Head-to-head · 2026

Kardinia International College vs Saint Ignatius College Geelong

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Geelong. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 11 June 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 11 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Kardinia International College is Independent (secular); Saint Ignatius College Geelong is Catholic (Jesuit tradition).
  • Year 12 fees differ by $10,587: Saint Ignatius College Geelong is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 62: Kardinia International College draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Kardinia International College Saint Ignatius College Geelong
City / suburbBell Post Hill, GeelongDrysdale, Geelong
SectorIndependent (secular)Catholic (Jesuit tradition)
Genderco-educationalco-educational
Year levelsELC to Year 12Year 7 to Year 12
ICSEA11191057
Year 12 fee$17,887$7,300
Year 7 fee$13,947$6,900
BoardingDay schoolDay school
Founded19961997
ReligionNon-denominational/secularRoman Catholic (Jesuit tradition)

All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

Kardinia International College

Standout strengths

  • IB World School: Primary Years Programme + IB Diploma alongside VCE
  • Three campuses with school bus included in fees
  • More educationally advantaged than 96% of Australian schools

Independent (secular) co-educational school in Bell Post Hill, Geelong. IB World School: Primary Years Programme + IB Diploma alongside VCE

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Saint Ignatius College Geelong

Standout strengths

  • Bellarine Peninsula Jesuit-tradition Catholic college
  • Year 7 students purchase MacBook ($1,900) for use through to Year 12
  • Years 8-12 charged at the same flat tuition rate

Catholic (Jesuit tradition) co-educational school in Drysdale, Geelong. Bellarine Peninsula Jesuit-tradition Catholic college

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Kardinia International College or Saint Ignatius College Geelong?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Kardinia International College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Saint Ignatius College Geelong is more affordable. Both are in Geelong. The most meaningful comparison is on culture, programs, transport and entry pathway for your specific child – visit open days and talk to current parents.

What are the 2026 fees for Kardinia International College and Saint Ignatius College Geelong?

Kardinia International College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,887 (Year 7: $13,947). Saint Ignatius College Geelong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,300 (Year 7: $6,900). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for Kardinia International College vs Saint Ignatius College Geelong?

Kardinia International College has an ICSEA score of 1119; Saint Ignatius College Geelong has 1057. The Australian median is 1000. ICSEA measures the socio-educational advantage of the school community – it correlates with academic outcomes but does NOT measure teaching quality or value-add. ICSEA is published by ACARA on MySchool.

Which school is older, Kardinia International College or Saint Ignatius College Geelong?

Kardinia International College is the older school (founded 1996 vs 1997 for Saint Ignatius College Geelong).

Do Kardinia International College or Saint Ignatius College Geelong offer boarding?

Kardinia International College: Day school only. Saint Ignatius College Geelong: Day school only.

Next step

Model the 6-year cost for either school

Project Year 7-12 tuition with 4.5% annual indexation. Add boarding, levies and sibling discounts. Compare side-by-side.

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