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes, which covers the broad curriculum typical of primary schooling. Students develop literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills, along with social and emotional growth. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. As noted on the CRICOS register, there is no work component included. All delivery locations are in the ACT, primarily in Canberra's suburbs, giving students access to safe, well-resourced school environments.
The curriculum for Primary Yrs K-6 aligns with the Australian Curriculum, covering key learning areas such as English, mathematics, science, humanities and social sciences, the arts, health and physical education, and languages. While specific syllabi are set by the ACT Education Directorate, the program is designed to meet the developmental needs of children from Kindergarten to Year 6. Graduates typically progress to secondary education with a solid foundation for further study. International students benefit from a supportive learning environment with English language support integrated into the classroom. The program does not include a vocational or work component, focusing entirely on academic preparation.
According to the CRICOS register, Primary Yrs K-6 has a duration of 7 years (364 weeks). This is a full-time, on-campus program delivered in English. It is a single qualification, not a dual or combined degree. The long duration reflects the sequential nature of primary schooling from Kindergarten through Year 6. Students attend school during standard Australian school terms, typically from late January to December, with breaks in between. The ACT Education Directorate operates school hours from approximately 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday. There is no online or part-time option for this course.
The indicative tuition fee for Primary Yrs K-6 is A$77,700 for the full duration. Non-tuition fees are A$265, bringing the estimated total to A$77,965. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are set by ACT Education Directorate. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, nor does it cover living costs or the visa application charge. Living costs in Canberra are estimated at around A$450–600 per week for a single person, including rent, food, and transport. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider before applying.
English language requirements for primary school courses vary by provider. For ACT Education Directorate, students typically need to demonstrate proficiency appropriate for their age – often IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent) for older primary students, though younger students may be assessed differently. Prior qualifications expected include successful completion of previous year levels appropriate for entry. Some schools may offer English language support or pathway programs. For specific entry criteria, contact ACT Education Directorate directly. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee admission; all providers set their own requirements.
This course has no work component. Primary Yrs K-6 is an academic program without mandatory work experience or internships. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. However, work rights are not part of the course itself.
Primary Yrs K-6 is delivered at multiple locations across the ACT. The CRICOS register lists these campuses: ACT Education and Training Directorate – Stirling, ACT; Ainslie School – Braddon, ACT; Amaroo School – Amaroo, ACT; Aranda Primary School – Aranda, ACT; Arawang Primary School – Waramanga, ACT; Bonython Primary School – Bonython, ACT. All are part of the ACT public school system. Canberra is a planned city with excellent public transport, including buses and light rail, making schools accessible. The city has a population of over 430,000, with a high proportion of students and professionals, and is known for its safe, family-friendly environment.
International students enrolling in Primary Yrs K-6 will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Students under 18 may require a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for an accompanying parent or guardian. Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from ACT Education Directorate, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) evidence, and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of April 2026, the student visa application charge is A$1,600 (subject to change). Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during breaks. All CRICOS courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition assurance and refunds if the provider cannot deliver the course.
Follow these three steps to apply for Primary Yrs K-6 at ACT Education Directorate:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm ACT Education Directorate (CRICOS 00643J) offers the course. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Submit an application to ACT Education Directorate, meeting entry requirements (English language test results, previous school reports). Deadlines vary; check the provider's website. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Then apply for a student visa via the Department of Home Affairs. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA).
Canberra is Australia's capital, known for its high standard of living, excellent educational institutions, and multicultural community. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, Canberra hosts several quality schools. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a family around $500–700. Public transport is reliable, and the city is compact. However, Canberra experiences cooler winters and less nightlife than larger cities. For international families seeking a safe, education-focused environment, Canberra is an excellent choice. Remember to consider OSHC costs and visa requirements when planning your budget.
Ready to apply? Visit the ACT Education Directorate website or use HeadStart Academy to explore more CRICOS-registered primary school courses.
All Primary School Studies courses in Australian Capital Territory →
Primary Yrs K-6 is a CRICOS-registered programme at ACT Education Directorate. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.