Kindergarten registration
On this page:
Kindergarten registration in Merri‑bek is a simple and fair process. Use this page to check year‑specific information, learn what to prepare before applying, and find out what happens next. When you’re ready, you can register for sessional kindergarten using our online form.
2027 kindergarten registrations
Registrations for 2027 are open now.
We encourage families to register between 1 April and 30 June to be included in the August offers round. Applications received from 1 July 2026 will be included in offer rounds from September onwards.
- Children must turn 3 or 4 by 30 April 2027 to be eligible.
- You can use the age calculator if you are unsure about your child’s start year.
- See the 2027 Kindergarten Poster (PDF 187Kb) for the list of participating kindergartens.
Note: For Barry Beckett Children's Centre registrations (both integrated and sessional kindergarten) please apply through the Early Years Services page.
2026 kindergarten registrations
Registrations for 2026 are open.
Some kindergartens may have limited places or already have waitlists, so we encourage families to contact the Kindergarten Central Registration Team before registering to discuss current availability and the best options for your child and family.
- Children must turn 3 or 4 by 30 April 2026 to be eligible.
- You can use the age calculator if you’re unsure about your child’s start year.
- See the 2026 Kindergarten Poster (PDF 138Kb) for participating kindergartens.
Before completing your kindergarten application
Before you apply, it’s important to read the information on our Kindergarten Guidelines and Information page. This page explains what you need to prepare before starting your application, including the documents you must provide.
You can learn about the documents you need to provide, how to choose your preferences, age eligibility (including January–April birthdays), immunisation requirements, funding and free kinder, and Priority of Access (PoA) and Merri‑bek’s local criteria.
Families will need to gather all required documents before applying, as the registration form must be completed in a single session.
What happens after I apply for kindergarten
After you submit your registration, the Kindergarten Central Registration Team will review your details and contact you if anything is missing. You will be notified during the offer rounds about whether your child has received a place or been placed on a waiting list.
We encourage families to read our Kindergarten Guidelines and Information page to better understand the processes and timelines we follow to allocate kindergarten places fairly. On this page you can learn more about how your application is assessed, what happens if documents are missing, when offer rounds occur, how offers are made, how waiting lists work, and what to do if you need to make changes.
What happens after I have applied for kinder
Register online for sessional kindergarten
Once you’ve read the information above and gathered your required documents, you can apply for 2026 or 2027 sessional kindergarten using our online form. Please note that the registration form must be completed in a single session, so make sure you have everything ready before you begin.
If you are ready to register, please complete out online kindergarten registration form.
Kindergarten registration form
Having trouble with your kindergarten application?
If you’re experiencing issues or can’t complete a registration online, please email kindergartenregistrations@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call us on 9240 2477 for support.
If you need help to register, including interpreter support or assistance completing the form, the Kindergarten Outreach Team can help support the process.