Victorian government schools: 2027 fees and application dates

If your child is hoping to start school in Melbourne or regional Victoria in 2027, now is the time to plan. Victoria’s Department of Education has sent its quarterly bulletin to accredited agents with two updates: 2027 tuition and enrolment fees for international students in Victorian government schools, and application submission timeframes for the 2027 and 2028 school years.

What has changed for 2027

The department has made two changes to homestay-related charges from 2027:

• The arrival support fee now varies with how far the student’s homestay is from Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport, rather than being one flat amount: $220 for inner city (0–15 km), $330 for metro suburbs (15–30 km) and $440 for regional areas (more than 30 km).
• A new accommodation administration fee of $1,760 a year replaces the previous arrival fee. It applies to students living in a homestay nominated by their parents or sourced by the school, and covers placing, inspecting and monitoring that accommodation.

Tuition is still charged per year by year level. For 2027, standard annual tuition is $17,000 for Prep to Grade 6, $20,580 for Years 7 to 10 and $23,100 for Years 11 and 12 (higher fees apply at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School). Homestay is $370 to $500 a week depending on the home and its location, and there is a $300 application fee. Fees can change from year to year, and the department notes that increases during a course apply to continuing students too, so always check the official fees page before you budget.

Application timeframes for 2027 and 2028

Applications can be lodged up to one year in advance and must reach the department by the submission date for the term you want to start. Late applications are only considered for the following term.

• Term 1 2027 (starts 27 January): the standard and study abroad cut-off was 30 October 2026, so new standard applications now go to Term 2. Temporary applications close 20 November 2026.
• Term 2 2027 (starts 12 April): standard applications close 8 January 2027.
• Term 3 2027 (starts 12 July): standard applications close 2 April 2027.
• Term 4 2027 (starts 4 October): standard applications close 25 June 2027.
• Term 1 2028 (starts 27 January 2028): standard applications close 15 October 2027.

Processing is not instant. For a standard application, the department lists:

• Acceptance email: about 2 to 3 days after you submit.
• Letter of Offer and Written Agreement: about 1 to 2 weeks after a complete application, excluding school holidays.
• Invoice: about 1 week after the signed agreement is returned.
• Confirmation of Enrolment: about 1 week after payment is received correctly.

Homestay students must also send arrival details at least two weeks before their welfare start date. Add the time a student visa takes and it is easy to see why starting early matters.

Who this suits

Victorian government schools suit families who want a full academic program for primary or secondary students, with English language support, 24-hour welfare support and homestay. The program also suits students who plan to go on to university in Melbourne after Year 12.

What to do next

1. Decide on a year level and a preferred start term.
2. Check the submission date for that term on the department’s submission dates page.
3. Budget for tuition plus homestay, the arrival support fee and the new accommodation administration fee.
4. Prepare school reports and passport copies so your application is complete first time.

Key dates

• 20 November 2026: temporary applications close for Term 1 2027.
• 8 January 2027: standard applications close for Term 2 2027.
• 15 October 2027: standard applications close for Term 1 2028.
• Letter of Offer: allow about 1 to 2 weeks from a complete application.
• Homestay arrival details: due at least two weeks before the welfare start date.

Talk to AMET

AMET is an education agent accredited by the Victorian Department of Education for its international student program. Our counsellors can help you choose a school, check the right submission date and lodge a complete application. Book a free consultation at amet.com.au.

Source: Study Victoria — School fees · Study Victoria — Application submission dates · Study Victoria — Application process

General information only. Fees and dates are set by the Victorian Department of Education — check the official pages before applying.