American Curriculum International Schools in Australia

Last updated 13 July 2026

About international schools in Australia

American-curriculum international schools in Australia teach a US-style K - 12 programme (often leading to a US high-school diploma) and commonly offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses alongside local or alternative pathways. Instruction is primarily in English, with most schools providing EAL/EALD support and regular language options such as Mandarin, French or Spanish. Fees vary a lot by city and school type - broadly speaking you will see modest independent schools and small campuses at lower figures and large AP-offering independents in major cities at substantially higher tuition levels. Expect admissions to follow the Australian school calendar (the academic year runs roughly late January/early February to December) so families usually plan applications many months in advance and should check international-student fee loadings and visa requirements before committing.

Compare 1 American Curriculum international schools in Australia. Filter by curriculum, fees (average AUD 18,820), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 1 schools · avg fee AUD 18,820

Schools listed: 1
Curricula: 5
Average annual fee: AUD 18,820
Fee range: AUD 15,570 – 22,070
Most common curriculum: Australian Curriculum (1 schools)
Average school size: 410 pupils
Largest by enrolment: International School of Western Australia
Oldest: International School of Western Australia (2005)

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1 international school in Perth

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International School of Western Australia

Australian Curriculum, IB (PYP) · From age 3

A$15,570 - 22,070

From age 3

Australian Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)

Instructs in English

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FAQs for Australia

How does an American curriculum differ from the Australian curriculum or the IB in practice?

An American curriculum is organised around credit accumulation and a broad selection of subjects across high school, often culminating in a US high-school diploma and optional Advanced Placement (AP) courses. By contrast the Australian state systems and the IB use different assessment models (state certificates or the IB Diploma) with varying emphasis on terminal exams or extended internal assessment, so families should check how each school maps grades and university entry requirements.

What languages are used for teaching and what language support is available?

Teaching is almost always in English at American-curriculum international schools in Australia, and most schools provide English-as-an-additional-language (EAL/EALD) programmes for non-native speakers. Many schools also offer second languages such as Mandarin, French and Spanish, and some run mother-tongue or bilingual options depending on local demand.

How much can I expect to pay in annual tuition?

Tuition levels vary widely by location, school size and facilities: small or regional campuses tend to be at the lower end while AP-offering independents in Sydney and Melbourne are often in the higher fee bands. Published fee surveys and school schedules show a broad spread rather than a single market price, so compare headline tuition plus likely extras (enrolment bonds, capital levies, uniforms, trips and AP exam charges) when budgeting.

When should I apply if we are relocating from overseas?

Because the Australian school year runs from late January/early February to December, most international families apply several months ahead of the desired start term and competitive places - especially in large city schools - may require planning nine to twelve months before arrival. Schools also publish specific term intake windows and documentation requirements for international students, so start the admissions and visa paperwork early.

Will an American high-school diploma and APs be recognised by universities in Australia and elsewhere?

Yes - a US high-school diploma combined with AP examinations is widely recognised by universities in the United States and accepted by many institutions internationally, and Australian universities will consider APs alongside other qualifications when assessing applications. Acceptance policies differ by university and course, so families should check entry requirements for intended destinations and ask schools for recent graduate pathways.

What practical checks should relocating parents make when visiting schools?

Ask how the school supports new international students (EAL provision, orientation and pastoral care), whether it runs AP or other recognised exit qualifications, the full fees schedule (including one-off and recurring extras), and how the school maps US grade levels to Australian year levels. Also confirm term start dates, documentary requirements for enrolment and any international-student fee loadings tied to visa status before accepting a place.