Education costs in Australia are rising, as highlighted by the 2025 Cost of Education report from the Futurity Investment Group. As the new academic year approaches, the study reveals significant increases in public, Catholic, and independent school expenses. Often-overlooked ancillary costs now make up a substantial portion of total education costs. With schooling becoming more expensive, strategic planning is essential. This report provides key insights to help families navigate these rising costs and plan more effectively for their children’s education.
2025 Report Highlights Education Costs in Australia
The Futurity Investment Group’s latest Cost of Education report paints a stark picture of the financial burden faced by Australian families, especially now with the 2025 academic year on the horizon. The study was based on analyses of public schools, independent schools, or schools run by Catholic orders over 13 years of basic education, even more if you are finally sending your child to school for the first time this year.
Public Schools
While traditionally considered the most affordable option, associated expenses such as uniforms, extracurricular activities, and technology requirements have significantly increased.
On the national scale of public schools in the metro areas, the Futurity staff tagged the average cost of sending one child to school over 13 years at $92,710 in 2024 for public schools – but now it has cracked the $100k barrier at $123,294. The regional and remote costs slightly crept up from $80,303 to $81,141.
When you break it down by state capital, in 2024, only Melbourne was the most expensive for +$100k costs at $108,879. Now in 2025, Futurity tagged its public school costs at $114,126; Sydney schools had the most average fees at $150,323 (a big jump from $94,819 last year) and Brisbane the lowest at $101,964. If you look at a state’s regional or remote public school environment, SA is the most affordable this year at $75,600, down from $86,677 last year, with the NT slightly higher at $75,798.
Catholic Schools
Offering a mid-range price point, Catholic schools’ fees, combined with additional costs like excursions and textbooks, have risen but a closer look at the data can reveal some interesting tidbits. The national average cost to send a single child to a metro Catholic school dipped a little from $195,074 in 2024 to $193,666 as the upcoming school year looms, but it stands today at $153,144 for a regional/remote school, down from $172,981.
When broken down at the metro level, the ACT’s Catholic schools are the most expensive at $215,633 on average with Adelaide the most affordable at $185,548. Specific regional/remote areas showed hefty declines in charges – a typical Catholic school in Queensland can peg the overall cost at $157,805 this year (down from $163,552 last year), while those in SA can bill the lowest at $147,044, down from $166,086.
Independent Schools
As premium education providers, independent schools demand the highest outlay, with tuition fees often exceeding $20,000 annually, with no extracurricular costs factored in.
The Futurity team estimated the 2025 national metro average for indie schools at $350,158 and regional/remote areas at $244,075. Both were more than their respective 2024 totals by over $22,000.
However, the metro and regional/remote breakdowns by state even defy the national average for the most part. Sydney’s independent schools posted the highest projected cost at $411,108, followed by Melbourne ($388,618) and Brisbane ($369,646). On the regional/remote field, WA schools led the pack at $277,862.
These figures emphasise the importance of strategic planning to manage educational expenses effectively.
Preparing for Education Costs and Related Fees
Education costs are not limited to tuition fees; they encompass a wide array of “ancillary” expenses. The Futurity report tagged these expenses as comprising 50 per cent of the cost in an independent school, 60 per cent overall in a Catholic school, and as much as 90 per cent in a public school.
The following is a breakdown of common back-to-school costs in Australia:
- Uniforms and Footwear – School uniforms are mandatory in most schools, with complete sets costing upwards of $300 per child.
- Stationery and Supplies – Items such as notebooks, pens, calculators, and art supplies can add hundreds to the total bill.
- Technology – Increasing reliance on digital learning means laptops, tablets, and software subscriptions are now essential.
- Extracurricular Activities – Sports, music lessons, and school camps often carry additional fees, particularly in independent and Catholic schools.
- Transport – Whether it’s public transport, private bus services, or fuel for car trips, travel expenses can be substantial.
