The Best Boarding Schools in Melbourne

Discover the best Boarding Schools in Melbourne in this 2025 guide. Explore top-rated schools, tuition costs, parent reviews, and more.

The Best Boarding Schools in Melbourne

Melbourne, a city renowned for its eclectic art scene, prestigious universities, and rich cultural tapestry, is also home to some of the finest boarding schools in Australia. These institutions stand out not just for their academic rigor but for the comprehensive development they offer to students. Here, we delve into the myriad benefits of attending a boarding school in Melbourne and conclude with why this city could be the perfect choice for your child’s educational journey.

Table of Contents

Why Choose a Boarding School in Melbourne?

Choosing a boarding school in Melbourne offers a myriad of advantages that extend beyond the core academic offerings. Melbourne, known for its cultural diversity and vibrant educational landscape, provides an enriching environment for students to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially.

A Rich Educational Environment

Melbourne’s boarding schools boast rigorous academic programs backed by qualified and experienced teachers. These institutions often have smaller class sizes, which allows for personalized attention and tailored instruction that can adapt to individual student needs. The curriculum is typically broad, covering not only the essentials but also offering advanced placement courses and international baccalaureate programs, which are recognized globally.

Comprehensive Development Opportunities

Boarding schools in Melbourne are not just about academic excellence; they also focus on the holistic development of students. They offer a wealth of extracurricular activities including sports, arts, music, and various clubs, all of which are integral to developing team skills, leadership, and personal interests. Moreover, the residential aspect of these schools helps students develop independence and self-reliance, preparing them for university life and beyond.

Cultural Integration and Global Networking

Located in one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities, Melbourne boarding schools attract students from across the globe. This diversity introduces students to different cultures and perspectives, enriching their educational experience and fostering a global outlook. The connections made in these schools often last a lifetime, offering significant networking opportunities that can be beneficial in future careers.

Support Systems and Safety

The supportive environment of boarding schools in Melbourne is another significant benefit. These schools provide robust support systems through mentorships, counseling services, and pastoral care, ensuring that students’ emotional and mental wellbeing is addressed. Additionally, the secure campuses offer peace of mind to parents knowing that their children are in a safe and nurturing environment.

In conclusion, choosing a boarding school in Melbourne is not merely an academic decision but a holistic one. It offers students a unique blend of rigorous education, comprehensive development, cultural exposure, and strong support systems, all within the safety of well-maintained and caring school communities.

How much does it cost to attend Boarding Schools in Melbourne?

The yearly tuition fees for Boarding Schools in Melbourne generally range from $20,000 to $40,000 per year. This cost can vary based on factors like the curriculum, the quality of campus facilities, the standard of boarding, and the services – with some top-tier schools exceeding $50,000 annually.
Category
Low Range
High Range
Annual Tuition
$20,000
$40,000
Monthly Tuition Equivalent
$1,665
$3,335
Registration Fee (one-time)
$1,000
$2,000
Uniforms & Materials
$300
$500
Extras & Trips
$500
$1,000
Total Est. Annual Cost
$22,800
$45,500

Top Boarding Schools Melbourne 2025

Discover top Boarding Schools in Melbourne. Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.

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WSBanner St Catherines School

St Catherine’s School

  • Victoria - Melbourne
  • Girls Only
  • 3 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • School type:Day & Boarding School
  • Yearly fee: 14,120 - 89,820 aud
  • Curriculum:Australian Curriculum, Other
  • Foundation:1986
Established in 1896, our reputation as a leader in girls’ education, for well over a century, is based on our readiness to embrace innovation. St Catherine’s School aspires to graduating intellectually and emotionally agile young women, fully prepared to navigate their futures across new and emerging industries, thrive within global and digital communities, persevere during adversity and remain authentic and fearless in all they pursue.Our goals begin with the values...
  • Emphasis on Women's Leadership Skills
  • Tailored Wellbeing Programs
  • Innovative STEAM Curriculum

Annual tuition fees at St Catherine’s School range from 14,120 aud to 89,820 aud, depending on the student's grade level and program.

mlc cover

Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC)

  • Victoria - Melbourne
  • Girls Only
  • 4 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • School type:Day & Boarding School
  • Yearly fee: 23,250 - 54,330 aud
  • Curriculum:IB Curriculum
  • Foundation:1882
  • Community: 2200 students
  • Examinations:IB Diploma
  • Language:English
Established in 1882, Methodist Ladies' College has long been recognised as one of Melbourne’s finest independent Prep to Year 12 day and boarding schools for girls and a leader in co-ed Early Learning. MLC is renowned for our extensive curriculum and co-curricular choice, innovative approach to education and wellbeing, inspiring learning environments, and outstanding academic results.As a non-denominational, open-entry College, we offer an inclusive and welcoming environment, where our students...
We enjoy the largest VCE, VCE VET, and IB subject choice of any girls’ school in Victoria. MLC is an exciting and rewarding place for our students to learn and prepare for the future.In Years 11 and 12, students reach the fulfilment of their Secondary Schooling. At MLC, every passion and interest catered for across our extensive subject offerings and pathways. Senior School students may graduate with an academically focused...
  • Unites faith with progressive learning.
  • Offers immersive boarding experiences.
  • Pioneers in tech-integrated education.

