Melbourne state education prices most expensive in Australia
PUBLIC education in Melbourne has been labelled the most expensive in the nation, with parents forking out thousands more than the national average. But for those choosing private school, the average cost is estimated to pass $500,000.
Education
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MELBOURNE has been named Australia’s most expensive city for government education.
It’s forecasted to cost almost $9000 more for a public education in the nation’s most liveable city than the national average, and $33,525 more than in Hobart, new research reveals.
The ASG Planning for Education Index predicts Melbourne parents could spend $75,263 for a government education for a child born in 2018 — 13 per cent above the national metropolitan average.
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Private education in Melbourne was also among the most costly, with estimates at $536,683 and second only to Sydney.
However, faith-based education was among the cheapest in metropolitan ($223,318) and regional ($163,583) Victoria.
And costs reduced dramatically in Victoria’s regional areas — forecast costs were $51,899 for public schooling, though that was 2 per cent more expensive than the Australian regional average.
The annual research was based on 13,500 responses nationwide and included school fees as well as the costs of extra-curricular activities, travel, computers, uniforms, excursions and camps.
School fees were found to be the major expense.
ASG found estimated costs had skyrocketed across Australia in the past decade, up by 23 per cent in public schools, 54 per cent in faith-based schools and 61 per cent in private schools.
ASG’s chief operating officer, Bruce Hawkins, said the cost of education had risen at more than double the rate of inflation over 10 years and outstripped the growth in wages.
“This means that education costs are demanding a far greater share of the family wallet than in the past, placing more burden on the average family, already challenged by the rising cost of living,” he said.
“The index also debunks the myth, a government education is a free education, with the latest figures showing Melbourne families could spend on average $75,263 per child on a so-called free education.”
Education Minister James Merlino said the government helped struggling families reduce school costs through assistance programs.
“Thousands more families are now receiving help with back-to-school costs for school uniforms, footwear and textbooks thanks to an extra $15 million in funding to State Schools’ Relief, while those struggling to meet the extra costs of a child’s education can also access support through our $148 million Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund,” he said.
EDUCATION COSTS FOR A CHILD BORN IN 2018
Public / Faith-based / Private
Australia:
Metro $66,320 / $240,679 / $475,342
Regional $50,641 / $176,554 / $347,572
Victoria:
Metro $75,263 / $223,318 / $536,683
Regional $51,899 / $163,583 / $381,184
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