Direct Answer
Yes, Georges River College - Hurstville Campus accepts international students through the NSW Department of Education’s DE International program. As of the 1 June 2026 capacity update, the school is open for international enrolments in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10 for both the 2026 and 2027 intake years. This is a comprehensive high school located in the Southern Sydney suburb of Hurstville, approximately 16 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD. There is no designated catchment area for international students, meaning families are not required to live within a specific zone to apply. The school offers EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support for students who need language assistance. Homestay accommodation is not specified by the NSW DoE, so families must arrange their own living arrangements. All international student enrolments are subject to capacity, availability, and assessment by DE International.
As stated by the NSW Department of Education, the capacity data used in this article is a guide only and there is no cannot guarantee placement (subject to availability and DE International assessment). International student enrolments are subject to capacity, availability, and assessment by DE International. All information is current as of the 1 June 2026 capacity update and may change.
Open Year Levels: 2026 vs 2027
The NSW DoE capacity update dated 1 June 2026 shows that Georges River College - Hurstville Campus has the same availability for both the 2026 and 2027 intake years.
- 2026 intake: Open for international enrolments in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10. No capacity is listed for Years 11 or 12.
- 2027 intake: Open for international enrolments in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10. Again, no capacity is listed for senior years.
It is important to note that capacity can change between publication updates. The data is a snapshot in time, and families should confirm current availability directly through the DE International application process.
Catchment Area and Accommodation
Georges River College - Hurstville Campus does not have a designated catchment area for international students. According to the NSW DoE data, the catchment field is listed as “N/A” for this school. This simplifies the application process for international students, as there is no requirement to prove residency within a specific geographic zone.
However, this also means families are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. The NSW DoE data does not specify homestay availability for this school. While some NSW public schools offer managed homestay programs, Georges River College - Hurstville Campus is not listed as one of them in the 1 June 2026 update.
English Language Support (EAL/D)
Georges River College - Hurstville Campus offers EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support for international students. This is confirmed by the NSW DoE data, which does not list this school as having an EAL/D deficiency (i.e., the field is not marked as “deficient”).
EAL/D support is a significant advantage for international students who may not yet have achieved full English proficiency. The support typically includes:
- In-class language assistance from specialist EAL/D teachers.
- Small group or individual tuition for students who need additional help with academic English.
- Targeted support for developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills across all subject areas.
School Profile
Georges River College - Hurstville Campus is one of four campuses that make up the Georges River College system, which also includes the Oatley, Penshurst, and Blakehurst campuses. Located in the suburb of Hurstville in Southern Sydney, the school is approximately 16 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD. Hurstville is a well-established multicultural hub with a large Chinese and Korean community, offering excellent shopping, dining, and public transport links, including a train station on the T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line.
The school is a comprehensive high school, meaning it is not academically selective and caters to a broad range of students. It enrols students from Years 7 to 12, though for international students, only Years 7 to 10 are currently available. The school has a strong reputation for its academic programs, extracurricular activities, and supportive environment. It offers a range of subjects including STEM, performing arts, and sport, as well as vocational education and training (VET) pathways for senior students.
While exact student numbers could not be independently verified for this article, Georges River College - Hurstville Campus is a moderately sized school within the college system, with a diverse student body reflecting the multicultural nature of the local area. The school’s focus on community and inclusivity makes it a popular choice for both local and international families.
Who This School Suits (And Who It Doesn’t)
This school suits:
- International students seeking entry in Years 7-10: The school is open for these year levels in both 2026 and 2027, making it ideal for students looking to start their secondary education in Australia or continue in the middle years.
- Students who need EAL/D support: The school offers English language assistance, which is valuable for those who are not yet fluent in English.
- Families who prefer flexibility in accommodation: With no catchment area, families are free to choose where they live, provided they can arrange their own accommodation.
- Students who want a comprehensive school experience: As a non-selective school, it offers a broad curriculum and a diverse student body, suitable for students with a wide range of academic interests and abilities.
This school does not suit:
- Students seeking entry into Years 11 or 12: The school has no capacity for international enrolments in senior years, so students looking to complete their HSC would need to consider other schools.
- Families who require managed homestay: Since homestay is not specified by the NSW DoE, families must make their own living arrangements, which may be challenging for those without local contacts.
- Students who need a selective or specialist environment: This is a comprehensive school, not an academically selective or specialist school, so students seeking a highly competitive academic environment may need to look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Georges River College - Hurstville Campus accept international students in Year 11?
No. According to the NSW DoE capacity data as of 1 June 2026, the school is only open for international enrolments in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10 for both the 2026 and 2027 intake years. There is no capacity listed for Year 11 or Year 12. International students seeking senior year entry should explore other schools in the Southern Sydney region or across NSW.
2. Do I need to live in the catchment area to attend Georges River College - Hurstville Campus?
No, there is no catchment area requirement for international students. The NSW DoE data lists the catchment field as “N/A” for this school. This means families are not restricted to a specific residential zone when applying. However, families must arrange their own accommodation, as homestay is not specified by the department.
3. Does Georges River College - Hurstville Campus offer EAL/D support for international students?
Yes, the school offers EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support. The NSW DoE data does not list this school as having an EAL/D deficiency, confirming that language assistance is available. This support can help international students improve their English proficiency and succeed in the Australian curriculum.
4. Can I apply for Year 7 at Georges River College - Hurstville Campus for 2027?
Yes, the school is open for Year 7 international enrolments for the 2027 intake year, as per the 1 June 2026 capacity update. Year 7 is the first year of secondary school in NSW, making this a common entry point for international students starting their Australian education.
5. What is the deadline to apply for Georges River College - Hurstville Campus?
Application deadlines for NSW public schools are set by DE International and can vary by intake period. While the data does not specify a specific deadline for this school, applications for the 2026 and 2027 intakes are open. It is recommended to apply as early as possible, as places are limited and subject to capacity. Check the DE International website for current application timelines.
Data Source and Methodology
The data presented in this article comes from the NSW Department of Education International Students Capacity Update dated 1 June 2026. This update provides a snapshot of which NSW public high schools have capacity to enrol international students, for which year levels, and for which intake years (2026 and 2027). The data also includes information on catchment areas, homestay availability, and EAL/D support.
It is important to note that this capacity data is a guide only. Places are subject to availability and assessment by DE International. Capacity can change between updates, and the information here may not reflect the most current status at the time of reading. Families should verify the latest information through the official DE International application process.
Sources
- NSW Department of Education International Students Capacity Update (1 June 2026)
- NSW Department of Education School Finder: education.nsw.gov.au/school-finder
- NSW Department of Education DE International website: deinternational.nsw.edu.au