Hidden costs often catch parents by surprise. Beyond the essentials, consider budgeting for:
- School Photos
- Fundraisers and Donations
- Specialist Tutoring
- Competitions and Excursions
However, the source of funding to cover the above can be a very testy issue for the household. The Futurity evaluators noted more activity on other people contributing for a loved one’s education; 52 per cent of respondent parents admitted they have asked for help paying for the child’s school fees, up from 42 per cent last year. When asked if those sources included the child’s grandparents, 11 per cent said yes, up from 7 per cent.
Strategies to Manage Education Expenses
Dealing with these costs requires proactive planning, with some possible working strategies.
Create a Dedicated Education Fund
Set up a separate savings account dedicated to education-related expenses. Automating contributions to this account can help you build a reserve over time.
Consider Government Assistance
Explore government programmes like the Student Assistance Scheme or subsidies for low-income families. These can provide relief for eligible households.
Shop Smart for Supplies
Take advantage of sales and bulk-buying opportunities for stationery and uniforms. Many retailers offer discounts in the lead-up to the school year. The planning may also cover uniform changes as per school announcements; for example, a Penrith mother interviewed by the ABC said she needed to buy new uniform sets for her son and daughter as their public school implemented a new dress code.
Leverage Second-Hand Options
Second-hand shops, online marketplaces, and school-organised uniform sales can help parents save on uniforms and other essentials.
Plan for Technology Costs
Check with your child’s school about technology requirements well in advance. Look for education discounts on devices and software to minimise expenses.
Opt for Payment Plans
Many schools, particularly independent and Catholic ones, offer flexible payment plans for tuition fees. Spread the cost across the year to ease financial pressure.
The Costs and Benefits of Different Schooling Options
When considering schooling options, families must weigh the benefits against the costs. Each system has its merits and challenges.
Public Schools
Accessible to all, public schools offer quality education with minimal tuition fees. However, additional costs like extracurricular activities and resource contributions can add up.
Catholic Schools
Balancing affordability and a values-based education, Catholic schools appeal to families seeking a faith-oriented environment at a mid-range price point.
Independent Schools
Renowned for their facilities and academic programmes, independent schools are ideal for families prioritising tailored education and broader opportunities, provided they can manage the associated expenses.
Planning Ahead for Education Costs
Investing in a child’s education is one of the most significant commitments a family can make, with 88 per cent of Futurity respondents believing a good education is key to the child doing better for themselves later in life.
While the immediate costs may feel overwhelming, taking a long-term perspective can provide clarity and direction. Some suggestions include the following.
Start Early
Begin saving as soon as possible to give yourself more time to build a robust education fund. Futurity EGM Sarah McAdie said the company survey noted as many as 64 per cent of respondent parents were becoming more aware of the projected cost of their child’s education and want to get ready way ahead. It may be true of married couples or domestic partners who have waited and saved years before having a child.
Engage a Financial Advisor
Seek professional advice to create a tailored financial plan that aligns with your family’s goals. Their counsel may be critical to ensure you have an effective cash flow to support school without taking on debt; do you know that, according to the Futurity report, 27 per cent of parents pay for their child’s schooling by credit card?
Use Budgeting Calculators
Tools provided by organisations like Futurity Investment Group can help estimate future education expenses and plan accordingly.
Conclusion
Education is an invaluable investment in your child’s future, but it requires careful planning to manage the associated costs effectively. In understanding the financial landscape, exploring assistance options, and implementing sound budgeting practices, families can confidently navigate the challenges of back-to-school expenses in 2025.
The insights from the Futurity Investment Group highlight the importance of proactive measures to ensure education remains accessible to all Australian families. Whether choosing public, Catholic, or independent schools, a thoughtful approach can make all the difference in securing the best possible outcomes for your child.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official education finance advice. The data presented is population-weighted and accurate as of the time of writing and may not reflect actual data per school. QUICKLE is not part of any academic research study and does not partner with education-centred investment companies. Please consult your financial advisor for school-related concerns.