Annual tuition fees at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) range from 23,250 aud to 54,330 aud, depending on the student's grade level and program.

scotch college melbourne

Scotch College Melbourne

  • Victoria - Melbourne
  • Co-Education
  • 4 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • School type:Day & Boarding School
  • Yearly fee: 38,580 - 47,877 aud
  • Curriculum:Australian Curriculum
  • Foundation:1845
  • Language:English
Enlightening boys to shape a better future We know the world needs more good men. Men who are inspiring role models, empathetic leaders, uplifting partners, loving fathers, and positive changemakers. At Scotch College, we provide a holistic, values-based education that strives to prepare boys for fulfilling, meaningful lives of contribution. Our curriculum is underpinned by a character-based framework and, from Prep to Year 12, our boys are engaged in a...
The Scotch Family and its broader community surround our boys with positive role models and foster a culture in which each student’s unique personality and personal agency are recognised. Boys are treated as active and valued contributors to their own learning and encouraged to build mutually respectful relationships with their teachers and peers. This environment fosters inquiry and critical thinking through open dialogue and respectful debate. Our research-informed pedagogies engage...
  • Mastery-based, personalized learning.
  • Emphasis on practical life skills.
  • Vibrant, hands-on arts program.

Annual tuition fees at Scotch College Melbourne range from 38,580 aud to 47,877 aud, depending on the student's grade level and program.

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Insights & Updates from Boarding Schools

Expert Insights from Boarding Schools in Melbourne

Parent and Student Reviews

  • September, 2025
    It’s an awesome place. I can really see how much my son has grown in his learning.
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  • Karl and I just wish we have discovered your school much earlier. We would like to reiterate from parents who have sent our daughter to a private school all her life, Elea High has given her the most valuable and enriched environment to study. The first thing Grace has mentioned to us is how all the teachers spoke to her like an adult with respect instead of treating her like a little child. This made her feel she is worthy and made her feel comfortable in engaging. This is something she said she never experienced in her old school! Private schools may have all the fancy facilities and traditional values but what your school offered is what’s important in school life – respect and the right environment!
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  • September, 2025
    The TNIS community is warm and welcoming. She loves the school and is truly happy here. The teachers are very kind, and her classmates adore her! Yoyo’s language skills have improved rapidly, and I’m so glad we chose TNIS.
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  • September, 2025
    TNIS is more than a school—it’s an inclusive and nurturing international community. Our child has flourished here with newfound confidence, lifelong friendships, and continuous growth. As parents, we’ve always felt supported by the school’s professionalism. We wholeheartedly recommend TNIS to families worldwide!
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  • September, 2025
    They have literacy support where you get to read books and answer questions which help your English.
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  • I spent two months at the school and I had a very positive experience. I was warmly welcomed by both the teachers and the students and immediately felt at home. All my requests regarding the timetable were taken into account, and the individual students are also very well supported in other areas. I had a wonderful time at the school and am grateful that I was accepted at such short notice.
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  • NSA was a life changing experience for our family. Our son is living a sober, happy, healthy life, thanks in part to the skills he learned and nurturing he received at NSA, as well as the hard work he has done on his own since returning from NSA. We are forever grateful that the fates directed us to NSA for support during a difficult period. Highly recommend!
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  • September, 2025
    NSA is an amazing school and saved my sons life. It is a place where you can send your son and know he will be well taken care of and loved. From the minute we visited the school to when my son graduated, we were always met with big smiles and hugs. The staff is top notch and have the patience of saints. The location is beautiful and easy to get to from San Jose. I would highly recommend NSA.
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  • I really can’t say enough great things about New Summit Academy. My son was there 5 years ago and I think the school helped contribute to the happy person he is today. The staff are all so wonderful, the setting is beautiful, and the kids really have fun and at the same time learn a lot about themselves. And, they go to high school too! I have no hesitation in recommending NSA.
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  • September, 2025
    Our son’s experience at NSA was transformative in so many ways.  The unique setting and culture, healthy lifestyle and routines, *great* therapists, focused academics, and candid peer feedback really helped him to mature and reset as he goes off to high school. The experience also improved our family relations and communication.

    We’re grateful!
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  • I think it’s the best English School in Madrid. I love it, and I know my daughter is well while she’s there.
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  • September, 2025
    Being rather shy, contained to himself and not speaking English our son started 7 years ago at grade 5. He developed to an open minded, critical person, self confident knowing about his talents and what he wants to look his life like. He made close friendships and even teachers became friends. Starting grade 12 this year he said that he doesn’t want school to end as he could not imagine to have a better time in life. What to say more?<div>P.S.: my older son attended a public &nbsp;school- the difference is tremendous!</div>
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Summary

Choosing a boarding school in Melbourne offers a well-rounded educational experience with a focus on personalized academic instruction, holistic development, and global cultural integration. These schools not only prepare students academically but also nurture their personal growth in a safe and supportive environment.