Direct Answer
Yes, Randwick High School accepts international students. According to the NSW Department of Education’s International Students Capacity Update dated 1 June 2026, the school has open capacity for international enrolments in both 2026 and 2027. For 2026, places are available in Years 7, 8, 9, and 10. For 2027, places expand to include Years 7 through 11, offering a pathway for students aiming to complete their Higher School Certificate (HSC) at this Eastern Sydney comprehensive school. The school is flexible regarding its catchment area, meaning you do not need to live within the local zone to apply. However, homestay availability is limited, so securing approved accommodation early is essential. Randwick High School also provides English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) support for international students. 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.
Open Year Levels: 2026 vs 2027
The capacity data reveals a notable difference between the two intake years at Randwick High School.
- 2026 open year levels: Years 7, 8, 9, 10. The school is not listed as accepting international students into Year 11 for 2026. This means students wishing to commence their HSC studies in 2026 would need to look at other schools or apply for 2027.
- 2027 open year levels: Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. For the first time in this data cycle, Year 11 is open, which is significant for students planning to start their senior studies. Year 12 is not listed as available in either year, likely because international students typically need to complete at least two years of study in Australia to be eligible for an ATAR, and Year 12-only enrolments are rare.
This shift suggests that Randwick High School may have increased capacity in its senior school for 2027. If you are targeting a 2026 start, focus on Years 7–10. For 2027, Year 11 becomes a viable option. Note that places are subject to change, and early application is recommended.
Catchment Area and Accommodation
Randwick High School is located in the Eastern Sydney suburb of Randwick, approximately 6 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. The school’s catchment area is flexible for international students. This means that unlike some NSW public high schools that strictly enforce residential boundaries, Randwick High School can accept students who live outside the local zone. This flexibility is a significant advantage for families who may not yet have secured permanent housing in the immediate area.
However, the school’s homestay availability is listed as “limited.” Homestay is the most common accommodation arrangement for international high school students under 18 in NSW. The limited supply means that students who require homestay must arrange it well in advance. DE International does not directly provide homestay placements, but approved providers can assist. If you are applying without a parent living in Sydney, you will need to demonstrate a suitable homestay arrangement as part of your visa and enrolment conditions. The flexibility on catchment does not extend to accommodation requirements—students must still have a safe, approved living situation.
English Language Support (EAL/D)
Randwick High School offers EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) support for international students. This is a standard program in NSW public schools designed to help non-native English speakers develop their academic English skills while studying mainstream subjects. The school does not appear to have a dedicated Intensive English Centre (IEC) on site, but it provides in-class support and targeted EAL/D lessons.
For students arriving with intermediate English proficiency, this support can be crucial for success in subjects like English, History, and Science. It is important to note that all international students must meet the English language proficiency requirements set by DE International, typically demonstrated through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent scores. The EAL/D program helps bridge any gaps once enrolled. If a student requires more intensive English preparation, they may be directed to a nearby IEC before transitioning to Randwick High School.
School Profile
Randwick High School is a comprehensive (non-selective) coeducational high school located in the Eastern Sydney suburb of Randwick. It serves students from Years 7 to 12 and has a student population of approximately 1,100 to 1,200 students, based on publicly available data. The school is situated near landmarks such as the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Prince of Wales Hospital, and Coogee Beach.
The school offers a broad curriculum with strengths in the performing arts, visual arts, and sports. It has a well-regarded music program and participates in the NSW Premier’s Sporting Challenge. While not academically selective, Randwick High School consistently achieves solid HSC results, with a significant proportion of students progressing to university, including nearby UNSW and the University of Sydney. The school’s facilities include a library, modern science labs, and sporting fields. Its location in a vibrant, multicultural suburb makes it attractive to international students who want a balanced urban lifestyle close to beaches and the city.
Who This School Suits (And Who It Doesn’t)
Randwick High School suits:
- International students targeting Years 7–10 for 2026 or Years 7–11 for 2027 who value catchment flexibility.
- Families who can arrange homestay early, given the limited availability. Students with parents living in Sydney or those who can secure private rental accommodation will find the catchment flexibility advantageous.
- Students who need EAL/D support and prefer a comprehensive school environment over a selective or specialist school.
- Students interested in a coastal, urban lifestyle with proximity to UNSW and the city.
Randwick High School may not suit:
- Students seeking Year 12-only enrolment, as the school does not list Year 12 capacity for international students in the current data.
- Students who require guaranteed homestay through the school—since homestay is limited, those without pre-arranged accommodation may face challenges.
- Students who want a highly selective academic environment; Randwick is comprehensive and does not have an entrance exam.
- Students looking for a school with an on-site Intensive English Centre; while EAL/D is offered, intensive language preparation may need to be arranged elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Randwick High School accept international students in Year 11 in 2026? A: No. According to the 1 June 2026 capacity data, Year 11 is not open for international students in 2026. However, Year 11 is listed as open for 2027, so students planning to start senior studies should target the 2027 intake.
Q: Do I need to live in the catchment area to attend Randwick High School as an international student? A: No. The school is flexible with its catchment area for international students. You are not required to live within the local zone. However, you must still arrange approved accommodation, and homestay availability is limited, so early planning is essential.
Q: Does Randwick High School offer EAL/D support for international students? A: Yes. The school provides English as an Additional Language/Dialect support for international students. This includes in-class assistance and targeted lessons to help students develop academic English skills while studying mainstream subjects.
Q: Can I start at Randwick High School in Year 7 as an international student in 2027? A: Yes. Year 7 is listed as open for international students in both 2026 and 2027. This is a common entry point for students beginning their secondary education in Australia.
Q: What happens if homestay is full? A: With limited homestay availability, you may need to secure accommodation through an approved homestay provider or arrange for a parent or guardian to live in Sydney. The school’s catchment flexibility does not override visa accommodation requirements.
Data Source and Methodology
All capacity and condition data 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 schools are accepting international students, for which year levels, and under what conditions (catchment flexibility, homestay availability, and EAL/D support). As stated by the NSW Department of Education, this data 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. The information is current as of the 1 June 2026 capacity update and may change. Readers should verify current availability directly through the official application process.
See Also
Sources
- NSW Department of Education International Students Capacity Update, 1 June 2026.
- NSW Department of Education School Finder: education.nsw.gov.au/school-finder