School fees

In Australia, government schools are called public schools. They are administered, and largely funded, by State and Territory Governments.

There is also a range of non-government schools called private schools. These schools usually have some religious affiliation.

Overall, around 68% of children in Australia attend public schools and 32% attend private schools.

Public school education is generally free, although many schools ask for voluntary fee payments from parents. Costs for excursions and other smaller activities that occur during the year are also additional.

In some States and Territories in Australia, public schools may require temporary resident overseas trained doctors (OTDs), on either some or all visas, to pay school fees for their children.

For more information, check with your employer or visit the websites of the State/Territory education departments listed below:

• New South Wales (fees may apply)
• Victoria (no fees for most relevant visa types)
• Queensland (fees for some visa types and no fees for other visa types)
• Western Australia (no fees for most relevant visa types)
• South Australia (no fees for most relevant visa types)
• Tasmania (fees may apply)
• Australian Capital Territory (fees may apply)
• Northern Territory (no fees for most relevant visa types)

Student fees charged by private schools vary from school to school. Information on fees charged should be obtained directly from the schools themselves. Also, it should be noted that most of these schools have waiting lists, especially in school years 7 to 12.