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Type Boys School, Boys School (boarding), Co-educational
Opened 1869
Bus Service No
David Roberts
School Principal
Academic offering
Curriculum Australian Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages Mandarin, French, Italian, Spanish, English
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Outdoor Education, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
Prince Alfred College is a day and boarding school for boys, ages 2 to 18, in Adelaide. The curriculum combines Australian Curriculum through Year 10 with the IB Diploma Programme and South Australian Certificate of Education in Years 11 and 12, taught within faculties such as Art, Design & Technology; Commerce, Law and Public Policy; Drama; English; Health & Physical Education; Humanities; Languages; Mathematics; Music; and Science. The Preparatory School (Reception to Year 6) provides core English and maths with specialist subjects including art, Chinese, music, PE, robotics, science and technology. Founded 1869, college sits on a 9.8‑hectare Kent Town campus 2.5 km from Adelaide. Facilities include ANZAC Hall for music and drama, RED Centre with a stadium and pools, and Boarding House for up to 150 residents. The school operates two libraries, Scotts Creek and Wambana outdoor centres, and a co‑curricular program with sport, arts and service learning opportunities.
Prince Alfred College has 1,420 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.
Location
Adelaide, South Australia. Main campus on 9.8 hectares at 23 Dequetteville Terrace, Kent Town, about 2.5 km east of the Adelaide city centre, on the edge of the eastern parklands.
Stages
Early Learning Centre to Year 12; Preparatory School (Reception–Year 6); Secondary School (Year 7–12).
Type
Independent/private day and boarding school for boys.
Additional learning support
On-site early intervention program with specialist speech and occupational therapy.
Religious affiliation
Uniting Church in Australia
School day structure
School day starts at 8:15. Roll call at 8:30. Recess at 10:40–10:50; lunch at 1:10–1:20; lessons resume at 2:00. Reception concludes at 3:00; Years 1–2 conclude at 3:15 on Fridays and 3:30 on Mondays–Thursdays.
Bus service
Bus services are provided by Kanga Coachlines. Buses are anticipated to arrive no later than 8:20 am and depart no later than 3:45 pm. Eastern services cost $7 per trip; Hills services $8 per trip; a $50 term booking per family.
Fees
Annual tuition at Prince Alfred College ranges from AUD 18,870 to AUD 32,640 for 2026/27.
Application & enrolment fees
- Application (non-refundable): AUD 100. - Enrolment Acceptance Fee (payable on offer): AUD 1,250. This includes AUD 660 for lifelong membership to the Old Collegians Association. The enrolment acceptance fee is non-refundable.
Annual tuition, consolidated charge and total fees (day students)
- Reception: Tuition AUD 16,080; Consolidated Charge AUD 2,790; Total Fees Payable AUD 18,870. - Year 1–2: Tuition AUD 17,220; Consolidated Charge AUD 2,790; Total Fees Payable AUD 20,010. - Year 3–4: Tuition AUD 19,910; Consolidated Charge AUD 2,910; Total Fees Payable AUD 22,820. - Years 5–6: Tuition AUD 22,440; Consolidated Charge AUD 3,300; Total Fees Payable AUD 25,740. - Years 7–8: Tuition AUD 26,790; Consolidated Charge AUD 3,840; Total Fees Payable AUD 30,630. - Year 9: Tuition AUD 26,790; Consolidated Charge AUD 4,860; Total Fees Payable AUD 31,650. - Years 10–12: Tuition AUD 28,800; Consolidated Charge AUD 3,840; Total Fees Payable AUD 32,640.
Boarding fees and boarding total (annual)
- Boarding fee component (separate boarding charge): AUD 30,480; Boarding Consolidated Charge AUD 1,320; Boarding total component AUD 31,800. - Combined annual totals for boarding students (tuition + boarding + consolidated charges): - Boarding Years 7–8: AUD 62,430 (per year). - Boarding Year 9: AUD 63,450 (per year). - Boarding Years 10–12: AUD 64,440 (per year).
