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Investment and Education
The Cost of Education in Australia 2025
As parents and grandparents, we want to give our children the best in life. This pressure is especially evident when it comes to our choice of school. Today, with the rising cost of living – and education – more and more families are facing the reality that the best schools are becoming out of reach. But solutions do exist. And with the right knowledge, process and guidance, you can navigate the cost of education in Australia.
Cost of living pressures also impact education
When we think of the current hot topics in Australia, the cost of living certainly tops the list. So it was no surprise that the annual national Futurity Cost of Education survey conducted by McCrindle found that one in four (25%) Australian parents find paying for the children’s school fees or voluntary contributions is having a significant or moderate impact on their households and a further 26% believe it is having a slightly negative impact.
We’re a nation that values education
Australians are strong advocates for quality education, with nine in ten parents (88%) believing education is essential for their children to thrive in life.
It is telling that despite education posing a significant strain on finances for two-thirds of parents, we’re still focused on how to make it work for the future of our children.
Schooling costs more than just tuition
One of the common missteps parents make when determining the cost of education in Australia is to look at school fees alone. But the research shows that it’s the ‘hidden’ costs – or ancillaries – that often add up the most.
Is education expensive in Australia?
So, what is the average cost of education in Australia? The table below breaks down the combined averages of tuition fees and ancillary costs over 13 years – according to schooling sector and location.
And as you can see, it really adds up.
| Government | Catholic | Independent |
Major cities | $123,294 | $193,666 | $350,158 |
Regional/remote areas | $81,141 | $153,144 | $244,075 |
*These numbers are population-weighted and projected over a 13-year period and provided as a guide only. The actual costs cannot be guaranteed.
A look to the states and territories
When looking at national trends, we continue to see consistently high education costs across all states and territories.
Our most expensive locations by sector are:
| Government | Catholic | Independent |
Most expensive location | NSW metro | Canberra | NSW metro |
Average 13-year cost | $150,323 | $215,633 | $411,108 |
*These numbers are population-weighted and projected over a 13-year period and provided as a guide only. The actual costs cannot be guaranteed.
And our most affordable locations by sector are:
| Government | Catholic | Independent |
Most affordable location | Brisbane | SA metro | WA metro |
Average 13-year cost | $101,064 | $185,548 | $300,109 |
*These numbers are population-weighted and projected over a 13-year period and provided as a guide only. The actual costs cannot be guaranteed.
Have a plan to save for education
Quality education comes at a cost. But it’s also one parents can plan for today – to ensure your child has a better tomorrow.
It would be easy to look at the figures in this article and feel a sense of dread or apprehension at how you will make this work. But as with everything in life, with the right knowledge and guidance, it is possible to afford the education you want for your child.
The key is to create a solid plan – and to take action.
For over 50 years, we’ve been helping Australians families to meet the costs of education through our expertly managed savings products including our education bond, Futurity EdSaver. Our solutions are designed to help parents and grandparents just like you save and accumulate funds for schooling expenses in a tax-effective way.
Your child’s education will likely be one of the biggest investments you’ll make. It is never too early to understand and prepare for these costs – so you can create the bright future you envisage for your children.