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Strengths STEM, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Senior Secondary School
Introduction
Narrabundah College is a senior secondary college in Canberra offering three pathways for students aged 16–18: the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate with ATAR, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for Years 11–12, and a French Baccalaureat pathway delivered in a French-language stream. The college educates about 1,000 Year 11–12 students and provides a curriculum anchored in the Australian framework while offering IB and French-language routes to broaden university options. The IB Diploma is a two-year program with six subjects (three Higher Level and three Standard Level) plus core components—Extended Essay, CAS, and Theory of Knowledge. In Year 12, ATAR and IB assessment tasks are integrated within timetabled courses. The French Baccalaureat pathway is taught in French as part of the French-stream pathway. A new Design, Arts, Technology and Science building (DATS), valued at about $31.9 million, is under construction with completion planned for 2027 and a subsequent move-in for staff and students. Seven languages are taught, and the school hosts students from more than 60 countries.
Narrabundah College has 922 pupils, instruction in English.
Location
Located on Jerrabomberra Avenue in Narrabundah, Canberra, ACT 2604. The ACT Government's integrated public transport network provides bus and light rail options to access the campus. Walking or cycling to school is encouraged to reduce traffic and improve safety.
Stages
Senior secondary college for Years 11 and 12
Type
Senior secondary college; offers ACT Senior Secondary Certificate, International Baccalaureate, and French Baccalaureate
Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 60 countries represented; international atmosphere
Additional learning support
Targeted and strong student support over the two-year college program
Fees
Annual tuition at Narrabundah College ranges from AUD 11,100 to AUD 14,500 for 2026/27.
Application fees
- Application (non-refundable): AUD 265.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term)
- Primary (Kindergarten – Year 6): AUD 11,100 per year (AUD 2,775 per term, calculated on a four-term year).
- Secondary (Years 7 – 10): AUD 14,500 per year (AUD 3,625 per term).
- College (Years 11 – 12): AUD 16,200 per year (AUD 4,050 per term).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition fees are payable in Australian dollars and are charged for the academic year; payment is required in advance for the year of enrolment. Continuing students will receive an invoice for the following year during Term 4. Acceptance of an offer requires payment as specified on the offer. Requests for payment plans by temporary residents may be considered, but payment plans are not available for students on visa subclass 500 (school sector).
Boarding / Accommodation (homestay) fees (where applicable for international students)
- The college does not operate a boarding house. Homestay services are arranged through the ACT homestay provider (AHN) and include: - Homestay matching fee: AUD 340 (payable at acceptance of offer). - Homestay weekly payment (example rate listed): AUD 400 per week (payable to AHN). - Family-nominated homestay program matching/payment: AUD 340 matching fee and AUD 50 per week family-nominated homestay payment where applicable. - Airport pick-up (optional): AUD 160 (payable to AHN).
Other costs and fees
- Parent contributions: - General contribution: AUD 200 per year. - Resources contribution (paid on enrolment): AUD 100 (covers ID card, yearbook, textbook hire, printing allowance).
- Subject consumables and curriculum-related charges (examples; invoiced at the start of each session): - Ceramics: AUD 60 (session 1), AUD 120 (session 2); Design: AUD 40 / AUD 80; Photography: AUD 65 / AUD 130; Food and Technology: AUD 60 / AUD 120; Graphic Design / Architecture / Engineering: AUD 40 / AUD 80; Information Technology: AUD 40 / AUD 80; Media: AUD 30 / AUD 60; Music: AUD 30 / AUD 60; Textiles and Fashion: AUD 50 / AUD 100; Visual Art: AUD 60 / AUD 120; Wood Technology: AUD 60 / AUD 120; Dance: AUD 80. These fees are charged per subject session and may change.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) programme fees: - IB entrance contribution (payable prior to starting the IB course): AUD 1,200 in addition to normal parent contributions. - IB external examination charges (students pay their own exam fees): a full IB Diploma (six subjects plus Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS) is approximately AUD 1,100 (amount depends on exchange rates and exact exam entries).
- French Baccalauréat fees (where applicable): approximately AUD 530 in Première for the online second language platform (LVB) and AUD 830 in Terminale. Amounts are approximate and may vary with exchange rates.
- Additional items not covered by tuition: school uniform, book packs, personal materials used to make items taken home, non-curriculum excursions, private tutoring, canteen purchases, optional trips and activities (international excursions, holiday trips). Fees for optional activities are charged separately.
Refund information
- The initial application fee (AUD 265) is non-refundable. Tuition refunds for enrolment withdrawal are handled by the International Education Unit and follow a pro-rata schedule depending on when written notification is received: - Withdrawal before 9:00 am on day 1 of the academic semester: 90% of the unused portion of tuition refunded. - Withdrawal before 5:00 pm on Friday of Week 4 of the academic semester: 50% of the unused portion of tuition refunded. - Withdrawal in Week 5 or later of the academic semester: no refund. - No refund applies if enrolment is cancelled because of breaches of visa conditions (for example attendance below 80%, unsatisfactory academic progress or non-compliance with welfare conditions). Refunds to overseas bank accounts take longer (approximately four weeks after processing); domestic electronic funds transfers typically take two to three weeks.
Fee payment options
- Payments can be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the ACT Education Directorate bank account; international telegraphic transfers may be used and should include the student name as payment reference. Bank details (example provided for payments) include Westpac BSB 032‑777, Account Number 000065 and SWIFT code WPACAU2S. Evidence of payment should be provided with application materials where required. Credit card (Visa and Mastercard) payments are accepted for application and other fees. Payments for parent contributions can also be made in person at the college reception (Visa/Mastercard), by telephone, or via the college's online payment system (Quickweb).