International student fee highlights and requirements
- International tuition totals are higher; example totals for international students include: Reception total AUD 28,380; Years 5–6 total AUD 35,250; Years 10–12 total AUD 47,520. The international schedule also requires payment of a refundable deposit and additional pre-commencement amounts for new international students as described below. - International students required pre-commencement payments: tuition for one semester, consolidated charge for one semester, boarding for one semester (if applicable), IB Diploma fee if applicable, application + enrolment fee (total AUD 1,350 indicated on international schedule), refundable deposit AUD 1,000 (to be offset against final charges at end of Year 12), Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of study, and homestay fees where applicable.
Per-term / instalment amounts and billing schedule
- Payment options include: Full year in advance (2% discount when paid by the full-fees deadline), three instalments, or weekly/fortnightly/monthly instalments via the Parent Lounge / School Easy Pay. Miscellaneous term charges are invoiced at the end of each term and are due within 30 days of invoice. - Example three-instalment amounts (per instalment) shown as a guide: Reception AUD 6,290; Years 1–2 AUD 6,670; Years 3–4 AUD 7,607; Years 5–6 AUD 8,580; Years 7–8 AUD 10,210; Year 9 AUD 10,550; Years 10–12 AUD 10,880. These instalment amounts exclude variable miscellaneous term charges and transaction costs. - Payment due dates for the three-instalment plan (illustrative schedule used in the fee material): Instalment 1 due in February; Instalment 2 due in May; Instalment 3 due in August. All remaining fees must be paid by the end of November under weekly/fortnightly/monthly plans. Miscellaneous term charges are due within 30 days of invoice.
What the Consolidated Charge covers and miscellaneous charges
- The Consolidated Charge is compulsory and covers most curriculum activities including camps, excursions, theatrical performances, and many sport and co-curricular program costs. Miscellaneous individual charges (textbooks, stationery, subject-specific materials, special projects, and outdoor education) are charged at the end of each term and are payable within 30 days.
Other compulsory and common additional costs
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma fee: AUD 2,490 (where applicable). Voluntary Building Fund donation is listed at AUD 450 (tax deductible). Student laptops: all students in Years 7–12 are required to purchase the nominated device. Uniforms and second‑hand uniform options are available through the College Shop; uniform purchases and other incidental items are additional costs charged separately.
Discounts and concessions
- Sibling discounts apply to tuition and boarding fees only: second son 10%; third son 20%; fourth son 30%; fifth and subsequent sons 40%. A 5% family discount arrangement applies where families have children at both Prince Alfred College and Seymour College. A 2% discount applies for payment of full year fees in advance by the specified due date.
Payment methods and transaction costs
- Accepted payment methods: BPAY (PAC Biller Code provided on statements), electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the College bank account, credit card payments via the Parent Lounge (VISA, MasterCard, American Express), and cash/cheque (cash up to a specified limit). Specific banking details and BPAY references are provided on school statements. - Card and transaction costs (examples shown): bank account payments attract a small processing rate (example 0.43% incl. GST), standard VISA/MasterCard payments attract an example surcharge (approximately 1.37% incl. GST), American Express around 1.90% incl. GST; weekly/fortnightly/monthly instalment plans may incur a 1% administration fee. Failed direct debit fees and other small administrative fees apply. Transaction cost amounts and surcharges apply as shown on fee materials and statements.
Refunds, withdrawals and notice requirements
- Application and acceptance/enrolment fees are non-refundable. For refunds related to visa refusal, the school's guidelines provide for reimbursement of pre-paid fees less an administration charge when evidence of visa refusal is supplied. Refund requests and cancellations must be made in writing to the Headmaster; the College's refund guidelines and international student handbook set out specific timelines and amounts retained in different withdrawal circumstances. A full term's written notice is required to withdraw a student or change boarding status; if one term's notice is not given, one term's fee will be charged in lieu of notice. OSHC levies and certain other pre-paid levies are not refundable. Refunds are reimbursed in Australian dollars and are processed within specified timeframes under the College refund guidelines.
