Head-to-head · 2026
Geelong Lutheran College vs Kardinia International 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 6 June 2026.
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At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Geelong Lutheran College is Lutheran; Kardinia International College is Independent (secular).
- Gender: Geelong Lutheran College is co-ed; Kardinia International College is co-educational.
- Year 12 fees differ by $5,157: Geelong Lutheran College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 42: Kardinia International College draws from a more advantaged community.
- Geelong Lutheran College is the older school (est. 1962 vs 1996).
- Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Geelong Lutheran College | Kardinia International College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Armstrong Creek, Geelong | Bell Post Hill, Geelong |
| Sector | Lutheran | Independent (secular) |
| Gender | co-ed | co-educational |
| Year levels | Prep-12 (Armstrong Creek); Prep-6 (St John's Newtown) | ELC to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1077 | 1119 |
| Year 12 fee | $12,730 | $17,887 |
| Year 7 fee | $9,490 | $13,947 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1962 | 1996 |
| Religion | Lutheran | Non-denominational/secular |
All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Geelong Lutheran College
Standout strengths
- ›Two-campus Lutheran college (St John's Newtown, est. 1962, Prep-6; Armstrong Creek, opened 2009, Prep-12) with first Year 12 cohort graduating in 2014
- ›1:1 Laptop Program from Years 5-12 plus a Year 12 'Universities' live-in experience built into core tuition
- ›VCE electives in Outdoor & Environmental Studies, Systems Engineering, Product Design & Technology and Food Studies, with on-campus VET music and VET subsidies up to $500
Geelong Lutheran College is a co-educational P-12 Lutheran school operating across two Geelong campuses: St John's Newtown (Prep-6, founded 1962) and the larger Armstrong Creek campus (Prep-12, opened 2009). The two schools formally merged into one college with two campuses in 2023. Official 2026 fees run from $5,635 (Prep) to $12,730 (Year 12), with Year 7 at $9,490, and the school offers sibling and early-payment discounts. ICSEA 1077.
See full profile →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 →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Geelong Lutheran College or Kardinia International College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Kardinia International College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Geelong Lutheran 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 Geelong Lutheran College and Kardinia International College?
Geelong Lutheran College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $12,730 (Year 7: $9,490). Kardinia International College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,887 (Year 7: $13,947). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Geelong Lutheran College vs Kardinia International College?
Geelong Lutheran College has an ICSEA score of 1077; Kardinia International College has 1119. 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, Geelong Lutheran College or Kardinia International College?
Geelong Lutheran College is the older school (founded 1962 vs 1996 for Kardinia International College).
Do Geelong Lutheran College or Kardinia International College offer boarding?
Geelong Lutheran College: Day school only. Kardinia International College: 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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