If you’re thinking about educating your children in Victoria there are a few things to consider so you can make the best choices for your child.
There are a lot of factors that go into deciding which school to send your children to. And with good reason. Most children are likely to be at school for 13 years (Foundation to Year 12).
Whether you plan on sending your children to a Private, Catholic or Public school, there are a few things you’ll need to consider to help you make the decision.
Facilities
The facilities a school has or has access needs to be considered should your child have an interest in things such as music, sport, the arts, language, science, or other extra-curricular activities. While private schools may offer swimming pools, gyms and recording studios, are they things your child will benefit from? Or does the local public school also have access to what your child needs?
Cost
Many parents consider cost to be the determining factor, but not always the most important when choosing a school.
Cost of school fees in Victoria
The recently released Futurity Investment Group Cost of Education Index, shows Victoria is Australia’s 2nd most expensive state for education. The index considers all costs, providing an accurate guide to what parents should expect to pay comparing Public, Private and Catholic schools. While the costs can be a little confronting, knowledge is power. And it can help you understand what plans you need in place to keep all options open.
Total estimated cost of education for a child starting school in Victoria in 2023**
| Location | Public | Catholic | Independent |
| Melbourne | $102,807 | $184,366 | $307,508 |
VIC (regional & remote) | $75,217 | $165,262 | $208,057 |
Public school fees in Melbourne and Victoria
Although many people think that public schools in Victoria are free, there are costs parents don’t always think about or factor into their budget. While there are no compulsory tuition fees for public schools, there are “extra” costs you may need to cover. Think uniforms, devices, excursions, camps, transport, sports uniforms, music instruments, extra tuition and parent contributions.
Many parents can get caught out, thinking public education is free. But the total cost of a Government education in Melbourne over 13-years is substantial.
Total estimated cost of education for a child starting public school in 2023**
| Location | Public |
| Melbourne | $102,807 |
VIC (regional & remote) | $75,217 |
Private school fees can absorb a fair chunk of the family budget, but that doesn’t mean they have to be out of reach. Private Schools are also referred to as Independent Schools.
Private school fees in Melbourne will cost parents $307,508 over 13 years, 17% more than the national average ($300,233) for a child starting school in 2023
| Location | Public |
| Melbourne | $307,508 |
VIC (regional & remote) | $208,057 |
Below is a breakdown of private school fees in Melbourne parents can expect for a child starting at an private school this year:
Most private schools in Victoria either froze or limited fee increases over the last few years due to the impacts of COVID-19 lock downs. Many even offered fee relief to struggling families to avoid losing students. In the 2023 school year, Private School tuition fees have risen by an average of 5%.
Catholic school fees in Melbourne and Victoria
Catholic education provides children with academic learning combined with Christian values, providing parents with an alternative to public and private schooling. According to The Australian Bureau of Statistics data, 20 percent of Victorian primary school students attend Catholic schools.
Catholic school fees in Melbourne and Victoria tend to fall somewhere in between Public and Private Schools.
Total estimated cost of education for a child starting Catholic school in 2023**
| Location | Catholic school |
| Melbourne | $184,366 |
VIC (regional & remote) | $165,262 |
Catholic Schools enrol students from Catholic families as their first priority, however will usually enrol non-Catholic families if positions are available. If you’re considering a Catholic education, Melbourne is the second most expensive city in Australia for a child starting school this year.
Planning for education costs
The best way to take control of your child’s future is to plan ahead to meet future education costs. And the first step is to understand the true cost of your child’s education.
Australia’s current economic downturn is making things even more challenging for parents. With less discretionary money to spend, it’s harder for families to meet their cost of living expenses, which means parents who have planned and saved may be better prepared for the future.
* Data collection for the Futurity Investment Group Cost of Education Index was undertaken by McCrindle. The Index is a collection of quantitative data collected in an online survey. The survey was sent to 1,525 Australian parents with children in school and had quotas set for a proportionate sample of across the states and territories and school stage (primary or secondary).
**Estimates of future long-term education costs projected over a 13-year period are provided as a guide only and are population weighted. Being estimates the actual cost of education for a particular child or school sector or particular period cannot be guaranteed.
Further information about the research methodology, assumptions, and results can be accessed here.