Head-to-head · 2026

Kardinia International College vs St Joseph's 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); St Joseph's College Geelong is Catholic.
  • Gender: Kardinia International College is co-educational; St Joseph's College Geelong is boys.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $9,787: St Joseph's College Geelong is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 44: Kardinia International College draws from a more advantaged community.
  • St Joseph's College Geelong is the older school (est. 1935 vs 1996).
  • Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Kardinia International College St Joseph's College Geelong
City / suburbBell Post Hill, GeelongNewtown, Geelong
SectorIndependent (secular)Catholic
Genderco-educationalboys
Year levelsELC to Year 12Year 7 to Year 12
ICSEA11191075
Year 12 fee$17,887$8,100
Year 7 fee$13,947$8,100
BoardingDay schoolDay school
Founded19961935
ReligionNon-denominational/secularRoman Catholic (Edmund Rice Education Australia)

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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St Joseph's College Geelong

Standout strengths

  • Largest Catholic boys' school in regional Victoria
  • Christian Brothers / Edmund Rice Education Australia tradition
  • Includes Notebook Computer hire in tuition fee

Catholic boys school in Newtown, Geelong. Largest Catholic boys' school in regional Victoria

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Kardinia International College or St Joseph's College Geelong?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Kardinia International College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Joseph's 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 St Joseph's College Geelong?

Kardinia International College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,887 (Year 7: $13,947). St Joseph's College Geelong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $8,100 (Year 7: $8,100). 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 St Joseph's College Geelong?

Kardinia International College has an ICSEA score of 1119; St Joseph's College Geelong has 1075. 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 St Joseph's College Geelong?

St Joseph's College Geelong is the older school (founded 1935 vs 1996 for Kardinia International College).

Do Kardinia International College or St Joseph's College Geelong offer boarding?

Kardinia International College: Day school only. St Joseph's 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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