School Fees for Children on Temporary Visas by State: 2026 Guide
If you're on a temporary visa in Australia and you've got school-aged children, the question of education fees is probably keeping you up at night. Unlike permanent residents and citizens, who enjoy free public schooling, temporary visa holders can face annual fees of $5,000 to $15,000 per child at government schools — and the amount varies dramatically depending on which state you live in. This state-by-state breakdown for 2026 will help you understand exactly what you're up for and where you might find exemptions or savings.
The Big Picture: Who Pays and Who Doesn't
Before diving into state-specific fees, let's clarify the fundamental rule that applies across all of Australia.
| Visa Status | Public School Fees |
|---|---|
| Australian citizen | Free |
| Permanent resident (PR) | Free |
| New Zealand citizen (SCV 444) | Free (most states) |
| Subclass 482 (TSS) holder | Varies by state — see below |
| Subclass 491 (Skilled Regional) | Free in some states |
| Subclass 500 (Student visa) | Full fees apply |
| Subclass 417/462 (WHV) | Full fees apply |
| Bridging visa holders | Depends on substantive visa |
PR holders pay nothing at public schools in every state and territory. This is a federal guarantee. If you're weighing whether the cost of obtaining permanent residency is worth it, free schooling for your children is one of the biggest financial benefits — potentially saving you $10,000-$30,000 per year if you've got two or three kids.
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW is Australia's most populous state and home to Sydney, where many visa holders settle. The state charges some of the higher temporary visa school fees in the country.
NSW Public School Fees 2026
| Level | Annual Fee Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary (K-6) | $5,000-$6,500 | Lower end for regional schools |
| Secondary (7-12) | $6,500-$8,500 | Higher for senior years |
Key details for NSW:
- Fees are set by the NSW Department of Education and apply to most temporary visa holders
- Subclass 482 holders are generally not exempt and must pay full temporary visa fees
- Subclass 491 holders may receive fee exemptions — check with the school
- Fees must usually be paid at the start of each term or semester
- Late payment may result in the student being unable to continue
Additional costs beyond tuition:
- School uniform: $200-$400
- Excursions and activities: $200-$500/year
- Technology (BYOD requirements): $500-$1,500 for a laptop
- School supplies and textbooks: $200-$400/year
For families living in Sydney, these school fees come on top of an already high cost of living. A family with two children in secondary school could be paying $13,000-$17,000 per year in public school fees alone.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria, and Melbourne in particular, is the second most popular destination for visa holders. The fee structure is slightly different from NSW.
VIC Public School Fees 2026
| Level | Annual Fee Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary (Prep-6) | $5,000-$7,000 | Flat rate regardless of year level |
| Secondary (7-12) | $5,000-$7,000 | Similar to primary |
Key details for Victoria:
- Victoria charges a relatively flat fee across primary and secondary levels
- The Department of Education and Training sets the schedule
- Subclass 482 holders typically pay full fees
- Some visa categories receive exemptions — always ask
- Fees are generally lower for schools in regional Victoria
Victoria's approach is somewhat simpler than NSW, with less variation between primary and secondary. Combined with Melbourne's lower cost of living compared to Sydney, this makes Victoria an attractive option for families on temporary visas.
VIC Fee Payment Options
- Full upfront payment (sometimes with a small discount)
- Term-by-term payments (most common)
- Payment plans may be available for families experiencing financial hardship — contact the school directly
Queensland (QLD)
Here's where things get interesting. Queensland has historically been the most generous state when it comes to school fee exemptions for temporary visa holders.
