Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6) at Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited – CRICOS 077496A

What You'll Study – Field of Education: General Primary and Secondary Education

This course falls under the field of education 'General Primary and Secondary Education Programmes' (120101). Students engage in a broad-based curriculum aligned with the Australian Curriculum, covering English (language and literacy), mathematics (number, measurement, geometry, statistics), science (biological, chemical, physical, earth sciences), history and geography, creative arts (visual arts, music, drama), physical education, and languages other than English (e.g., Italian, Japanese). The program emphasises holistic development – academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Graduates are well-prepared to transition into secondary education or other pathways. While this specific course is a single qualification (not dual or foundation), it provides the essential building blocks for future study. No work component is included. For a detailed syllabus, consult the school directly.

Duration, Study Mode, and Language of Instruction

The course is registered for 7 years (364 weeks) on the CRICOS register. Students attend full-time on campus at one of the six Catholic primary schools operated by Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited. The language of instruction is English, with additional support for students who need English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D). This is a single qualification – it does not offer a dual award. There is no work component. The program structure typically follows the NSW school year: four terms per year (late January to mid-December), with breaks between terms. Attendance is mandatory and monitored for visa compliance. International students must maintain satisfactory course progress as per their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The provider may offer flexible study arrangements where possible, but the duration is fixed.

Indicative Fees – Tuition, Non-Tuition, and Additional Costs

The indicative fees for Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6) at Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited are as follows: - Tuition fee: A$109,235 (entire 7-year program) - Non-tuition fee: A$6,300 (includes application, enrolment, materials, excursions, etc.) - Estimated total: A$115,535 Important: These fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. They are set by the institution and subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider via www.lism.catholic.edu.au. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – mandatory for Student visa holders (approx. A$600–A$1,000 per year for a single student, more for families). Living costs: according to the Department of Home Affairs, living costs for a single student are approx. A$21,041 per year (2025 rate) – for a family, higher. Rent, groceries, and transport vary by location: in regional NSW (e.g., Lismore, Port Macquarie), weekly rent for a family home ranges from A$400–A$600, while in smaller towns like Dorrigo it may be lower. Transport costs for school bus or public transport are typically A$20–A$50 per week per child. The visa application charge for a Student visa (Subclass 500) is A$1,600 (as of 2025) plus any additional fees for accompanying dependants. For complete financial planning, use the Department's online calculator or consult a registered migration agent.

Entry Requirements – English Language and Prior Qualifications

English language requirements for this course vary by provider. Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited generally requires international students to demonstrate English proficiency through an IELTS score of 5.5–6.5 overall (depending on age and year level), or equivalent such as TOEFL iBT (46–60) or PTE Academic (42–58). However, younger students (Kindergarten to Year 2) may be exempt from formal testing and assessed via interview and school reports. Prior qualifications: for Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6), students must have completed appropriate early childhood education or meet the school's age requirements (typically 5 years old by 31 July for Kindergarten). For entry into later years (e.g., Year 5), previous schooling transcripts and reports are required. The provider may also consider foundation or pathway programs – contact the school for details. All students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for visa purposes. Neither HeadStart Academy nor this page provides immigration advice; consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for individual assessments.

Work Component – No Mandatory Work Requirement

This course does not include a mandatory work component. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are generally allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during scheduled study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions. However, students under 18 (common in primary education) may have restricted work rights and require an accompanying parent or guardian on a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590). The work component for this course is 'no work component', meaning the curriculum does not require students to undertake employment or workplace training. Any work undertaken is voluntary and separate from academic requirements. Always check your visa conditions on VEVO or consult the Department of Home Affairs.

Delivery Locations – 6 Catholic Primary Schools in NSW

Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6) is delivered at six Catholic primary schools across the Diocese of Lismore, spanning the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast of New South Wales: 1. Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Skennars Head – near Ballina, coastal town with a population of ~3,000. 2. Mary Help of Christians Primary School, Toormina – near Coffs Harbour, a growing suburb. 3. Mount St John Primary School, Dorrigo – small town in the New England region, approx. 1,000 people. 4. Mount St Patrick Primary School, Murwillumbah – in the Tweed Valley, close to the Queensland border. 5. Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Lismore – the largest town in the region (population ~29,000), a regional centre. 6. St Agnes' Primary School, Port Macquarie – coastal city with ~50,000 people, a popular destination for families. Each school offers the same CRICOS-registered program but may have different facilities, class sizes, and extracurricular activities. International students can choose a location based on their family's preferences for urban or rural setting, climate, and community. The region is known for its natural beauty (beaches, rainforests) and relatively lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne. Public transport and school bus services are available in most locations. For more details on each school, visit the provider's website.

Student Visa Information – Subclass 500 & 590

To study this course, international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500). For students under 18, an accompanying parent or guardian must apply for a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590). Key points: - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): Applicants must demonstrate genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Mandatory for the duration of the visa. For a family, OSHC costs can range from A$2,000 to A$4,000 per year. - Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term; unlimited during scheduled breaks (for students 18+). Under 18, work is limited and must not interfere with school. - Financial capacity: Prove funds for tuition, living costs (A$21,041/year for single student), OSHC, and travel. - ESOS Act protections: As a CRICOS-registered provider, Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited must meet national standards. International students have access to tuition protection if the provider fails to deliver. - Application: After receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the provider, apply for the visa at homeaffairs.gov.au. Processing times vary (typically 4-8 weeks). HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a MARA agent or the Department.

How to Apply – 3-Step Process for Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6)

Follow these three steps to enrol in Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6) at Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter by course level (Primary School Studies) and location (NSW). Compare providers, tuition fees, and school communities. Confirm that Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited (CRICOS 03332M) offers this course at your preferred campus. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit www.lism.catholic.edu.au or contact the school's international admissions office. Submit your application with required documents: previous school reports, passport copy, English proficiency test results (if required), and any other requested materials. Check application deadlines (typically early in the year for January intake; some schools accept mid-year entry). The provider will assess your eligibility and issue a Letter of Offer. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you accept the offer and pay any required deposit, the school issues a CoE. Use the CoE to apply for a visa (or a Student Guardian visa if applicable) via ImmiAccount. Ensure you meet GTE, financial, and OSHC requirements. Once granted, you can make travel arrangements and start school. For detailed visa guidance, consult a registered migration agent.

Ready to start your child's Australian education journey? Explore Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6) at Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited. Contact the school directly for current fees and to begin your application. HeadStart Academy is your free guide to over 26,000 CRICOS-registered courses – start searching now.

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