Direct Answer
Yes, Port Hacking High School accepts international students for both 2026 and 2027, according to the NSW Department of Education’s International Students Capacity Update as of 1 June 2026. For 2026, places are available in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10. For 2027, the school expands capacity to include Year 11, offering places in Years 7 through 11. There is no capacity for Year 12 in either year.
This comprehensive high school in the Sydney southern suburb of Miranda does not have a designated catchment area for international students, meaning families are not restricted by a specific address for enrolment. However, the school also does not offer EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support and homestay arrangements are not specified by the Department—families must organise their own accommodation independently.
As stated by the NSW Department of Education, the capacity data used in this article is a guide only and there is no guarantee placement (subject to availability and 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 key difference between 2026 and 2027 is the inclusion of Year 11 in the latter year. Here is the breakdown:
- 2026: The school is open for international students in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10. No places are listed for Years 11 or 12.
- 2027: Capacity expands to Years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Year 12 remains unavailable.
This pattern is relatively common among NSW comprehensive high schools, which often restrict senior-year intake to ensure local students have priority for Higher School Certificate (HSC) preparation. For families planning a mid-high school start, note that Year 10 is available in both years, which is the final year before senior studies begin.
Important conditions to be aware of:
- There is no Year 12 intake in either year. This means international students who begin in Year 11 in 2027 would need to complete their HSC elsewhere or consider a different school for Year 12.
- Places are “open” but subject to availability—the Department does not publish exact numbers, so early application is strongly advised.
- As of 1 June 2026, no special conditions or notes apply to this school’s international enrolment, unlike some schools with specific program restrictions.
Catchment Area and Accommodation
Port Hacking High School does not have a designated catchment area for international students. According to the NSW DoE data, the catchment field is marked as “N/A.” This is typical for schools that accept international students on a case-by-case basis, rather than through a local intake zone.
What this means for international families:
- There is no geographic restriction on where you live to enrol. You are free to choose accommodation anywhere in the Sydney region.
- However, the school’s homestay availability is not specified by the Department. This means the school does not have a formal homestay program or an approved provider list for international students. Families must arrange their own accommodation independently, which could include private rentals, boarding arrangements, or staying with relatives.
- Given the school’s location in Miranda, approximately 25 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD, families should consider commute times to the school when choosing accommodation. Miranda is well-served by public transport, including trains on the Cronulla line and local bus services.
English Language Support (EAL/D)
Port Hacking High School does not offer EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support. This is a critical consideration for international students whose first language is not English.
The absence of EAL/D support means:
- Students must have sufficient English proficiency to access the mainstream curriculum without additional language assistance.
- The school does not have a dedicated EAL/D teacher or program for international students.
- Families should ensure their child meets the English language requirements set by DE International (typically demonstrated through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) before applying.
Parents should also consider that without EAL/D support, students may need to invest in private English tutoring or attend an intensive English centre before starting at Port Hacking High School. DE International may require students to complete an English assessment as part of the application process.
School Profile
Port Hacking High School is a comprehensive, co-educational government high school located in Miranda, a suburb in the Sutherland Shire of Southern Sydney. The school sits approximately 25 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD, in a region known for its beaches, national parks, and family-oriented communities.
Key features of the school include:
- Year levels: Years 7 to 12, with approximately 1,000 students enrolled (based on publicly available data from the MySchool website, though exact numbers may vary).
- School type: Comprehensive (non-selective), meaning it accepts students of all academic abilities from the local area.
- Notable programs: The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama. It has a strong focus on student wellbeing and community engagement, though specific specialist programs (e.g., selective streams or vocational education) could not be independently verified.
- Location: Miranda is a commercial and transport hub for the Sutherland Shire, with Westfield Miranda shopping centre and Miranda railway station nearby. The school is within walking distance of the station.
Note: Port Hacking High School is not an academically selective school. It does not have a gifted and talented stream or a selective entry program for international students. Enrolment is based on capacity and standard DE International assessment.
Who This School Suits (And Who It Doesn’t)
This school suits:
- International students who are confident in English and do not require EAL/D support. The absence of English language assistance means students must be able to handle mainstream classes from day one.
- Families who prefer flexibility in accommodation and can arrange their own housing. Without a catchment zone, you are not tied to a specific address, which can be advantageous if you need to live near work or other family members.
- Students looking for a non-selective, community-focused environment in a coastal suburban setting. The Sutherland Shire is known for its safe, family-friendly atmosphere and access to beaches and outdoor activities.
- Families targeting entry in Years 7 to 10 in 2026, or Years 7 to 11 in 2027, particularly those who want to start before senior year.
This school does NOT suit:
- Families who require a school-provided homestay program. Since homestay is not specified, you will need to source accommodation independently, which can be challenging for families not already in Australia.
- Students seeking Year 12 enrolment in either 2026 or 2027. The school does not have capacity for final-year international students, so you would need to transfer schools for your HSC year.
- Students who want a selective or academically accelerated program. This is a comprehensive school without specialist streams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Port Hacking High School accept international students in Year 11? A: Yes, but only for 2027. The 2026 capacity update shows no Year 11 places for 2026, but 2027 includes Year 11. Year 12 is not available in either year. As of 1 June 2026, Year 11 places are listed as “open” for 2027, subject to availability.
Q: Do I need to live in a specific catchment area to attend Port Hacking High School as an international student? A: No. The NSW DoE data lists the catchment area as “N/A” for international students. This means you are not restricted by a designated zone. However, you must still arrange your own accommodation, as the school does not specify homestay availability.
Q: Does Port Hacking High School offer EAL/D support for international students? A: No. The school does not have an EAL/D program. International students must have sufficient English proficiency to participate in mainstream classes without additional language assistance. This is a key factor to consider when applying.
Q: Can I start at Port Hacking High School mid-year? A: The NSW DoE data does not specify mid-year intake restrictions for this school. However, applications for international students are typically processed for start dates at the beginning of the school year (late January) or at the start of Term 2 (late April), subject to capacity. It is best to apply early, as places are limited.
Q: What is the application deadline for Port Hacking High School? A: The NSW Department of Education does not publish a specific deadline for this school. International student applications are accepted throughout the year, but early application is strongly recommended due to limited capacity. Applications should be submitted through DE International, not directly to the school.
Data Source and Methodology
All capacity data in this article comes from the NSW Department of Education International Students Capacity Update dated 1 June 2026. This is a guide only and places are subject to availability and DE International assessment. The data includes:
- Year-level availability for 2026 and 2027
- Catchment area status (N/A for international students)
- Homestay availability (not specified)
- EAL/D support status (not offered)
- Special conditions (none)
The school profile information is drawn from publicly available sources, including the MySchool website and the NSW Department of Education’s school finder tool. Student numbers and program details are approximate and may change. No independent verification of specific extracurricular programs was conducted for this article.
Sources
- NSW Department of Education International Students Capacity Update (1 June 2026)
- NSW Department of Education School Finder: education.nsw.gov.au/school-finder
- MySchool website: myschool.edu.au (for general school profile data)