QLD Public School Fees 2026
| Visa Type | Primary Fees | Secondary Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 482 (TSS) | Often free | Often free |
| Subclass 491 | Free | Free |
| Subclass 500 (Student) | $5,000-$8,000 | $6,000-$10,000 |
| Other temporary visas | Varies | Varies |
Key details for Queensland:
- Queensland has been offering fee exemptions for children of Subclass 457/482 visa holders — a policy that's been in place for several years and remains as of early 2026
- This exemption alone can save a family $10,000-$20,000+ per year compared to living in NSW or Victoria
- The policy is reviewed periodically, so always confirm with the Queensland Department of Education before making decisions based on this exemption
- Regional Queensland schools are particularly welcoming to visa holder families
Why does Queensland do this? The state actively competes with other states to attract skilled workers, particularly in regional areas. Free schooling is a significant incentive. If you're choosing between states and school fees are a concern, Queensland deserves serious consideration.
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia's fee structure broadly mirrors that of NSW, though there are some differences in how fees are applied.
WA Public School Fees 2026
| Level | Annual Fee Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary (PP-6) | $5,000-$6,500 | Pre-Primary included |
| Secondary (7-12) | $6,500-$8,500 | Higher for Years 11-12 |
Key details for WA:
- Fees are set by the Department of Education
- Most temporary visa holders pay the published rate
- Subclass 482 holders are generally required to pay full fees
- Regional WA schools may have slightly lower fees
- WA has a strong mining and resources sector, which draws many skilled visa holders with families
Perth's overall cost of living is lower than Sydney's, which helps offset school fees somewhat. But if you've got multiple children, the fee burden in WA is comparable to NSW.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia offers some of the more interesting fee arrangements for temporary visa holders, with subsidies available for certain skilled visa categories.
SA Public School Fees 2026
| Visa Type | Primary Fees | Secondary Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Standard temporary visa | $5,000-$6,000 | $5,000-$7,000 |
| Skilled visa holders (with subsidies) | Reduced rates | Reduced rates |
| Subclass 491 | Free or heavily reduced | Free or heavily reduced |
Key details for SA:
- South Australia offers subsidies for children of skilled visa holders in certain occupations or regions
- The state government actively seeks to attract skilled workers to Adelaide and regional SA
- Fees are generally lower than NSW, VIC, and WA
- The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) is well-regarded nationally
- Adelaide's significantly lower cost of living means your total family expenses can be substantially less
Adelaide advantage: A family of four on a skilled visa could save $30,000-$50,000 per year by choosing Adelaide over Sydney when you factor in rent, school fees, and general living costs.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania charges the lowest temporary visa school fees of any state — a reflection of the state's push to attract more migrants.
TAS Public School Fees 2026
| Level | Annual Fee Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary (Prep-6) | $3,500-$5,000 | Significantly lower than mainland |
| Secondary (7-12) | $4,500-$6,000 | Still the lowest in Australia |
Key details for Tasmania:
- Fees are set by the Department for Education, Children and Young People
- Tasmania is actively trying to grow its population through migration
- School class sizes are often smaller than mainland cities
- The state offers a relaxed lifestyle that appeals to families
- Regional visa (Subclass 491) holders may receive additional concessions
Tasmania's combination of low school fees, affordable housing, and natural beauty makes it increasingly popular with families on temporary visas. The trade-off is a smaller job market and colder winters.
ACT and NT
For completeness, here are the two territories:
ACT (Canberra)
| Level | Annual Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Primary | $5,000-$6,500 |
| Secondary | $6,500-$8,000 |
The ACT has a high number of government workers and a strong education system. Fees are comparable to NSW.
Northern Territory
| Level | Annual Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Primary | $4,000-$5,500 |
| Secondary | $5,000-$7,000 |
The NT offers slightly lower fees and actively seeks skilled workers for Darwin and regional areas.
Private School Fees: Same Everywhere
Unlike public schools, private school fees don't change based on your visa status. Whether you're a citizen, permanent resident, or temporary visa holder, you'll pay the same tuition.
Private School Fee Ranges 2026
| School Type | Annual Fees | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Low-cost Catholic | $10,000-$15,000 | Parish primary schools |
| Mid-range independent | $15,000-$25,000 | Christian, Lutheran, other denominational |
| Premium independent | $25,000-$40,000+ | Grammar schools, GPS/APS schools |
| Elite boarding schools | $40,000-$60,000+ | Includes boarding fees |
Should you consider private school? If you're on a temporary visa paying $8,000/year for public secondary school, the gap between public and mid-range private isn't as large as you might think. Some families in this situation opt for a mid-range private school at $15,000-$18,000, reasoning that the additional $7,000-$10,000 buys smaller classes and more resources.
