Mandarin Stars

What Mandarin Stars does

Mandarin Stars is a privately held Australian Mandarin Chinese language education provider founded in 2008 in Perth, Western Australia, operating under a franchise-plus-direct hybrid model. The company delivers immersion-based, play-led Mandarin classes to children from 18 months through adolescence, plus private tuition for adults, free classes for parents, school incursions and holiday workshops, and (as of 2025) official YCT and HSK proficiency testing through a CTI-approved Chinese Test Centre at its Perth head office. Its core product portfolio is segmented by age (Bubs & Tots Playgroup 1-3, Pre-school Mandarin 3-5, SuperSTARS 5-12, SuperTEENS 13+, Private/Adult), delivered through six franchise territories across Sydney (Chatswood, Gordon, St Ives, Strathfield), Melbourne (Chadstone) and Perth (South, North, Canning Vale), a dedicated online portal, and institutional partnerships with over 23 schools and 7 childcare centres across WA, NSW, and VIC.

Underlying methodology centres on a proprietary "3P" pedagogical framework (Playful, Practical, Proud) supported by a Video Learning Hub, age-segmented curriculum, and a small class format of 6-8 students. Technology is primarily content- and curriculum-driven rather than AI-driven; there is no disclosed adaptive learning engine, no API surface, and no proprietary AI model. Distribution is multi-channel: consumer-direct term enrolment with free trials, school and childcare channel partnerships for after-school delivery, school incursion and holiday workshops for community-led acquisition, and an online program providing nationwide reach.

The business model combines recurring term-based subscription revenue (per-term fees, 10-11 weeks, paid up front with a 5% sibling discount and government $50 Active and Creative Kids voucher acceptance), franchise/licence fees from territorial operators, private tuition billings, and unit-priced testing fees (YCT $40, HSK $50). Head office is lean (11-50 employees, Managing Director Rachael Goh since 2024), the company is bootstrapped with no disclosed external funding, and cumulative enrolments exceed 50,000 children since inception.

Name

Mandarin Stars

Legal name

Mandarin Stars

Website

https://mandarinstars.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Mandarin Stars is a privately held Australian franchise delivering immersion-based Mandarin Chinese classes to children aged 18 months to 18+ across Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, plus online nationwide, with school and childcare partnerships and a CTI-approved Chinese Test Centre.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Children's Language Education Services

NAICS

Language Schools (611630), Language Schools (61163), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Kids & Teens Language Enrichment Programs (EDAMAFAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

World Languages Instruction (School-Delivered) (EDAJAFAJ), Bilingual/Language-Immersion Preschools (EDACABAH), Bilingual / Language-Immersion Childcare Centers (EDACAAAI), Exam Preparation Language Programs (IELTS/TOEFL/DELE/DALF/HSK, etc.) (EDAIAEAD)

Keywords

• Mandarin language education
• Children language programs
• Immersion language learning
• Chinese proficiency testing
• Early childhood education

Headquarters

HQ city

Perth

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Term-Based Class Enrolment: Primary revenue stream from families enrolling children in weekly Mandarin classes across various programs. Fees are charged per term (approximately 10-11 weeks) and must be paid in full before classes commence. Class fees vary by location and program type. The company offers a 5% sibling discount for second and subsequent enrolments within the same family account.
2. Private Tuition: One-on-one or small group private Mandarin lessons for children, teenagers, and adults. These can be delivered at home, school, community venues, or online. Lessons are customised to individual goals including work, travel, study, family connections, or personal interest.
3. Chinese Proficiency Testing: Mandarin Stars Perth Head Office operates as an official Chinese Test Centre approved by CTI (Chinese Testing International). Revenue is generated from administering YCT (Youth Chinese Test) at $40 registration fee and HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) at $50 registration fee. Testing sessions are open to all Mandarin learners regardless of where they study.
4. Franchise Fees: Revenue from franchise operations where franchisees pay to operate Mandarin Stars programs in their territories. Franchisees receive brand rights, training, curriculum, marketing materials, and ongoing operational support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Mandarin Stars provides immersion-based Mandarin Chinese language education programs for children from 18 months through adults, delivered through age-appropriate weekly classes (Bubs & Tots, Pre-school, SuperSTARS, SuperTEENS, Adult). Programs are delivered via franchise-operated physical classrooms, online classes, school-based after-school programs, and childcare centre partnerships, and the Perth Head Office also operates a CTI-approved Chinese Test Centre administering YCT and HSK proficiency tests.

