Temporary Enrolment at DSM

The process for Temporary Enrolment

Application Process

DSM welcomes applications from families temporarily residing in Melbourne seeking short-term enrolment for one term (10 weeks) up to three terms. If you are interested in enrolling your child at DSM, please contact the school and provide the following information: the child's name and birthdate, their current grade level, and their most recent school reports. Additionally, kindly let us know your expected dates of stay in Melbourne and your visa subclass number so we can check your eligibility for short-term enrolment.

To complete the application, we will require the application form, a copy of the passport, a copy of the birth certificate, and the Australian visa. We also invite you to a video call with our Principal, Mr. Jörg Dopfer, to get to know your family, discuss expectations, and address any questions you may have.

Our fee schedule is available for your reference. An additional charge of $1,500 per child per term may apply. Consolidated charges will be calculated on a pro-rata basis. We would be happy to provide an estimated cost and assist you with any further questions. For more details or long-term international enrolments, please contact our Admissions Manager at enrolments@dsm.org.au. 


Placement at DSM

The Australian school year runs from January to December, which creates a six-month offset for children coming from outside the Australian education system. To ensure a smooth transition and prevent children from feeling overwhelmed, we generally place these students six months behind their current grade level. In rare cases, a child may be placed in a higher grade. This decision is made solely by the school principal, who reviews the most recent school reports and consults with teachers in Germany before finalising the placement.”

In Victoria, formal schooling begins at age 5 with the Foundation Year, roughly corresponding to the first half of German primary school. Children joining DSM who have not yet started school in a German-speaking country but whose peers in Australia have already begun the school year will undergo an individual assessment to determine the most appropriate year level. Placement decisions prioritise the child’s learning needs and interests and are made under the authority of the school, ensuring a smooth transition without overwhelming the child.”

We look forward to arranging a non-binding video call with you to discuss the possible schooling of your children.