2026 Sessional kindergarten

Apply for 2026 sessional kindergarten

Not all kindergartens have vacancies in 2026. We encourage you to contact the Kindergarten Central Enrolment team prior to applying to find out more information about vacancies. Please email centralenrolments@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call  9240 2477.

If you prefer not to contact the Central Enrolment Team first, or if you already know your preferred kindergarten—even if it has a waiting list—you can apply directly  through our Kindergarten Enrolment portal.

Apply online for kindergarten in 2026.

Before you apply for 2026 Kindergarten

• Age requirements for kindergarten in 2026

  Your child must turn 3 or 4 by 30 April 2026 to apply for the relevant kindergarten program.

  3-year-old children can only start after they that have turned 3.

  If your child is already attending kindergarten elsewhere (including long day care), you must cancel that place before applying. Funding can only go to one kindergarten at a time.

• Participating kindergartens

   You can see which kindergartens are part of the Merri-bek Central Enrolment Scheme in our 2026 Sessional Kindergarten Poster (PDF) (PDF 976Kb).

  Choosing a Kindergarten

  • Not all kindergartens have vacancies for 2026.
  • We encourage families to contact the Kindergarten Central Enrolment Team before applying to check availability:
  • Email: centralenrolments@merri-bek.vic.gov.au 
  • Phone: (03) 9240 2477

  If a kindergarten is full, you can still apply, but you will need to wait until a place becomes available. Places open only if there is a cancellation or a change in group capacity.

  When you contact the Central Enrolment Team, they will tell you:

  • Which kindergartens have vacancies
  • Which session times are available
• What you need for a kindergarten application

  To apply, you must:

  • Complete an application for each child.
  • Include all required documents, such as:
  • Birth certificate, passport, or Australian Immunisation History Statement (make sure your child’s name matches these documents).
  • Any court, intervention, or custody orders.
  • Proof if you are a guardian but not the parent.
  • Sign the application as the parent or guardian.

  The Kindergarten Central Enrolment Team will only speak with the people listed as contacts in your application.

  Important: Submitting an application does not guarantee a place at your preferred kindergarten.

• Immunisation requirements for kindergarten

  Before your child can start kindergarten, you must provide proof that your child is fully immunised for their age prior to starting kindergarten.
  This proof must be an up-to-date Australian Immunisation History Statement.
  Kindergartens cannot accept an immunisation book or a letter from your doctor.

  Learn more about Victoria’s No Jab No Play.

Supporting documents for kindergarten applications

• Proof of child’s age

  Attach one of these for you child:

  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Australian Immunisation History Statement
  • Immigration document

   

• Residency in Merri-bek

  Provide a recent document showing your name and address, such as:

  • Rates notice
  • Property contract of sale
  • Rental lease agreement
  • Utility bill
• Additional needs

  If your child or family has additional needs, you may need extra support. Provide:

  • A letter from a doctor, specialist, or health professional confirming:
  • Disability or developmental delay (diagnosed or being assessed)
  • Eligibility for NDIS or Early Childhood Intervention services
  • Complex medical needs
  • Or proof of a Disability Health Care Card
  • Or referral from a professional (e.g., Maternal and Child Health nurse, allied health, Preschool Field Officer)
    Parents or carers with a disability or complex medical needs may also qualify.
• Children eligible for the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy

   If you hae one of these fee subsidy cards plase incluse with you application: 

  • Health Care Card
  • Pensioner Concession Card
  • Veteran’s Affairs Card
• Orders applicable

    If there is any court order, intervention order, or parental/guardian order about custody, include a copy with your application.  

• Link to Merri-bek (if you live outside the municipality)

  Show your connection to Merri-bek by providing:

  • A letter or invoice from your employer or education provider, or a student card (if you work or study in  Merri-bek)
  • A fee invoice from a child care centre or school in Merri-bek (if your child attends there)

  Non-residents with no link to Merri-bek can still apply for kindergarten.

Applying from Overseas for 2026

You cannot apply online from outside Australia. Our system does not allow applications from overseas, and places cannot be held for long because most kindergartens have limited vacancies.

Up-to-date Immunisations is required before your child can start. You must show proof that your child’s vaccinations meet Australian standards before we can look at places.

For help applying while overseas, email   centralenrolments@merri-bek.vic.gov.au.

Recently Arrived in Australia and Want to Apply for Kindergarten in 2026?

Up-to-date Immunisation is required before your child can start kindergarten.
You must provide proof that your child’s vaccinations meet Australian standards before we can offer your child a place

For help applying after arriving in Australia, email   l centralenrolments@merri-bek.vic.gov.au.