Late payment, interest and enforcement
- The College reserves the right to charge interest on overdue accounts at the prevailing published rate of the referenced bank overdraft, to apply late payment fees (an example late payment administration fee is noted in the fees material), and to terminate enrolment for unpaid fees at the due date. A late payment fee or penalty may apply to overdue instalments.
Notes on invoicing and timing of miscellaneous charges
- Miscellaneous/optional items (subject-specific charges, textbooks, excursions, some co-curricular costs) are invoiced at the end of each term and are separate to tuition and consolidated charges; these term charges are due within 30 days of invoice. International students receive specific invoicing and pre-commencement instructions (for example, semester-level pre-payments and deposits).
Academics
Prince Alfred College teaches Australian Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.
Curriculum
Australian Curriculum Framework is studied through to the end of Year 10. In Years 11 and 12 the college offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). The learning is organized around faculties: Art, Design & Technology; Commerce, Law and Public Policy; Drama; English; Health & Physical Education; Humanities; Languages; Mathematics; Music; and Science. Preparatory School (Reception to Year 6) provides core English and maths with specialist subjects including art, Chinese, music, PE, robotics, science and technology, in a fun, engaging and internationally-minded learning program.
Higher Education Progression
IB Diploma Programme graduates are well prepared for university and are recognised by universities worldwide. In Australia, IB is accepted by the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia, with potential credit for IB subjects in some courses. PAC's IBDP materials indicate graduates commonly enter Australian universities and, increasingly, institutions in the USA, UK and other countries.
Gifted and Talented
Academic Support & Extension provides differentiated in-class learning programs to meet individual needs, access to extra-curricular tutoring, a dedicated Special Education Needs Coordinator, Individual Learning Plans as needed, one-on-one coaching, small group extension sessions, and dedicated tutors for Middle and Senior School students.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral care provides individualized support and nurtures character. The Princes Men Program fosters social responsibility and service-mindedness. Values of Respect, Excellence, Belonging and Endeavour guide boys' actions across the Prep, Middle and Senior Schools. The SchoolTV Newsletter offers resources to help parents with wellbeing issues. The pastoral care program creates a safe, supportive environment where every boy belongs and can thrive.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Dedicated Special Education Needs Coordinator; differentiated in-class learning programs; Individual Learning Plans as needed; one-on-one coaching; small group support; dedicated tutors for Middle and Senior School; access to extra tutoring.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The International Students Transition Program includes intensive English classes and lessons in cultural understanding, with the International Student Coordinator providing ongoing mentoring and support.
Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral care emphasises wellbeing with a proactive approach to student health and welfare support; each boy has a dedicated tutor in Middle and Senior Schools to ensure academic and wellbeing needs are met.
Safeguarding
A Children and Young People Safeguarding Policy exists.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Enquiry. The main entry points are Early Learning Centre (ELC), Reception, Year 5 and Year 7, with boarding available from Years 7 to 12. Places are offered subject to availability, and there is mid‑year intake for Reception depending on age and readiness. Enquiry can be pursued by viewing the prospectus online, learning about enrolment as an international student, and arranging a campus visit via a College Tour or a personal Admissions tour. 2. Application. To apply for admission, complete the online enrolment form; a separate enrolment form and fee apply for each child. It is advised to submit the ELC application at least 18 months before the desired start date and at least two years prior for other entry points. 3. Interview. Before an offer is made, prospective parents and their son(s) will be invited for a friendly interview with senior College staff. 4. Offer. Offers are made subject to availability and in accordance with the enrolment policy. Offers are issued on 1 March two years before entry (for example, 1 March 2023 for 2025 entry). If applying for entry this year or next, the admissions team will be in touch directly. 5. Acceptance. To accept an offer, complete the online acceptance and pay the non‑refundable enrolment acceptance fee of A$1,250. Once paperwork is complete, transition arrangements are arranged.
