There are 44 Primary School Studies courses offered by 44 CRICOS-registered providers across Victoria. Whether you're planning to study at a private independent school or a faith-based institution, Victoria offers a diverse range of primary education options for international students. These programs are designed to provide a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, and social development, often integrated with specialist subjects like languages, arts, and physical education. All providers listed here are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring they meet Australian government standards for international student welfare and education quality. As part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), Primary School Studies typically covers Prep to Year 6, preparing students for secondary education. In this guide, we break down tuition costs, duration, English requirements, and visa pathways to help you make an informed decision. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that aggregates data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — no commission, no referral fees.
In the Australian education system, Primary School Studies falls under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) at the level of primary education (AQF Level 6? Actually primary schooling does not have an AQF level; it is a school sector. But we can describe it as 'primary schooling' that prepares students for secondary education. Typically, primary schooling in Australia includes Years Prep to 6 (age 5–12). For international students, these courses are designed to provide foundational skills in English literacy, mathematics, science, and humanities. Entry requirements vary by age and year level; students usually need to demonstrate proficiency in English, though some schools offer language support. This level serves as a pathway to Junior Secondary Studies (Year 7–10) and later Senior Secondary studies. It is important to note that students under 18 must have appropriate welfare arrangements, such as boarding or living with a guardian.
Tuition fees for Primary School Studies in Victoria range from A$45,000 to A$340,846, depending on the provider and the length of the program. Duration can vary from 2 years to 7 years, covering partial or full primary schooling. Below is a breakdown by field of education. Note that these are indicative fees sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 — always confirm directly with the provider. Non-tuition costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), school uniforms, excursions, and living expenses are additional. Weekly rent in cities like Melbourne averages A$400–700, groceries A$100–150, and public transport A$50–100.
Here are some of the top providers by course count offering Primary School Studies to international students in Victoria:
Each provider is CRICOS-registered, ensuring compliance with Australian standards for international students.
At the Primary School Studies level in Victoria, all 44 courses fall under the field of 'Mixed Field Programmes' (code 12). These programmes combine multiple learning areas such as English, mathematics, science, humanities, and the arts into an integrated curriculum. This approach supports holistic development and aligns with the Victorian Curriculum F–10, which emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal skills. While no other fields are offered at this level, students can explore specialised subjects within their chosen school's curriculum.
English language requirements vary by provider. For Primary School Studies in Victoria, international students typically need to demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall, depending on the course level and year of entry. Some schools may offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who need additional language development. It is essential to check with your chosen institution for specific entry criteria, as some providers may accept alternative tests like TOEFL or PTE Academic.
International students under 18 years old (the typical age for Primary School Studies) may need a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) if an accompanying parent or relative will be in Australia. Alternatively, if the student is enrolled in a boarding school or has an approved guardian, they can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). All student visa applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, OSHC, and living costs, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act provides consumer protection, ensuring that CRICOS-registered institutions meet strict standards. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Victoria is home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, including a robust primary education sector. When choosing a school, consider location — Melbourne offers excellent public transport and amenities, while regional schools like those in Ballarat provide a quieter environment with lower living costs. Look into each school's welfare arrangements for under-18 students, boarding facilities (if needed), and extracurricular programs. Also factor in the cost of living: rent in Melbourne averages A$400–700 per week, groceries A$100–150, and transport A$50–100. All providers listed here are CRICOS-registered, ensuring adherence to ESOS Act protections. Take time to research multiple options and contact schools directly to discuss personalised support for international students.
Ready to start your Primary School Studies journey in Victoria? Use our course search tool to find CRICOS-registered providers and compare courses.
Showing 44 primary school studies courses from 44 CRICOS providers in Victoria.
Counted from the official register for VIC: 44 non-expired CRICOS courses across 44 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.