How Many Hours Is School in Australia?

A Complete Guide for International Families and Students

If you’re planning to study in Australia or send your child to school there, one of the first questions you might ask is: “How long is the school day in Australia?” Understanding the schedule is key for managing family routines, choosing after-school programs, or even meeting student visa requirements.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about school hours in Australia — based on real government data and current standards across states and territories.

Typical School Hours in Australia

Most schools in Australia operate Monday to Friday and follow a relatively consistent schedule.

Standard Daily Schedule:

• Start time: Between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM
• Finish time: Between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM
• Total time at school: About 6 to 6.5 hours per day, including breaks

The daily routine usually includes:

• Morning session (core academic subjects)
• Recess (20–30 minutes)
• Midday session
• Lunch break (40–60 minutes)
• Afternoon session (creative subjects, sports, or project work)

Instructional Time vs. Attendance Time

Although students are at school for about 6+ hours a day, not all of that time is spent in formal classroom learning.

Instructional time:

• Primary students (Kindergarten–Year 6): About 25 hours per week
• Secondary students (Years 7–12): Around 27 hours per week

This includes structured lessons in literacy, numeracy, science, humanities, arts, and physical education. The remaining time is spent on breaks, assemblies, or supervised activities.

State-by-State Variations and Age-Based Adjustments

While core school hours are broadly consistent across Australia, small variations may exist:

• In Victoria, some younger primary students (Prep) may start with shorter days during the first few weeks of the year.
• In Queensland, many schools follow the same hours but can adjust for community needs (e.g., rural or Indigenous schools).
• High school students generally follow a full academic schedule, including optional subjects, sports, and exam preparation.

At What Age Do Children Start School in Australia?

Education is compulsory in most states from ages 6 to 16. However, many children begin school earlier:

• Most children start Kindergarten or Prep at age 5
• Some states offer Preschool or Foundation programs from age 4
• Secondary education typically ends at Year 12 (age 17 or 18)

Before and After School Care (OSHC)

For working families, Australia provides excellent Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services:

• Before school care: Opens from 7:00 AM
• After school care: Runs until 6:00 PM
• Available at most primary schools and accessible to international families for a fee

These programs include activities, meals, and supervision and are particularly helpful for families with younger children.

School Year and Term Structure

Australian schools operate on a four-term system:

• Each term lasts 9–11 weeks
• Breaks of 2 weeks follow each term
• A long summer holiday (about 6 weeks) runs from mid-December to late January

Students attend school for about 40 weeks per year. International students are required to follow the same academic calendar as domestic students.

Summary: How Many Hours Is School in Australia?

Australian schools strike a strong balance between academic rigor and student wellbeing, making it a great environment for learners of all ages.

Latest Update: International Student Growth

As of 2023, Australia hosted over 750,000 international students across all education sectors — from primary schools to universities — making it one of the top three study destinations in the world (after the USA and UK).

Planning to Study or Move to Australia?

Whether you're an international student, a parent bringing your children, or just planning to explore Australian life, getting the right visa is the first step.

Let Australian Immigration Services assist you in applying for:

• Tourist ETA - 1 year multiple
• Business ETA - 1 year multiple

We provide:

• Expert advice on school enrollment, visa types, and health cover
• Step-by-step guidance through the application process
• Real-time tracking and 24/7 support

Apply now with Australian Immigration Services and begin your journey with full confidence — in the classroom, and beyond.

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