Head-to-head · 2026
Kardinia International College vs The Geelong College
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.
Looking for just one school's fees and full profile?
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Kardinia International College is Independent (secular); The Geelong College is Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian).
- The Geelong College offers boarding; Kardinia International College is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $20,653: Kardinia International College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 11: The Geelong College draws from a more advantaged community.
- The Geelong College is the older school (est. 1861 vs 1996).
- Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Kardinia International College | The Geelong College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Bell Post Hill, Geelong | Newtown, Geelong |
| Sector | Independent (secular) | Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian) |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | ELC to Year 12 | ELC to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1119 | 1130 |
| Year 12 fee | $17,887 | $38,540 |
| Year 7 fee | $13,947 | $30,172 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes · $31,080/yr |
| Founded | 1996 | 1861 |
| Religion | Non-denominational/secular | Uniting Church in Australia (associated, not governed) |
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
See full profile →The Geelong College
Standout strengths
- ›Heritage co-ed boarding option founded 1861
- ›Strong rowing tradition (Head of the River)
- ›Year 12 fees billed over three terms only
Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian) co-educational school in Newtown, Geelong. Heritage co-ed boarding option founded 1861
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Kardinia International College or The Geelong College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Geelong College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Kardinia International College 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 The Geelong College?
Kardinia International College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,887 (Year 7: $13,947). The Geelong College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $38,540 (Year 7: $30,172). 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 The Geelong College?
Kardinia International College has an ICSEA score of 1119; The Geelong College has 1130. 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 The Geelong College?
The Geelong College is the older school (founded 1861 vs 1996 for Kardinia International College).
Do Kardinia International College or The Geelong College offer boarding?
Kardinia International College: Day school only. The Geelong College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $31,080/yr.
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.
Open calculator →