Number of preschool students in Australia - Data and Analysis (2000-2034)

IBISWorld forecasts the number of preschool students to tick up by 1.2% in 2027 to 365,400. Preschool enrolment continues to strengthen, reflecting conditions created by robust federal financing, ongoing migration inflows and a growing population of four- and five-year-olds. Subsidies from continuing Commonwealth programs keep prices low for families, with the majority paying less than $4 per hour after deductions. Since January 2026, all CSS-eligible families have access to at least 72 hours of subsidised care. Positive net migration promotes population growth and enrolment increases in urban and regional areas.The latest ABS data show that more than 350,000 children aged four or five were enrolled in a preschool program in 2025, a 2.6% hike over the previous year. Enrolments are estimated to reach 365,400 in 2027 and nearly nine out of 10 four-year-olds now receive formal preschool instruction. Preschool students' ages range from three to six years old, with most preschoolers aged four or five. The number of four- and five-year-olds in Australia has increased over the five years through 2027, largely in line with overall population growth, thereby applying upwards pressure on preschool enrolment rates over the period.On 1 July 2013, the Federal, State and Territory Governments of Australia implemented the National Partnership Agreement on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education, ensuring that all children can access 600 hours of preschool education per year before beginning primary school, delivered by a qualified teacher who meets the requirements of the National Quality Framework. Over the past five years, consistent growth in funding for the Federal Government's National Partnership Agreement on Universal Access to Early Childhood Education, which has since continued as the Preschool Reform Funding Agreement, a $2 billion reform that ran from 2022 to 2025, has contributed to growth in preschool enrolment numbers.Subsidies and financing for preschool and early childhood education in Australia are rapidly rising, with new state and territory initiatives improving cost and availability for families. An expansion in subsidies made available by state and territory governments has also supported parent and guardian engagement and preschool student enrolment numbers. Overall, IBISWorld forecasts that the number of preschool students will expand at an annualised rate of 1.8% over the five years through the end of 2027.