Private, public, independent: Full breakdown of Aus education costs

How do Queensland’s government, Catholic and independent schools compare with each other, and other states? SEE THE BREAKDOWN

Families in regional Queensland are paying more state and Catholic education costs than regional residents of any other state, as expenses continue to skyrocket, while Brisbane parents enjoy the country’s most affordable government schooling.

Research from the Futurity Investment Group’s Planning for Education Index reveals that Queensland’s capital is home to the nation’s most affordable government education, with a price tag of $73,159 over a 13-year period – around $8500 below the national average.

Vinny and Lori Maresca with their children Matilda and Leo at Tenison Woods Catholic School in Richmond, Sept 3, 2020. Picture: Brenton Edwards

It compares with the most expensive government schools in Sydney ($90,122) and Melbourne ($86,737) and is cheaper even than regional and remote Queensland ($76,588).

In fact, families in remote and regional Queensland are paying more for Catholic and government education than regional parents in any other state – with parents slugged almost $77,000 and $118,000 respectively over 13-year terms.

Brisbane’s Catholic schools are more expensive again, with estimated costs of $154,341 – the highest in the country – $12,000 more expensive than Melbourne and $26,000 more than Sydney.

The COVID-19 pandemic increased education-related expenses costs across Australia by $808 per child, according to the Futurity survey, with more than 30 per cent of parents feeling increased financial pressure as a result of the pandemic.

The Futurity Investment Group’s Planning for Education Index reveals the COVID-19 pandemic increased education-related expenses costs across Australia by $808 per child,

Futurity group executive Kate Hill said the cost of education had risen at more than double the rate of inflation over the past decade.

“Education costs, including outside tuition, school camps and sports equipment and electronic devices are demanding a far greater share of the family budget than in the past,” Ms Hill said.

“More than ever, the costs associated with education are placing more of a burden on Australian families.

“COVID-19 has only exacerbated this financial challenge, with parents required to spend hundreds of dollars extra on unplanned education related expenses at the height of the pandemic.”

On average government education was $4500 cheaper each year – and around $59,000 cheaper overall than Catholic education.

Independent education was found to be four times the price of government education, and two-and-a-half times the cost of Catholic schooling.

Assisi College Students, April, 11, and Mia McFaul, 13, from Coomera Springs, getting excited to go back to school. Picture: Glenn Hampson

At a cost of $266,614 for 13 years, the River City’s independent schools were the second cheapest – with Sydney’s $448,035 independent schooling cost the nation’s highest.

Futurity combines school fees with other costs associated with education – including outside tuition, school camps, sports equipment, uniforms, text books and electronic devices – to determine 13-year cost estimates.

Total estimated cost of education for a child starting school in 2021

Location	Government	Catholic	Independent
National Average (metro)	$81,823	$140,433	$340,882
National Average (regional & remote)	$66,603	$107,678	$140,197
Sydney	$90,122	$128,828	$448,035
NSW (regional & remote)	$58,227	$114,611	$133,920
Brisbane	$73,159	$154,341	$266,614
QLD (regional & remote)	$76,588	$118,681	$160,139
Adelaide	$83,681	$137,828	$277,746
SA (regional & remote)	$69,735	$104,215	$138,885
Melbourne	$86,737	$142,923	$393,534
VIC (regional & remote)	$57,719	$105,544	$208,031
Perth	$74,369	$136,963	$210,296
WA (regional & remote)	$72,825	$107,370	$150,452