There’s no place like Australia to raise a family
A safe country, with an outgoing lifestyle and a low crime rate, Australia is a dream destination for all types of families.
While you pursue your career goals, you’ll also enjoy a good work/life balance. That means you’ll have more time to spend with your family and enjoy everything your new home has to offer.
With a diverse and inclusive society, Aussies kids are exposed to a broad mix of cultural influences from all over the world as they grow and develop. And the quality of our food is excellent – our supermarkets are full of fresh, domestically-grown produce all year round.
Australia has a wide range of government funded programs to support families.
Free and subsidised healthcare and government school tuition is available to all permanent residents and citizens.
Australia is also famous for providing plenty of open space for children to play freely and safely. At parks and the beach, you’ll find playgrounds and shared barbecues where families can get to know each other and form friendships.
With such a safe and social lifestyle, free education and universal healthcare, it’s no wonder Australia has one of the highest life expectancies in the world.
Family support
There are a number of Australian Government-funded programs to help families which are available to permanent residents (note waiting times and conditions apply). These include:
- Parental Leave Pay provides a payment of up to 18 weeks while you care for your new family member
- there’s also Dad and Partner Pay
- Child Care Subsidy helps with the costs of child care while you work
- there’s also a 2-part Family Tax Benefit available.
Education
Primary and secondary education
Australian schools are among the finest in the world and we boast excellent school facilities.
Our government schools provide free high-quality education to all students who are permanent residents or citizens
Non-government schools include faith-based schools, as well as those based on educational philosophies such as Montessori and Steiner.
Schooling usually lasts for 13 years, from preparatory to senior secondary, and is compulsory until at least the age of 16.
Our school system supports children of all levels of ability, with programs to extend gifted and talented students, and individual learning programs for students who need more support.
Australian teachers are university-trained. All schools must be registered with their state or territory education department and are subject to government requirements in terms of infrastructure and teacher registration.
Tertiary education
Our tertiary education system is equally impressive. Our universities are world-class, with 7 appearing in ‘Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2023 top 100’.
Australia is
for our university education system
Australia ranks equal 5th in the world for our university education system
‘Working in Australia is so inspiring.’
Hear from skilled migrants who are living their dream, working as teachers in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my pet with me?
This will depend on the country your pet is coming from, and their species and breed. You may need an import permit for your pet. Not all animals are allowed in Australia. Some dog breeds are considered dangerous and can’t be brought into the country. Dogs and cats usually need to be quarantined for a period of time. Learn more about how to import a cat or a dog.
What are the top 5 Australian universities?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, our top 5 universities are:
- University of Melbourne, Victoria (14th in the world)
- University of Sydney, New South Wales (equal 19th in the world)
- The University of New South Wales (equal 19th in the world)
- Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory (34th in the world)
- Monash University, Victoria (42nd in the world).
Australia ranks fourth in the world for the number of universities in the top 100.
How well do Australian students perform compared to the rest of the world?
Students in Australia benefit from university-trained teachers and excellent school facilities. There are programs available to extend gifted and talented students, and individual learning programs for students who need extra support. Australian students rank above the OECD average in reading literacy, science and mathematics, according to the most recent Programme for International Student Assessment. And the World Economic Forum in 2021 ranked us equal first in the world for the parity of educational attainment between men and women.
Australia’s spending on education as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) is higher than the OECD average.
How many school terms are there each year?
The school year has 4 terms of around 10 weeks each. Schools usually have a 2 week break between each term and a 6 or 7 week summer break in December and January. School term dates vary by state and territory.
Are schools in Australia private or public?
Schools in Australia consist of government schools (state schools) and private schools (independent schools and Catholic schools). Find a list of all government and private schools in Australia at the Australian Schools Directory.
What age do children generally start school?
The age of starting school varies by state and territory, but is generally between 5 and 6.5 years old.
Does the Government subsidise childcare?
The Child Care Subsidy is the main way the Australian Government helps families with child care fees. Permanent residents are eligible for the Child Care Subsidy. Find out more about the Child Care Subsidy.
What are the options for child care?
Child care options available in Australia include:
- Long day care which generally operates for at least 8 hours a day, Monday to Friday. It caters to children from birth up to the age of starting school.
- Family day care involves the care of a small group of children in the home of a registered carer. It covers children from birth to 12 years old.
- Outside school hours care operates before and after school, during school holidays, and on pupil free days. It is usually run onsite at schools.
- Preschool (sometimes called kindergarten) provides early education for children between 3 and 5.
Does the Government run English language programs for family members?
If you are on a subclass 189, 190 or 491 visa, your partner and any accompanying children aged 18 and over may be eligible to participate in the free Australian Government Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) to upgrade their English language skills to vocational English. The primary visa applicant must have competent English to be eligible to receive an invitation to apply for one of these visas. When you are in an AMEP class, free child care is available for your children who are under school age.
State and territory governments offer school based and community support to non-English speaking children of migrants. Contact the state or territory education department where you wish to settle to find out what specific support is available.
How far is Australia from the rest of the world?
New Zealand, Indonesia and the Pacific Islands are close neighbours. Singapore is an 8-hour direct flight away, the west coast of the US is a 14-hour flight, Dubai a 14-hour direct flight and Europe a 24-hour flight away. The flight connections from Australia are well established and depart daily. Plus, with high-speed internet and telecommunications networks, you’re only a video call away from loved ones.
Why Australia?
Discover what makes Australia such an ideal place to call home.
