Australia (AU)

Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is a federal government means-tested subsidy paid directly to approved childcare providers. For 2026–27: families with ATI up to $88,520 receive the maximum 90% subsidy rate; the rate tapers by 1 percentage point per $5,000 above that; families earning above approximately $535,279 are ineligible. Second and subsequent children aged 5 and under receive a higher CCS rate. From 2026, a 3-day guarantee minimum ensures at least 3 days of subsidised care for eligible families.

Find a centre at childcare.gov.au. Apply directly to the centre with your child's birth certificate, immunisation history statement (from myGov > Medicare > AIR), and Medicare card. To receive CCS, both parents must register on myGov and submit a CCS claim through Centrelink.

Most states and territories fund 15 hours per week of free preschool in the year before school (age 4–5). Some states (SA, TAS, NT) fund it from age 3. ACT provides 15 hours free from age 3. CCS also applies to approved preschool/kindergarten providers charging fees.

In most states, kindergarten is attached to a primary school or is a standalone centre. Enrol at the school office. Bring birth certificate, immunisation history, and proof of address for school zone determination.

CCS applies to approved Family Day Care providers at the same rates as Long Day Care. Family Day Care educators work from their own homes — smaller groups (max 4 children under school age) and more flexible hours.

Contact the Family Day Care coordination unit for your area or the individual educator. Register for CCS through Centrelink on myGov.

Enrol at your local government (public) primary school based on your residential address catchment zone. Bring your child's birth certificate, immunisation history statement, and proof of address (rental agreement or utility bill). Enrolment opens typically in Term 3 for the following year. Private and Catholic schools have their own application processes and fees.

Enrol at your local government secondary school based on catchment area, or apply to a specialist or selective school (which may require testing). Bring birth certificate, previous school reports, and proof of address. Transfer from interstate or overseas: contact the school directly and the state education department for curriculum alignment advice.

ELICOS is the main pathway for overseas students to improve English before university or vocational study. Student visa (subclass 500) required for study over 3 months. Short-term study visa (subclass 500) or tourist visa (subclass 600) for up to 3 months study. IELTS Academic is the main English proficiency test for university entry (typically 6.0–7.0 required).

TAFEs offer English language programs (AMEP — Adult Migrant English Program) for eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants — up to 510 hours of free English tuition. AMEP is free for migrants and humanitarian entrants who have arrived in Australia and are of working age. Apply through TAFE or an approved AMEP provider.

Eligibility: migrants and humanitarian entrants who are not Australian citizens, are of working age (18+), and have arrived in Australia. Includes family stream migrants (partner visas, parent visas). Since 2021, the previous 5-year time limit has been removed — participants can study at their own pace. Child-minding is available at some AMEP providers. Apply through your nearest AMEP provider (find at amep.gov.au).