ACT Government schools
Your local public school has a place for your child to learn, develop and reach their potential from Preschool through to Year 12.
Permanent residents
- You can apply online to enrol your child in an ACT public school. See https://www.education.act.gov.au/public-school-life/enrolling-in-a-public-school
Provisional / temporary visa holders
All Canberra resident children who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents must pay international student tuition fees at ACT government schools unless the ACT Education Directorate (ACTED) agree to waive the tuition fee.
ACTED may agree to waive the tuition fee for dependents of an ACT nominated visa holder.
Provisional 491 visa
- Once your 491 Visa has been granted and if your Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) was nominated by the ACT Government, you ARE eligible to apply for an exemption from paying school fees in an ACT public school. The exemption does not apply if you have been nominated by the ACT but your visa has not yet been granted.
- You MUST first contact the International Education Unit (IEU). You cannot apply online or contact the local school to enrol your child.
- You MUST provide a copy of the Skills Canberra letter or email approving ACT nomination of your subclass 491 visa.
Provisional Business 188 visa
- If your Business and Innovation Investment visa (subclass 188) was nominated by the ACT Government, you may be eligible to apply for a waiver of the school fees after six months ACT business activity.
- You MUST first contact Skills Canberra and request support of the waiver request. For further information see: https://www.act.gov.au/migration/businesses/after-your-visa-is-granted
IEU Contacts
- Phone: +61 2 6205 9178
- Email: ieu@act.gov.au
- Website: https://www.education.act.gov.au/public-school-life/international_students
Contact the International Education Unit within ACTED and request a waiver of the tuition fee in writing. You MUST attach a copy of the Skills Canberra letter or email approving ACT nomination of your Subclass 491 visa or your subclass 188 visa.