Product overview

Mandarin Stars is Australia’s original and leading immersion-based Mandarin language education provider operating since 2008. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of programs delivered through multiple channels: face-to-face classes at physical locations (Online Program, Bubs & Tots Playgroup, Pre-school Mandarin, SuperSTARS Mandarin, SuperTEENS Mandarin, Private Lesson & Adult Learning, Parents Class), school-based programs (School Incursions & Workshops, School Holiday Program, After School Programs, Programs for Childcare), and a Chinese Test Centre service for YCT and HSK certification. The programs serve children from 18 months through adults, covering ages 1-5, 5-12, 13+, and adult learners, with over 50,000 children having enrolled since inception.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Online Program Highly interactive, engaging, immersion-based Mandarin classes accessible from anywhere in Australia, allowing children and adults to learn Mandarin online with flexible scheduling and the same immersion-based curriculum as physical classes.
• Bubs & Tots Playgroup Playgroup-style classes for babies and toddlers aged 1-3 that introduce Mandarin through 100% immersion listening and speaking activities, developing an ear for the language and pronunciation of the 4 basic Mandarin tones.
• Pre-school Mandarin Small, highly interactive immersion classes for ages 3-5 that build strong listening and speaking skills while introducing basic characters, radical characters, and numbers through puppet shows, yoga, dramatic play, and language games. The 3-year program teaches over 240 vocabulary words plus phrases, sentence structures, and basic Chinese character introduction.
• SuperSTARS Mandarin Fun, engaging program for primary school-aged children (5-12) that develops listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through interactive games, role-play, storytelling, and cultural experiences using an immersion-based approach.
• SuperTEENS Mandarin Program designed for secondary school students (13+) that develops strong Mandarin language skills while building confidence to communicate in real-world situations, supporting school studies and preparation for YCT and HSK qualifications.
• Private Lesson & Adult Learning Flexible private lessons and adult learning programs tailored to individual goals for work, travel, study, family connections, or personal interest, available for children, teenagers and adults both face-to-face and online.
• School Incursions & Workshops Interactive, immersion-based workshops for schools, childcare centres, libraries, shopping centres and community events that engage children through music, movement, drama, arts and crafts, and introductory Mandarin language learning.
• School Holiday Program Creative Mandarin program for school holidays combining language learning, cultural exploration and hands-on activities in workshop format, currently available in Perth for children aged 3-12.
• After School Programs Mandarin language programs delivered directly at partner schools across Australia, offering structured curricular or co-curricular options that develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Established partnerships with over 23 schools including Ardross Primary, Barker College, Christ Church Grammar, Abbotsleigh Junior, Sydney Grammar St Ives, and Wesley College.
• Programs for Childcare Dedicated immersion-based Mandarin lessons specifically designed for childcare centres, early learning centres and preschools for children ages 1-5. Active partnerships with 7 centres including Stride Early Learning, Birra-Li, MLC Early Learning, Big Kids On Beaufort (WA); Little Sprouts, Neutral Bay Kindergarten (NSW); and Bright Horizon (VIC).
• Chinese Test Centre Official CTI-approved Chinese Test Centre operating at the Mandarin Stars Perth Head Office, offering YCT (Youth Chinese Test) at $40 registration and HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) at $50 registration. Test sessions are open to all Mandarin learners regardless of where they study.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 50,000 children have enrolled since 2008
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CTI (Chinese Testing International)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMandarin Stars Perth Head Office has been officially approved by CTI as one of Perth's recognised Chinese Test Centres for YCT (Youth Chinese Test) and HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test). This partnership enables the company to provide the local community with access to internationally recognised Chinese proficiency tests, including HSK, YCT, and BCT (Business Chinese Test).
• Stride Early Learning, ArdrossminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWA childcare centre partnership providing Mandarin immersion lessons for early childhood learners aged 1-5 years within the childcare setting.
• Birra-Li Child Care CentreminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWA childcare centre partnership providing Mandarin immersion lessons for early childhood learners within the childcare setting.
• MLC Early Learning, ClaremontminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWA childcare/early learning centre partnership providing Mandarin immersion lessons for young children.
• Big Kids On BeaufortminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWA childcare centre partnership providing Mandarin immersion lessons within the early childhood education setting.
• Little Sprouts Early Education, HurstvilleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNSW childcare centre partnership providing Mandarin immersion lessons for early childhood learners.
• Neutral Bay KindergartenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNSW kindergarten partnership providing Mandarin immersion lessons for young children in the early education setting.
• Bright Horizon, ElsternwickminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVIC childcare centre partnership providing Mandarin immersion lessons for early childhood learners.
• Ardross Primary SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWA primary school partnership delivering after-school Mandarin program at the school premises.
• Christ Church Grammar SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWA independent school partnership delivering after-school Mandarin program.
• Barker CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNSW independent school partnership delivering after-school Mandarin program at the school.
• Abbotsleigh Junior SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNSW independent girls' school partnership delivering after-school Mandarin program.
• Sydney Grammar School, St IvesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNSW independent boys' school partnership delivering after-school Mandarin program.
• Perth Montessori SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWA Montessori school partnership delivering after-school Mandarin program.
• Newington CollegeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNSW independent school partnership delivering after-school Mandarin program.
• Wesley College (Elsternwick Campus)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVIC independent school partnership delivering after-school Mandarin program.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• LingoAce: LingoAce is a globally scaled online Mandarin learning platform for children aged 3-15, with live instruction and adaptive curriculum. Comparable to Mandarin Stars on child-focused Mandarin education and structured curriculum, but with vastly larger scale, technology-first delivery, and international footprint.
• eChineseLearning: eChineseLearning is an online 1-on-1 Mandarin tutoring platform for children and adults globally. Comparable to Mandarin Stars on Mandarin focus and online delivery, but operates entirely online with a different business model (per-session tutoring) rather than franchise-based in-person classes.

