Dependant schooling

International students' school-age children who come to Western Australia must attend school while residing in Western Australia and must be enrolled in either a government (public) or non-government (private) school. It is important that you are aware of the conditions regarding dependant schooling before you arrive in Australia.

Both public and private schools require payment of fees. Fees and access to the schooling system vary, depending on your level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate) and visa class.

Please see the information below and important links to ensure you are well informed on the processes for visa, placement in schools, the school fees and the forms and documentation required to enrol your child in school.

General information

The Western Australian Government agency TAFE International WA (TIWA) is responsible for placing international students' children in government schools. 

The TIWA website provides information about the educational and school structure, school fees, and charges in Western Australia. It is important that you read through the information below and on the TIWA website so you are aware of the conditions for dependant schooling in WA before you arrive in Australia. 

TIWA school placement rules vary depending on visa categories because of Western Australian law and government policy. It is important you know your visa class to determine your child's access to the public school system.

TIWA endeavour to place children in a school with spare capacity, and as close as possible to where they’re living. However, there is a high demand for places in public schools in WA and it may not be possible to place your dependants in schools closest to your home. Also, in some locations it is hard to place your child close by.

It is important to consider your travel to university and your child’s travel to school. Your child may need to travel on public transport if you do not have independent transportation.

A change of school request will only be considered in exceptional circumstances

Application process

Before you arrive

Before your dependant arrives in Perth, you must contact TIWA at admissions.tiwa@dtwd.wa.gov.au to request a Confirmation of Placement (CoP) letter. The CoP letter is needed when you apply for your dependant's visa.

You will need to provide:

  • a copy of the child/children's passport details page
  • a copy of the Primary Visa Holder's passport details page
  • a copy of the electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) for the Primary Visa Holder (UWA student).

Note: The Confirmation of Placement does not guarantee you an enrolment in a public primary or secondary school.

Documents to bring to Australia

It is essential to bring your dependant's:

  • immunisation records
  • birth certificates
  • latest original school report and copies translated into English by a professional translator.

For information on the process and the required documentation, see the TIWA website.

After you arrive

On arrival, to request a place for your dependant in a Western Australia public primary or secondary school, please get in touch with the International Student Support office or email schooling-ic@uwa.edu.au, to find out how to start the application.

You will be provided with a link to an online form where you submit the application and the supporting documents.

Supporting documents to submit in the application:

  • Visa details for both you and your children
  • Passport details for both you and your children
  • Your children’s immunisation records and birth certificates
  • Your child’s latest original academic report (translated into English by a professional translator)
  • Long-term Perth Residential/Tenancy Agreement.

The processing time for an outcome on your child's placement is minimum 8 to 12 weeks after application before the Confirmation of School Placement is issued.

Conditions

There are a number of conditions for dependant schooling that are outlined below.

Get in touch

For further information on the process, fees, and required documentation, please visit TIWA’s website.

If you have any questions, please email schooling-ic@uwa.edu.au or contact the International Student Support team.