Australia Parent-Child Study Abroad Guide | Nature and Education Standards

Australia is highly popular with families around the world as a destination for parent-and-child study abroad. There are two main reasons. One is its **internationally respected education system**, and the other is its **magnificent natural environment and reassuring living environment**.

Children study at local schools or international schools, developing not only English ability but also communication skills and independence in a multicultural society. Parents can attend language schools or university-affiliated programs at the same time to improve their own skills, which is a major appeal unique to parent-and-child study abroad.

Australia is also relatively safe, with well-developed medical care and living infrastructure, so you can raise children while living abroad with peace of mind. Beautiful beaches and national parks are also within easy reach of the cities, so you can have a well-balanced experience in both learning and daily life.

For families considering parent-and-child study abroad in Australia, this article explains in an easy-to-understand way the characteristics of popular areas, estimated costs, accommodation styles, and the visa process.

1. World-standard education

Australia has a high-quality education system and an environment where children can study with peace of mind. Primary, junior high, and high schools emphasize thinking and expressive skills, fostering critical thinking and presentation skills. Support systems are in place for international students whose first language is not English, and schools work to help children settle smoothly into school life.

2. Magnificent nature and a safe living environment

Living in an urban area while being able to easily reach beaches, mountains, national parks, and other great natural settings on weekends is a charm unique to Australia. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor learning and extracurricular activities, creating an environment that nurtures a child's sensibilities. It is also reassuring that the country is relatively safe and popular with families raising children.

3. Parents can also retrain or change careers

Parents can not only attend a language school but also study again at a vocational college or university. It can be an opportunity to sharpen English skills as well as obtain new qualifications and broaden career options. By studying themselves while their children are in school, parents can realize study abroad where the whole family grows, which is a major attraction of parent-and-child study abroad in Australia.

4. Experience in a Multicultural Society

Australia is known as a nation of immigrants, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds live together in schools and communities. Children naturally acquire international values and cross-cultural understanding, which also helps foster an international outlook for the future.

Sydney

The largest city in Australia, home to an abundance of educational institutions and language schools. Because there is plenty of support and many agencies for Japanese speakers, it is often chosen for a first parent-and-child study abroad. City convenience and nature (beaches and national parks) coexist, so you will not have trouble with daily life. However, rent and living costs are high even by national standards.

Melbourne

A city repeatedly named the most livable in the world, characterized by an excellent balance of education, culture, and living environment. Art, music, and cafe culture flourish, and there is a wide variety of activities that parent and child can enjoy. Its educational standard is among the highest in Australia, and it is popular with families considering long-term study abroad.

Brisbane and the Gold Coast

An area with a warm climate where you can enjoy a resort-style life. The Gold Coast has many tourist spots and beaches, with plenty of ways to spend weekends. Brisbane has well-developed educational institutions, with abundant language schools and university-affiliated programs. Living costs are also somewhat lower than in Sydney or Melbourne.

Perth

A city in Western Australia that is attractive for its rich nature and calm atmosphere. Compared with Sydney and Melbourne, there are fewer Japanese students, making it easier to immerse yourself in an English environment. Recommended for families who want to study abroad while living a relaxed life close to the sea and nature.

Adelaide

A relatively small city, but popular for its high educational level and low living costs. Suitable for families who want to raise children in a calm environment or stay long term while keeping costs as low as possible.

Parent-and-child study abroad in Australia has excellent educational standards and living environments, but costs are relatively high. The following is a rough estimate for a one-month stay for two people (a parent plus one child).

Tuition

• **Child (local school/international school)**: JPY 50,000 to 150,000 Public schools are relatively inexpensive; private and international schools are expensive
• **Parent (language school/vocational college)**: JPY 100,000 to 200,000 Calculated for a language school course of about 20 hours per week

Housing costs

• **Homestay**: JPY 150,000 to 200,000 (meals included)
• **Apartment/Airbnb/condominium**: JPY 200,000 to 300,000 (depending on location and size)

Cost of Living

• Food, transportation, communications, etc.: JPY 100,000 to 150,000
• Eating out is expensive, so you can save by mainly cooking for yourselves

Airfare

• Round trip for parent and child (2 people): JPY 200,000 to 300,000 (varies by season and airline)

Other costs

• Study abroad insurance: JPY 10,000 to 30,000 per month
• Local procedure costs (visa application fees, etc.): a few tens of thousands of yen

Estimated Total

**About JPY 600,000 to 1,000,000 per month** (varies greatly depending on the city, choice of school, and accommodation style)

For parent-and-child study abroad in Australia, living comfort and cost vary greatly depending on the accommodation style. It is important to choose according to the purpose and lifestyle of parent and child.

1. Homestay

• **Advantages**: You can experience local customs and culture. Meals are included, which saves the effort of daily life. Children also have more interaction with local people.
• **Disadvantages**: House rules differ from family to family, so there is less freedom. Often unsuitable for long stays.

2. Rental properties (apartment, condominium, detached house)

• **Advantages**: High degree of freedom, and you can cook for yourselves. Suited to long stays and provides a stable base for life.
• **Disadvantages**: Contracts and furniture preparation are required. Initial costs can be high.

3. Airbnb and short-term rentals

• **Advantages**: Furnished and equipped with appliances, so you can start living right away. Flexible from short to long stays.
• **Disadvantages**: For long stays, often more expensive than renting. Popular areas can be hard to book.

4. School dorms (when the parent attends a language school or university-affiliated institution)

• **Advantages**: Convenient for commuting and reassuring. Easy to interact with other international students.
• **Disadvantages**: Parent and child often cannot share a room, so options are limited.

