One of the most common questions among families moving to Australia is: Are public schools free? The short answer is yes, with some important considerations. Australia’s public school system is government-funded and offers high-quality education, but there may still be costs depending on your visa status and the state or territory you settle in.
Public Schooling for Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents
For citizens and permanent residents, public education is free or low-cost. Parents may be asked to contribute “voluntary fees” or cover costs for uniforms, books, excursions, camps, and stationery, but tuition itself is generally not charged.
Temporary Visa Holders: What You Need to Know
If you’re arriving on a temporary visa (such as a student visa, 482 TSS visa, or working holiday visa), your children may need to pay tuition to attend a public school. This is known as the Temporary Resident Program (TRP), and fees vary by state:
- NSW and QLD: May charge tuition fees to temporary residents, though some visa types are exempt.
- VIC and SA: Have more flexible policies and often waive fees for certain visa categories.
- WA and ACT: Generally require international student fees unless exemptions apply.
These tuition fees can range from $5,000 to $15,000+ AUD per year, so it’s essential to research your visa conditions and the policies of your intended state.
What About Private and Independent Schools?
Private and Catholic schools are not free and charge tuition regardless of visa status. These fees vary significantly, depending on the school and level of education.
How to Research Your Options
Visit the Department of Education website for the state or territory you’re considering.
- New South Wales (NSW) https://education.nsw.gov.au/
- Victoria (VIC) https://www.education.vic.gov.au/
- Queensland (QLD) https://education.qld.gov.au/
- Western Australia (WA) https://www.education.wa.edu.au/
- South Australia (SA) https://www.education.sa.gov.au/
- Tasmania (TAS) https://www.education.tas.gov.au/
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT) https://www.education.act.gov.au/
- Northern Territory (NT) https://education.nt.gov.au/
Check if your visa subclass is exempt from tuition under the Temporary Resident Program.
- NSW Temporary Residents Program https://www.deinternational.nsw.edu.au/study/schools/temporary-residents
- VIC International Students Program https://www.study.vic.gov.au/en/study-in-victoria/school/Pages/default.aspx
- QLD Education for International Students https://education.qld.gov.au/parents-and-carers/enrolment/international-students
- WA Enrolment Information https://www.education.wa.edu.au/international-students
- SA International Education Services https://www.internationalstudents.sa.edu.au/
- ACT Public School Enrolments for Visa Holders https://www.education.act.gov.au/public-school-life/enrolling-in-a-public-school/enrolling-from-outside-the-act
- NT International Education https://nt.gov.au/learning/international-students
- Reach out to local schools for enrolment policies, zoning requirements, and associated costs.
Understanding the true cost of education is essential when planning your move to Australia. For up-to-date visa advice and help navigating your schooling options, visit Australian Visa Advice, your trusted guide for settling into life Down Under.
