Education
Education in Durham
Schools, universities, TAFE and early learning in Durham. Education news and information from The Daily Durham.
Education in Durham
Durham has a well-developed education system spanning early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary education. State government schools are funded and managed at the state and territory level. Private and Catholic schools operate alongside the public system. Universities and TAFE institutes provide tertiary and vocational pathways.
Primary and secondary schools
Durham has a range of government and non-government primary and secondary schools. Government schools are generally allocated by catchment zone. Private and Catholic schools often draw from a broader area and require enrolment applications. School performance varies by institution — checking NAPLAN results and ATAR outcomes is worthwhile for families making school selections.
Early childhood education and care
Long day care, family day care and preschool (kindergarten) options are available across Durham. The federal childcare subsidy reduces out-of-pocket costs for eligible families. Demand for places at popular centres is high — early registration is important, particularly for inner-city and coastal areas with competitive markets.
Universities and higher education
Durham is served by one or more universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs across arts, sciences, business, law, health and engineering. University rankings, program-specific reputation and location relative to your suburb all affect the right choice for your circumstances. Applications are made through UAC (NSW/ACT), VTAC (Victoria), QTAC (Queensland), SATAC (SA) or the relevant state equivalent.
TAFE and vocational training
TAFE institutes in Durham provide vocational education and training (VET) in trades, healthcare, hospitality, business, creative arts and IT. Certificate and diploma programs are typically shorter and more practically oriented than university degrees. TAFE is the main pathway for apprenticeships and traineeships in the building and construction trades.
International students
Durham welcomes international students across its schools and tertiary institutions. Universities provide dedicated international student support services. English language colleges (ELICOS) prepare students for mainstream study. International students contribute significantly to the city's economy and cultural diversity.