Strategies to Reduce School Fee Costs
Can't avoid fees entirely? Here are practical approaches to managing the financial burden.
1. Choose Your State Strategically
If your occupation is in demand across multiple states, let school fees influence your choice. Queensland's exemptions for 482 visa holders can save a family with two children $15,000+ per year compared to NSW.
2. Apply for Fee Waivers or Hardship Provisions
Most state education departments have provisions for families experiencing genuine financial hardship. These aren't widely advertised, but they exist. Contact the school principal or the department directly.
3. Prioritise the PR Pathway
Getting permanent residency means immediate free public schooling. If you're on a Subclass 482 and eligible for the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), the school fee savings alone can justify the visa application costs. Understanding your working rights by visa type helps you plan the fastest route to PR.
4. Consider Regional Areas
School fees in regional areas are often at the lower end of the published range, and states like SA and TAS offer additional incentives for regional settlement.
5. Budget for the Full Cost
Beyond tuition, account for uniforms, excursions, technology, and supplies. A realistic total per child per year at a public school (including tuition) is:
- Primary: $6,000-$8,000
- Secondary: $8,000-$11,000
Understanding how Centrelink benefits and superannuation affect your overall finances helps you plan a comprehensive family budget.
Fee Comparison Summary Table
| State | Primary (Public) | Secondary (Public) | 482 Exempt? | PR Free? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $5,000-$6,500 | $6,500-$8,500 | No | Yes |
| VIC | $5,000-$7,000 | $5,000-$7,000 | No | Yes |
| QLD | Varies | Varies | Often yes | Yes |
| WA | $5,000-$6,500 | $6,500-$8,500 | No | Yes |
| SA | $5,000-$6,000 | $5,000-$7,000 | Subsidies | Yes |
| TAS | $3,500-$5,000 | $4,500-$6,000 | No | Yes |
| ACT | $5,000-$6,500 | $6,500-$8,000 | No | Yes |
| NT | $4,000-$5,500 | $5,000-$7,000 | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
If I get PR mid-year, do school fees stop immediately?
Generally, yes. Once your permanent residency is granted, you should notify the school and provide evidence (your VEVO check or visa grant letter). Most schools will stop charging fees from the next billing period. Some may even provide a pro-rata refund for fees already paid for the current term. Contact the school's finance office promptly after your PR is granted.
Can I claim school fees as a tax deduction?
No. School fees — whether at public or private schools — are not tax-deductible in Australia. This applies to both tuition fees and other school-related expenses. However, if you're on a temporary visa and later claim your superannuation through DASP when leaving Australia, you may want to factor school fees into your overall financial planning.
What happens if I can't afford to pay temporary visa school fees?
Contact the school and the state education department immediately. Most states have hardship provisions that can reduce or defer fees. Your child will not be removed from school for non-payment in most cases, but unpaid fees may be referred to debt collection. Some community organisations also provide assistance to migrant families struggling with education costs.
Are there any scholarships for temporary visa holders' children at public schools?
Public schools generally don't offer scholarships, but some states have equity or access programs that can reduce fees. Private schools sometimes offer scholarships to children of temporary visa holders, particularly for academic excellence or sporting talent. It's worth enquiring directly with individual schools. Some cultural community organisations also offer small education grants.
Do fees apply to preschool and kindergarten as well?
Preschool and kindergarten are handled separately from primary school in most states. Childcare and preschool fees apply to everyone, though the Child Care Subsidy (available to some visa holders) can significantly reduce costs. The compulsory school year (Kindergarten in NSW, Prep in VIC/QLD) follows the same fee structure as primary school for temporary visa holders.
