Enrolment Information

When to apply?

At DSM, places are limited and applying early is common practice in Australia. Submitting your application well in advance gives your child the best chance of securing a place. We accept applications year-round and offer flexible start dates, depending on availability.

Enrolment Requirements

Deutsche Schule Melbourne welcomes families from all cultural and language backgrounds. We offer a supportive and inclusive learning environment, with no prior German language skills required for entry into Foundation Year or Year 1.

To enrol in the Foundation Year at DSM, your child must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of a recognised four-year-old Kindergarten program
• Be five years old by 1 January in the year they begin Foundation Year
• Children who turn five between 1 January and the last day of February may also be considered, subject to a successful School Readiness Assessment

Entry into Year 2 and Above

For students entering Year 2 and above, our enrolment meeting will include a detailed discussion about their linguistic background and readiness for our bilingual program. Specifically, we will cover:

• Your child’s experience with German and English
• Their openness to bilingual learning
• How we can support a smooth transition into our bicultural school setting

We also review recent school reports and discuss the options for a trial day, so your child can experience our unique classroom environment. To find the best possible placement, we may arrange an additional more formal language assessment for your child.

Start your child's journey: How to apply

1. Submit an Application
   Complete the Application for Enrolment and provide supporting documents such as your child’s birth certificate, passport, visa (if applicable), immunisation record, and any relevant reports.
   
   
2. Attend an Enrolment Meeting
   Families applying for Foundation Year will be invited to meet our Principal around 14 months before the intended start date. For mid-year starts or applications for later year levels, enrolment meetings are scheduled on demand. It is a great opportunity to learn more about DSM and ask questions.
   
   
3. Receive an Offer
   If a place is available for your child, you’ll receive a written Offer of Place. To confirm your child’s enrolment at DSM, simply return the signed enrolment agreement and make the required payments by the deadline stated in your offer documents:
   • A$1,400 enrolment fee (non-refundable)
   • A$3,000 capital contribution (applied over the first three school years)
   
   
4. Confirmation of Place
   Once we have received your signed enrolment agreement and payment, we will confirm your child’s place at DSM. This gives your family the reassurance of having a secured school place well in advance – typically around one year before your child begins – allowing you to plan ahead with confidence and ease
   

Transitioning to School

We want to make the start of school a positive and smooth experience for every child. In Victoria, it is common practice to support children entering Foundation Year with a gentle transition – and German School Melbourne is no exception. 

To help your child settle in with confidence, we offer two Foundation Year transition lessons in November before the school year begins. During these sessions, your child will visit a Foundation Year classroom, meet their future teachers and classmates, and be paired with a ‘Buddy’ – a current student who will help them feel welcome from day one.

In addition, the first six Wednesdays of Term 1 are free for Foundation Year students. This easing-in period allows children time to adjust to the new school environment at a comfortable pace.

For students starting at DSM in later year levels or during the school year, we provide an individual welcome and – ideally – a trial day before they begin. If a trial day is not possible, we work closely with families to support a smooth and supported transition into our school community.

Would you like to learn more about our school?

Ready to Enrol?