Sydney & Melbourne Are Australia❜s Most Expensive Cities for Education

In news that'll shock no one, the strain on Australia's cost of living crisis is getting even heavier as it's revealed that Sydney and Melbourne are Australia's most expensive cities for education, with one school in Sydney setting a new record costing over $50,000 per year.

Sydney & Melbourne Are Australia's Most Expensive Cities for Education

According to data from the Futurity Investment Group's Cost of Education index, our beloved cities have taken the top spots for the most expensive places to educate your child in Australia.

First up, Melbourne has snagged the title of the priciest city for public education, with caregivers shelling out an average of $108,879 over 13 years of schooling. Not to be outdone, Sydney follows closely behind, where educating a child in the harbour city costs around $94,819 for the same period.

The report drops a truth bomb: there's no such thing as 'free' government schooling. Beyond the usual fees, there are levies, uniforms, gadgets, textbooks, excursions, camps, and transport to budget for. It all adds up, folks.

But here's the kicker: when it comes to the public education sector, Sydney and Melbourne aren't just expensive; they're in a league of their own. Education in other capitals around Australia isn't as pricey. Perth costs $90,785, Adelaide is at $88,186, Brisbane sits at $85,177, Canberra at $81,564, the Northern Territory is $79,737, and Tasmania is the most budget-friendly at $72,083.

Australia's Private School Fees

Now, if you think public schooling is costly, wait until you hear about private education. Sydney tops the chart with a jaw-dropping $377,993 per child over 13 years of schooling.

Melbourne's private schools aren't far behind at $324,559. Canberra is next with $290,910, followed by Adelaide at $288,586, Brisbane at $277,015, and the Northern Territory at $238,657. Perth and Tasmania, thankfully, offer some relief at $225,728 and $223,415, respectively.

For those eyeing Catholic education as a middle-ground option, it's still a considerable investment. Canberra and Brisbane lead with averages of $208,871 and $204,197. Perth is close behind at $202,286, with Adelaide at $196,990, Melbourne at $194,826, and Sydney at $188,759. The Northern Territory and Tasmania are more affordable, sitting at $184,725 and $161,042, respectively.

Sydney's Most Expensive School Sets a New Record

A private girls' school in the harbourside suburb of Rose Bay has set a new record as not only the most expensive school in Sydney but also the most expensive school in Australia.

Kambala Girls' School, which overlooks beautiful Sydney Harbour, will cost you over $50,000 for a single school year. From 2024, students in years 9 and 10 will pay $51,385, which includes $45,200 in fees and a compulsory levy of $6,185 for school camps. Students in years 11 and 12 will pay slightly less due to a reduced levy, with each year costing $49,825, up from $46,300 in 2023.  

The Hidden Costs of Educating a Child

Educating a child involves more than just school fees. The hidden costs can add up quickly, turning 'free' education into a significant financial commitment. Parents must budget for uniforms, technology, textbooks, excursions, camps, and transport, which can significantly increase the overall expenditure. These extras, often overlooked, can strain budgets, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where education costs are already high. It's essential for caregivers to plan ahead and consider these hidden expenses to ensure they are fully prepared for the financial demands of their child's education journey.

More on Schooling

Finding The Best Early Childhood Education and Care: The New-Look Starting Blocks
Are Private Schools Really Better Than Public Schools?
Data Reveals NSW Public Schools Outperform Private Schools

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