For parent-and-child study abroad in Australia, you need to obtain a visa suited to each of the parent and the child. The appropriate type changes depending on the purpose and length of stay, so confirming in advance is important.

1. The parent's visa

• **Student Visa (Subclass 500)** Required when the parent studies at a language school, vocational college, or university. A Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from the school is required. The child can accompany the parent as a dependent.
• **Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)** Used when the parent accompanies a child who is studying on a student visa. The parent's study time is limited, so if you want to study seriously, a student visa is more appropriate.

2. The child's visa

• **Student Visa (Subclass 500)** For attending a local primary school, junior high school, high school, or an international school. Required for study beyond a certain period.
• **Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)** Can be used for short-term (under 3 months) study or experience programs.

3. Application Process

• Choose a school and apply for admission
• Obtain the Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)
• Visa application (mainly online)
• Health check and insurance enrollment (OSHC: Overseas Student Health Cover)
• After visa approval, arrange flights and accommodation

4. Points to note

• Visa applications can take several weeks to several months, so **early preparation is essential**.
• Children of student visa holders may have to pay tuition even at public schools.
• Study insurance (OSHC) is mandatory during a stay on a student visa.

Australia is an ideal country for parent-and-child study abroad, combining **a high standard of education** with **a rich natural environment**. Children sharpen their English and international outlook at local or international schools, while parents can aim for new careers and skill-building by studying language or specialized fields.

You can also choose between the convenience of urban areas and the calm living environment of suburbs and regional cities, so you can flexibly select a destination that suits your family's lifestyle. The cost is by no means low, but considered as an investment in which the whole family grows, it offers great value.

Study abroad in Australia, where parent and child learn, live, and gain international experience together while enjoying nature, will be a precious time in your lives. Prepare carefully, choose a city and school that suit you, and make your ideal life abroad a reality.

It is a form of study abroad in which the parent (mainly at a language school, vocational college, or university-affiliated program) and the child (local school, international school, or short-term program) study at the same time. In addition to improving English, you gain cross-cultural understanding, independence, and shared experiences as a family.

• Sydney: Abundant educational institutions and Japanese-language support (higher cost)
• Melbourne: Good balance of livability, culture, and educational standards
• Brisbane/Gold Coast: Warm and easier to keep costs down
• Perth: Calm environment, suited to English immersion
• Adelaide: Suited to long stays with lower living costs

The total is roughly **JPY 600,000 to 1,000,000 per month** (varies by city, school, and type of accommodation). Example breakdown: child's tuition JPY 50,000 to 150,000, parent's tuition JPY 100,000 to 200,000, housing JPY 200,000 to 300,000, living expenses JPY 100,000 to 150,000, airfare (round trip) JPY 200,000 to 300,000, insurance JPY 10,000 to 30,000.

• Parent: **Student (Subclass 500)** / if studying, **Student Guardian (Subclass 590)** / if mainly accompanying the child
• Child: **Student (Subclass 500)** / for schooling, **Visitor (Subclass 600)** / for short-term experience

A school Confirmation of Enrolment (COE), insurance (OSHC), and so on will be required. Leave plenty of time for the application.

As a guide, it is safe to start the school application, COE issuance, and visa application **3 to 6 months before departure**. During busy periods, processing can take longer.

**OSHC enrollment is in principle mandatory** during the period of a Student visa. If your family accompanies you, choose a plan that also covers accompanying members. Coverage and out-of-pocket amounts differ by plan.

• Public: Easier to keep costs down / easier to blend into the local community
• Private: Diverse school culture, religious outlook, and facilities / higher tuition
• International: International curricula (IB, etc.) / considerate of transferring and re-entry after returning home

In general, the school year runs **January to December**, with a four-term system the norm. Whether you can transfer in mid-term differs by school, so check according to your desired timing.

Many schools offer English learning support (EAL/ESL), allowing a gradual move to regular classes. Parents can choose level-based courses at language schools, such as general English, academic English, and exam preparation.

• Homestay: Easy to set up life / less freedom / suited to short stays
• Rental: Freedom and cost efficiency (long term) / contract and initial costs required
• Airbnb: Furnished and available immediately / tends to be more expensive for long stays

Effective approaches include mainly cooking for yourselves, considering properties outside the school catchment area, using regular public transport passes, using second-hand furniture, and taking advantage of free community activities.

Whether you can work, and for how many hours, depends on the **visa conditions** and the form of study. In some cases the parent (primary applicant) on a Student 500 visa is granted work rights, but conditions change by course type and study level, so be sure to check the latest conditions. The Guardian 590 visa generally does not allow work.

Major cities are relatively safe, with pediatrics, general hospitals, and emergency systems in place. Know in advance the scope of OSHC coverage, your regular clinic, and emergency contacts.

• Academic records, vaccination records (in English), and family register/custody-related documents
• Insurance certificate, COE, visa grant notice, and school contact information
• Regular medications and school supplies that are hard to get locally (minimum necessary)

Multiple layers of support are available, including the school's international office and guidance counselors, local government and state education department support, study-abroad agencies, and the Japanese community.

• Sort out the family's purpose, length of stay, and budget
• Shortlist cities, school districts, and schools / apply
• Obtain COE -> visa application -> enroll in OSHC
• Secure housing, flights, and complete enrollment procedures
• Orientation after arrival and setting up a living base

Yes, it is meaningful enough as English and multicultural experience and as a trial of living abroad as a family. Choose a program that meets school and visa requirements, and plan with term breaks and holiday periods in mind.

Parent-Child Study Abroad Guide | Studying English Abroad as a Parent and Child [2025-2026 Edition]