Broad incumbents

• Helen Doron English: Helen Doron English is a globally established franchised children's English language program with 30+ years of operation. Comparable to Mandarin Stars on franchise-led model, child-focused pedagogy, and proprietary curriculum, although it focuses on English rather than Mandarin and serves a much larger global network.
• Berlitz Kids: Berlitz Kids is the children's division of Berlitz, a global language instruction brand offering immersive language programs for kids and teens. Compares to Mandarin Stars on immersive teaching methodology and child-focused programs, but operates at much larger global scale as part of a broader multi-language portfolio.

Direct peers

• Lango: Lango is a children's language school franchise offering multiple languages (Spanish, Mandarin, French, etc.) through after-school programs and childcare centre partnerships. Comparable to Mandarin Stars on target audience (children), delivery model (after-school + childcare partnerships), and franchise structure, but broader in language coverage.
• That's Mandarin: That's Mandarin is a Mandarin language school with locations in China and online, serving children and adults with immersion-based programs. Directly comparable to Mandarin Stars on language focus (Mandarin-only), methodology (immersive teaching), and customer segment (children and adults), though it operates primarily from Beijing rather than Australia.

Regional players

• La Petite Academie: La Petite Academie is an Australian provider of language and extracurricular programs for children delivered through childcare centres and preschools. Directly comparable to Mandarin Stars on Australian childcare/early learning channel partnerships and child-focused language programs, though it offers multiple languages in addition to Mandarin.
• Bilingual Kids: Bilingual Kids is an Australian provider of bilingual early childhood education programs and resources for families and childcare centres. Comparable to Mandarin Stars on Australian market, child-focused language education, and childcare partnership model, though it focuses more on product/resources than recurring class enrollment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/mandarinstars
• Instagraminstagram.com/mandarin_stars
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mandarin-stars

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mandarin Stars