Scholarships
The College offers a range of scholarships across academic, boarding, music/performing arts, and general excellence, funded by donors through the Prince Alfred College Foundation Scholarship Fund. There are many named scholarships (e.g., Brett Gooden Space Science Scholarship, Brett Williamson Scholarship, Indigenous Scholarships, and others) and additional information about donating or establishing a scholarship is available through the Foundation. Not all scholarships are offered every year; awarding depends on the number of students currently on a scholarship and whether a suitable candidate applies. Scholarships are usually awarded by the end of a student's schooling (Year 12) and the process for entry starts in the year prior to commencement. Scholarships may be awarded in two rounds: Round 1 opens in October and closes in January; Round 2 opens in June and closes in mid‑July, with interviews typically in August. Interviews are conducted by two members of the College Executive, and all applicants are informed of progress. Scholarships can be selected for General Excellence, Music/Performing Arts, Chess, or Boarding, and applicants do not need to apply for a specific named scholarship. Academic Scholarships are offered via the ACER examination for Year 5 and Year 7 applicants, and some scholarships (including Boarding) are awarded based on merit through a competitive process that may include testing, interviews, and references. In Year 7, up to three full Academic Scholarships are offered; other scholarships may be awarded up to 100% in Years 8–11. Most scholarships contribute a portion of the fees (commonly 50%; some 25%; some Academic Scholarships can be up to 100%), and they do not cover uniforms, textbooks, or other sundry charges. An acceptance fee of A$1,250 is required to accept a scholarship. Indigenous Scholarships are linked to The Smith Family's Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP), with applications typically closing in May; applicants should check with PAC Admissions before applying. Overseas applicants may apply if they hold Australian residency. Scholarships by age specify which options are available for entry years (e.g., Year 5 scholarships for Year 4 entrants; Year 7 scholarships for Year 6 entrants; and Year 8–11 scholarships for Year 7–10 entrants). The majority of information about scholarships, eligibility, and the application process is available through the Scholarship FAQs, the List of Scholarships, and the ACER Examinations guidance. For full details on each scholarship category, required documents, and timelines, see the Scholarships resources and the ACER examinations section.
FAQs
What age range does Prince Alfred College serve?
PAC serves boys from age 2 in Early Learning through to Year 12. The main campus covers 9.8 hectares in Kent Town, Adelaide, about 2.5 km from the city centre.
Does PAC offer boarding?
Yes, the Boarding House accommodates 150 boys with twin-share and single rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Residential staff live on site, and meals are provided in the Dining Room.
What curriculum does the school follow?
The Australian Curriculum is studied to Year 10. Years 11-12 offer the IB Diploma Programme and SACE, taught across faculties spanning arts, commerce, drama, science, and more.
What are the tuition fees?
Application is AUD 100. Tuition ranges from AUD 18,870 for Reception to AUD 32,640 for Year 12 day students. The enrolment acceptance fee is AUD 1,250 including Old Collegians membership.
What languages are taught?
French, Italian, and Chinese are offered in Years 7-10. English as an Additional Language is available for eligible students. Language study continues through IB or SACE pathways.
What learning support is available?
Academic Support and Extension provides differentiated programmes, a Special Education Needs Coordinator, Individual Learning Plans, one-on-one coaching, small group extension, and dedicated tutors.
What is the Princes Men Program?
The Princes Men Program fosters social responsibility and service-mindedness. It guides boys through values of Respect, Excellence, Belonging, and Endeavour across all school stages.
What sporting facilities are available?
The RED Centre provides a flexible sports stadium with swimming pools and multipurpose spaces. The John Dunning Sports Centre serves the Prep School. Two ovals, cricket nets, and tennis courts are on campus.
What co-curricular activities are offered?
Activities include AI, chess, engineering, gardening, drama, Duke of Edinburgh, debating, mock trial, stock exchange challenge, moot court, music ensembles, and numerous sports.
How do I apply?
Main entry points are ELC, Reception, Year 5, and Year 7. Boarding is available from Year 7. Apply online with the AUD 100 fee. Mid-year Reception intake is possible depending on age and readiness.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarships span academic, boarding, music/performing arts, and general excellence categories, funded through the Prince Alfred College Foundation Scholarship Fund.
What is the school's history?
Founded in 1869, the foundation stone was laid by Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, during his 1867 visit. PAC began as a Methodist school for boys and has been on the Kent Town site ever since.
