St Patrick's College Townsville Limited (CRICOS provider code 03317K) is a private CRICOS-registered provider offering 2 active courses to international students. Located in Townsville, Queensland, this independent college specializes in school-level education, delivering a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education and Junior Secondary Studies. As a registered provider, it meets Australian Government standards for enrolling overseas students, ensuring compliance with the ESOS Act. For families seeking a Catholic-based private school for their child’s secondary education in North Queensland, St Patrick's College offers a structured pathway. Townsville itself is home to a growing international student community, with multiple CRICOS-registered providers offering diverse programs. This page provides a detailed overview of the institution, its courses, delivery locations, and how to apply.
St Patrick's College Townsville Limited, trading as St Patrick's College Townsville, holds CRICOS provider code 03317K and is classified as a private institution. With a registered capacity of 40 international students, the college currently lists 2 active courses on the CRICOS register. These courses fall under the broad field of Mixed Field Programmes and are delivered only in Townsville, Queensland. The college is situated at St Patrick's College, Townsville, QLD 4810. This private school has a strong tradition in Catholic education, providing a supportive environment for both day and boarding students. For international students, it offers a unique opportunity to study in a regional city with a lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, while still accessing high-quality education.
In the CRICOS context, providers are categorized as Government, Private, or other. Government providers include public universities, TAFE institutes, and government schools. Private providers encompass independent colleges, language schools, and non-government institutions such as St Patrick's College Townsville. Choosing a private provider often means smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and strong community values. However, students should verify that the institution is CRICOS-registered for their chosen course. As a private provider, St Patrick's College Townsville maintains its own admission requirements and fee structure, which can differ from public schools. Always check the official CRICOS register for the most current information.
St Patrick's College Townsville Limited delivers all its courses at a single location: St Patrick's College — Townsville, QLD 4810. This campus is the college’s main site, situated in the suburb of Townsville. Students will attend classes here, with access to the college’s facilities including classrooms, sports fields, and boarding houses. Townsville is a major regional city in Queensland, home to over 190,000 people and several CRICOS-registered providers. The city offers a student-friendly environment with affordable living costs, reliable public transport, and a warm climate. For international students, studying in Townsville provides a contrast to larger metropolitan areas while still offering a vibrant student life.
St Patrick's College Townsville offers two course levels: Senior Secondary Certificate of Education and Junior Secondary Studies. Both are school-level qualifications designed for students typically aged 12–18. The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) is the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or equivalent, preparing students for university or vocational pathways. The Junior Secondary Studies cover Years 7–10, providing foundational knowledge across core subjects. As the college offers only these two levels, it is ideal for families seeking a full secondary education in a private Catholic setting. International students should note that the college has a limited capacity of 40 students, so places may fill quickly.
The broad field of education for all courses at St Patrick's College Townsville is Mixed Field Programmes (ASCED broad field code 12). This field encompasses general education programs that combine multiple subject areas, such as secondary school curricula. It does not specialize in a single discipline like Engineering or Health but provides a comprehensive education across languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and more. For international students, this means they will receive a well-rounded Australian secondary education that meets national standards. This field is typical for school-based courses, preparing students for further study or employment.
International students enrolling in CRICOS-registered courses at St Patrick's College Townsville will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the institution, proof of Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) status, sufficient English language proficiency, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Students under 18 may also need a guardian arrangement. Townsville’s cost of living is approximately AUD 400–500 per week for rent, food, and transport, which is lower than Sydney or Melbourne. The college may offer welfare arrangements for minors. For detailed visa guidance, refer to the HeadStart Academy student visa page. Note: HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; always consult a registered MARA agent for visa advice.
Applying to St Patrick's College Townsville involves three straightforward steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the HeadStart Academy directory or the official CRICOS register to confirm that St Patrick's College Townsville is registered (code 03317K) and offers the course level you need (Senior Secondary or Junior Secondary). Check entry requirements, such as academic records and English language proficiency.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact St Patrick's College Townsville for an application form. Submit all required documents, including transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL), and evidence of financial capacity. Deadlines vary, so inquire early.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, the college will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC, GTE statement, and financial evidence. Visa processing times can vary.
Always verify the CRICOS registration status of any provider before applying. You can check St Patrick's College Townsville Limited (CRICOS 03317K) on the official register at cricos.teqsa.gov.au. This confirms that the institution is approved to enrol international students. As at 1 April 2026, the provider has 2 active courses and a capacity of 40 students. Registration status can change, so always confirm current details. Trust in CRICOS registration ensures you receive the protections of the ESOS Act, including tuition fee protection and quality standards.
Townsville offers a unique study experience in regional Queensland. With a lower cost of living than capital cities, you can expect weekly rent for a room around AUD 150–250, groceries AUD 80–120, and public transport AUD 30–50. The city has a warm climate and a friendly community. For international students at St Patrick's College, you'll have access to the college’s amenities and the broader city facilities, including shopping centres, beaches, and cultural sites. However, keep in mind that Townsville has fewer job opportunities for students compared to larger cities. If you value a close-knit school environment and quieter lifestyle, this could be an ideal choice.
Ready to apply? Search for courses at St Patrick's College Townsville on the HeadStart Academy directory or contact the college directly.
St Patrick's College Townsville Limited (CRICOS 03317K) is a Private provider in Townsville, QLD with 2 currently non-expired CRICOS courses [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Example course from the register: Secondary Senior - 11-12 (CRICOS 076358G) is listed at 104 weeks with tuition A$46,920 and estimated total A$102,422 [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].