Regional and remote NT most expensive in the country for Catholic education, data reveals

Here’s how the cost of sending your kids to school in remote and regional parts of the Northern Territory compares with the rest of the country. Hint: it’s not great news.

New research has revealed regional and remote Northern Territory is Australia’s most expensive place for families to send their children to Catholic schools.

The cost of an independent education was also one of the highest in the country, second only to regional and remote South Australia.

It was better news for government school students, however, who pay just under the national average for a public education – but cost of living pressures could be seen in price increases across the board.

The cost of sending kids to school is increasing for both private and public educations.

The figures, taken from the Futurity Investment Group’s Investment in Education Index, estimate the total cost of a Catholic education in non-metro NT will be $184,725 for students going from Transition through to Year 12.

It is an increase of $10,325 compared to last year, seven per cent above the national average, and more than $21,000 above the Queensland average.

The index also estimates the total cost of an independent education in regional and remote Northern Territory will be $238,657 over 13 years for a child starting school in 2024, a jump of $13,339 compared to last year.

It is eight per cent higher than the national average, and well above remote Queensland which was once again the most affordable at $208,164.

The total cost of a government education in regional and remote NT is forecast to be $79,737, up $4,466 compared to last year.

It was one per cent below the Australian average and significantly lower than metro cities, with parents in Melbourne estimated to spend $108,879 on a public education.

While public schools are nominally free, the index takes into account “ancillary fees” – how much parents end up spending on things such as camps, uniforms and school equipment.

Futurity Investment Group chief executive Sam Sondhi said the costs associated with education were placing a substantial burden on many families.

“Households are already stretched by spiralling cost of living and interest rate pressures,” he said.

“With less discretionary money to spend, it’s going to be a challenge for many families to pay for the total cost of education, which has jumped six per cent in the past year.

“Its forecast school fees and a host of major school expenses including outside tuition, school camps, transport, uniforms, electronic devices and sports equipment will increase upwards of 14 per cent in the next five years, and by almost 30 per cent in the next decade.”