There are 22 Primary School Studies courses offered by 20 CRICOS-registered providers across South Australia. As an Australian state with a strong reputation for quality education and a welcoming community, South Australia is an excellent destination for international students beginning their academic journey. Primary School Studies cover the foundational years of schooling, typically from Reception to Year 6, following the Australian Curriculum. Adelaide, the capital city, offers a safe and affordable lifestyle, with many providers located in or near the city. Whether you're seeking a government school or a private institution, HeadStart Academy helps you compare options and understand the application process. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Primary School Studies in Australia refer to the early years of formal education, typically for children aged 5 to 12. While not assigned a specific Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level, primary schooling builds foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies. It prepares students for secondary education and is considered a non-AQF pathway. Entry requirements for international students usually include academic transcripts and evidence of English proficiency. Common pathways lead from Early Childhood Education or Pre-Primary programs into Primary School Studies, and then on to Junior Secondary Studies (Years 7-9). Providers may offer different entry points depending on the student's age and academic background.
Tuition for Primary School Studies in South Australia ranges from A$42,000 to A$308,670, depending on the provider, location, and duration of the program. Duration typically spans 2 to 8 years, reflecting the number of year levels covered. Below is a breakdown by field of education. Note that fees are indicative and set by each institution. Additional costs include uniforms, excursions, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — approximately A$500–A$700 per year — and living expenses. In Adelaide, average weekly rent for a student is around A$400–A$500, with groceries and transport adding A$200–A$300 per week. Total yearly living costs are estimated at A$30,000. Always confirm current fees with the provider.
The following CRICOS-registered providers are among the top in South Australia for Primary School Studies, each offering a unique educational experience: - **Department for Education (00018A):** This government body operates public primary schools across the state, including in Adelaide and regional areas. It offers 2 courses and is known for its inclusive, high-quality curriculum and strong support for international students. - **Mercedes College Springfield (00365D):** A private Catholic school in Springfield, offering 2 courses. It emphasizes bilingual education and a holistic approach, with excellent pastoral care. - **Concordia College Inc (00360J):** A co-educational Lutheran school in Highgate (Adelaide), offering 1 course. Known for its community feel and academic excellence. - **Pembroke School Inc (00367B):** A co-educational private school in Kensington Park, offering 1 course. Renowned for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and strong arts. - **Prince Alfred College Inc (00368A):** A boys-only private school in Kent Town, offering 1 course. It has a long-standing tradition of academic and sporting achievement. - **Pulteney Grammar School (00369M):** A co-educational private school in Wayville, offering 1 course. Known for its innovative curriculum and focus on individual development. - **St Aloysius College (00371F):** A girls-only Catholic school in Adelaide, offering 1 course. It emphasizes STEM and leadership. - **St Peter's Collegiate Girls' School (00373D):** A girls-only private school in Stonyfell, offering 1 course. Recognized for high academic standards and a nurturing environment. All providers are CRICOS-registered and located in or near Adelaide, providing easy access to public transport and city amenities.
At the Primary School Studies level in South Australia, all courses fall under the broad field **12 - Mixed Field Programmes**. This reflects the integrated nature of primary education, where students learn a range of subjects including English, mathematics, science, humanities and social sciences, the arts, languages, health and physical education, and technologies. The curriculum is designed to develop foundational skills and knowledge across multiple disciplines, preparing students for further study. Some providers offer specialized programs such as language immersion or STEM-focused streams. Always check the specific course details on the CRICOS register to understand the curriculum structure.
English language requirements for Primary School Studies vary by provider. Generally, international students need an IELTS overall band score between 5.5 and 7.0 (or equivalent) depending on the course level and provider. For example, entry to Reception may require lower scores than entry to Year 6. Some providers accept alternative tests like TOEFL or PTE. Many schools also offer English language support or integrated ELICOS programs. It is essential to check the specific requirements of your chosen institution, as they are set independently. HeadStart Academy recommends verifying directly with the provider or consulting a registered education agent.
International students enrolling in Primary School Studies in South Australia typically require a Student visa (Subclass 500). For students under 18, adequate welfare arrangements must be in place, often through an accompanying parent or guardian who may need a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590). The visa application includes meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC), and maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). HeadStart Academy provides guidance but recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for visa-specific advice. All listed institutions are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring your tuition and welfare rights. For more details, see our Student visa guide.
**Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Primary School Studies) and state (South Australia). Compare providers, fees, and locations. **Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Prepare required documents including academic transcripts, English test results, and passport. For primary school, you may need to arrange guardianship if under 18. Check application deadlines (often months in advance) and any entry assessments. **Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** — With the CoE, apply for the student visa via the Department of Home Affairs. Include GTE statement, financial evidence, OSHC, and welfare arrangements if needed. Once approved, you can plan your arrival. For more details, see our visa guides.
South Australia offers a safe, affordable, and high-quality education environment for primary school students. Adelaide is known for its lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent of A$400–A$500 and public transport accessible by student concession. The state has a multicultural population, and schools provide strong support for international students. Regional areas also offer opportunities for a quieter lifestyle. Consider your child's age, guardianship needs, and preferred school type (government or private). HeadStart Academy helps you explore all options.
Showing 22 primary school studies courses from 20 CRICOS providers in South Australia.
Counted from the official register for SA: 22 non-expired CRICOS courses across 20 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.