Important administrative notes (fees-related)
- Tuition fees are set by the ACT Minister or delegate and are charged on a cost-recovery basis for temporary visa holders; the Directorate publishes the applicable rates and manages fee waivers and exemptions according to policy. Fee-exemption, waiver and refund requests are managed by the International Education Unit.
Academics
Narrabundah College teaches Australian Curriculum, IB (DP), French Curriculum for students aged 16 to 18.
Curriculum
Curriculum Handbook 2026 provides the current course and subject offerings. Narrabundah offers the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate with ATAR, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Years 11–12, and a French Baccalauréat pathway through a French-language stream. The IB Diploma is a two-year program for students aged 16–18, with six subjects (three Higher Level and three Standard Level) plus core components including Extended Essay, CAS and Theory of Knowledge, designed to prepare students for university study. Classes in Year 12 combine ATAR and IB assessment tasks. The French Baccalaureat is taught in French as part of a French-stream pathway.
Exam Results
IB Diploma uses a 45-point scale; a minimum of 24 points is required to be awarded the Diploma; the IB Diploma score is converted to an equivalent ATAR for entry to ACT/NSW/VIC universities and is recognised by Australian universities.
Higher Education Progression
Universities recognise the IB Diploma for entry; the Diploma score can be converted to an ATAR for ACT/NSW/VIC universities; the IB Diploma provides direct and recognised entry to tertiary education both in Australia and worldwide.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Targeted and strong student support is provided over two years. The School Psychologist is available to assist students or their parents with issues that may affect learning, including health problems, family or relationship conflicts and motivational difficulties. The Transition and Careers Officer supports students with transitions from high school, career planning, work experience and post‑college options. N Groups meet weekly to develop study skills, time management and self-care and to help students access available resources. There is an Indigenous Contact Officer available to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. International Private Students are supported by the Languages Centre Coordinators who assist with enrolment, course choices and other issues relating to Narrabundah College. If you are worried about academic performance, attendance or other problems, you can speak with a Student Adviser or the Psychologist.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Special education needs are overseen by the Special Needs Committee. The School Psychologist provides support to students and parents for issues that may affect learning, including health problems, family or relationship conflicts and motivational difficulties. The Transition and Careers Officer and Student Advisers offer academic and personal support as part of the college's SEN framework. N Groups meet weekly to build study skills and self-care. Indigenous Contact Officer provides support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. International Private Students' coordinators in the Languages Centre assist with enrolment and course choices.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ESL – English as an Additional Language units are offered within English and Literature, including ESL (AC) 1.0 unit from English/Literature. ESL is integrated into English/Literature courses, with ESL/English combinations forming integrated courses. The college offers seven languages and encourages language study. International Private Students are supported by Languages Centre coordinators who assist with enrolment and course choices.
Mental Wellbeing
The School Psychologist is available to assist students or their parents with issues that may impact learning. If you are worried about academic performance, attendance or other problems, you can speak with a Student Adviser or the Psychologist. N Groups meet weekly to support study skills, time management and self-care. Mental health crisis resources are listed, including Headspace, Lifeline and other services for crisis support (phone numbers and online options are provided).
Safeguarding
Your Welfare indicates that if you are worried about academic performance, attendance or other problems you should see a Student Adviser or the Psychologist. The School Psychologist and Student Advisers are available to support safeguarding needs. N Groups provide ongoing self-care and access to resources. There is an Indigenous Contact Officer available to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. International Private Students are supported by Languages Centre coordinators with enrolment and course choices. The college also uses a mediation pathway for resolving student concerns, including Student Mediation and meetings with Parents/Carers to address issues.
Admissions
Admissions
The school enrolls students living in its Priority Enrolment Area. The ACT Education Directorate provides online enrolment and key dates for applicants. For the IB Diploma Programme, enrolment must be lodged with the ACT Education Directorate (enrolling in an ACT School) and the IB Application Form must be completed and returned by the Directorate's due dates.
Scholarships
Music Scholarship through auditions in March each year.
FAQs
What year levels does Narrabundah College serve?
Narrabundah is a senior secondary college for Years 11 and 12 only, serving around 922 students aged 16-18 in Canberra, ACT.
What pathways are available?
Three pathways: the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate with ATAR, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and a French Baccalaureat delivered entirely in French.
How many languages are offered?
Nine languages are taught at all levels in the International Program, including advanced courses for native speakers. The college is renowned for its multilingual offerings.
What are the fees?
International student fees are AUD 16,200 per year for college (Years 11-12). An application fee of AUD 265 applies. Domestic students in ACT government schools do not pay tuition fees.
How diverse is the student body?
Over 60 countries are represented at Narrabundah, creating a genuinely international atmosphere. The college welcomes many international students each year.
What wellbeing support is provided?
A School Psychologist, Transition and Careers Officer, and Student Advisers provide support. N Groups meet weekly for study skills, time management, and self-care.
What is the French Baccalaureat stream?
The French Baccalaureat follows the French Ministry of Education curriculum and is taught entirely in French through the Lycee Franco-Australien partnership in Canberra.
What new facilities are being built?
A $31.9 million Design, Arts, Technology and Science (DATS) building is under construction as part of the college modernisation, featuring new labs, art spaces, and technology rooms.
How do I apply?
Enrol through the ACT Education Directorate. For the IB Diploma, lodge the IB Application Form alongside the ACT enrolment. Priority goes to students in the school's enrolment area.
Are scholarships available?
Music Scholarships are available through auditions held in March each year.
What co-curricular activities are offered?
Activities include Visual and Performing Arts, Media and IT, leadership opportunities, sporting endeavours, and student-led community initiatives in an international college environment.
What special education support exists?
The Special Needs Committee oversees SEN support. The School Psychologist helps with health, family, and motivational issues. An Indigenous Contact Officer and Bilingual Support Officer provide targeted assistance.
