NSW Department of Education (CRICOS provider code 00588M) is a government CRICOS-registered provider offering 3 active courses to international students. As the state education authority for New South Wales, it operates Approved NSW Government Schools in Eveleigh, Sydney, providing primary and secondary schooling options for overseas students. With a capacity of 5,000 students, this provider focuses on Mixed Field Programmes, including Primary School Studies, Junior Secondary Studies, and the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. International students benefit from the ESOS Act protections and the assurance of a government-run education system known for high standards. HeadStart Academy profiles every CRICOS-registered institution to help you make informed study decisions.
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NSW Department of Education is the government body responsible for public schooling in New South Wales, one of Australia's most populous states. Through its international arm, NSW Department of Education (Schools), it offers CRICOS-registered courses for international students seeking a world-class education in a safe, multicultural environment. The provider's CRICOS code, 00588M, confirms its registration with the Australian Government, ensuring all courses meet rigorous quality standards. With only 3 active courses, the focus is on school-level education, preparing students for further study or careers. The department's capacity to enrol up to 5,000 international students reflects its scale and commitment to global education. As a government provider, it operates under strict regulatory frameworks, including the ESOS Act and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students.
In the CRICOS context, 'Government' refers to providers that are part of Australia's public education system, including state and territory government schools, TAFEs, and public universities. Unlike private colleges or language schools, government providers are directly administered by state education departments and are subject to additional oversight. For NSW Department of Education, this means international students receive the same high-quality education as local students, with access to qualified teachers, modern facilities, and a curriculum aligned with national standards. Government schools are often more affordable than private alternatives and offer a genuine Australian schooling experience. This provider type is particularly popular among families seeking a safe, structured environment for primary and secondary study. All government schools listed on CRICOS must comply with the same ESOS protections, ensuring student welfare and course quality.
NSW Department of Education delivers courses from one main location in Eveleigh, an inner-city suburb of Sydney, New South Wales. The approved campus is: Approved NSW Government Schools — EVELEIGH, NSW 2015. Eveleigh is part of the Sydney metropolitan area, well-connected by public transport including trains and buses. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 5 million people and a vibrant international student community. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than the national average; indicative weekly expenses include rent ($250-$450 for shared accommodation), groceries ($80-$120), and transport ($30-$50). However, government schools often have lower tuition fees compared to private institutions. Students studying in Eveleigh have access to all the cultural, sporting, and educational opportunities of Sydney, including beaches, parks, and museums.
NSW Department of Education offers 3 active courses on the CRICOS register, all within the field of Mixed Field Programmes (ASCED code 12). The course levels available are: Primary School Studies, Junior Secondary Studies, and Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Primary School Studies (typically Years K-6) focuses on foundational literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Junior Secondary Studies (Years 7-10) provides a broad curriculum including English, mathematics, science, humanities, and languages. Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Years 11-12) leads to the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or equivalent, which is recognised by Australian universities and employers. No postgraduate or vocational courses are offered at this provider. International students can choose to study full-time and must meet the school's age and academic requirements.
All courses at NSW Department of Education fall under the broad ASCED field '12 - Mixed Field Programmes'. This field encompasses general education programmes that cover a range of subjects rather than specialising in a single discipline. For primary and secondary schooling, this is typical as students study English, mathematics, science, humanities, arts, and physical education. The Mixed Field classification means students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for further study or life skills. It is distinct from specialised fields like 'Information Technology' or 'Health', which are common at vocational or higher education providers. For international students, this broad foundation is valuable for adapting to the Australian education system and exploring interests before choosing a specialisation.
International students enrolling in CRICOS-registered courses at NSW Department of Education require a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study in Australia. Applicants must meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements, demonstrate English language proficiency (typically IELTS 5.5 or equivalent for secondary school, though exemptions may apply), show financial capacity to cover tuition and living costs, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). For students under 18, a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) may be an option for a parent or relative. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, which ensures tuition fee protection, course quality, and student support. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered MARA agent for personalised visa advice.
Applying to NSW Department of Education is straightforward. Follow these three steps: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy by filtering for course level (Primary, Junior Secondary, Senior Secondary), field (Mixed Field), and location (Eveleigh). Confirm the provider's CRICOS status on the official register. 2) Apply directly to NSW Department of Education. Check entry requirements such as academic records, English language test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL), and application deadlines. Submit your application through the official website (www.deinternational.nsw.edu.au) or via an authorised education agent. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. Note: Course fees are set by the institution and are indicative only – always confirm with the provider.
Always verify that a provider is CRICOS-registered before enrolling. For NSW Department of Education, use the official CRICOS register at cricos.teqsa.gov.au and search by provider code 00588M. This confirms that the provider is approved to offer courses to international students and that those courses meet Australian quality standards. HeadStart Academy sources all data directly from the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026. Registration status may change, so we recommend checking the register for the most up-to-date information. Australia has 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses – ensuring your chosen institution is listed is your first step to a safe study journey.
Sydney is Australia's largest city and a top destination for international students. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in NSW alone, students have vast choices. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than in other Australian cities; indicative weekly expenses are $250-$450 for rent, $80-$120 for groceries, and $30-$50 for transport. However, government schools like those operated by NSW Department of Education often have lower tuition fees, making them an affordable option. Sydney's public transport network includes trains, buses, and light rail, connecting Eveleigh to the city centre and suburbs. The city boasts a multicultural population, world-class amenities, and a safe environment. Before choosing Sydney, consider your budget, climate preferences, and lifestyle – it offers a dynamic urban experience with beautiful beaches and parks.
Ready to study in a CRICOS-registered government school? Explore courses at NSW Department of Education and start your application process today.
NSW Department of Education (CRICOS 00588M) is a Government provider in Alexandria, NSW with 3 currently non-expired CRICOS courses [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Example course from the register: Primary (Kindergarten to Year 6) (CRICOS 009092G) is listed at 364 weeks with tuition A$73,500 and estimated total A$73,500 [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Important: This page is general information only and not migration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) evidence requirements and current financial settings, verify directly with the Department of Home Affairs [checked 2026-08-21].