School Fees and Costs: A Complete Guide for Parents

Understanding the true cost of education in Australia is essential for family financial planning. While public education is free, there are still costs to consider, and private school fees vary significantly.

Public School Costs

While tuition is free, public schools may charge for:

• Voluntary contributions ($200-$800 per year)
• Subject levies for materials and resources
• Excursions and camps
• Uniforms (typically $200-$500)
• Technology devices and software
• Extra-curricular activities

Private School Fees

Private school costs vary widely:

• Catholic systemic schools: $2,000-$6,000 per year
• Independent Catholic schools: $5,000-$15,000 per year
• Mid-range independent schools: $10,000-$20,000 per year
• Elite independent schools: $25,000-$45,000+ per year

Additional Costs to Consider

• Application and enrolment fees
• Building funds and capital levies
• Before and after school care
• Transport costs
• Music lessons and instrument hire
• Sports registration and equipment

Financial Assistance Options

Support available includes:

• Means-tested scholarships
• Academic, sports, and music scholarships
• Government assistance programs
• School payment plans
• Sibling discounts

Planning and Budgeting Tips

• Request fee schedules before enrolling
• Factor in annual fee increases (typically 3-5%)
• Consider all children if planning for multiple
• Investigate scholarship opportunities early
• Budget for hidden and unexpected costs