Sydney ranks most expensive city for private, public education

Futurity Investment Group's Cost of Education Index found that sending a child to a private school in Sydney will cost $411,108 over 13 years, 9% more than last year and 17% above the national average of $350,158.

This includes school fees, which make up 55% of the total cost, with the remainder spent on ancillary expenses such as outside tuition and coaching, musical instruments, electronic devices, and school excursions.

Sending a child to a government school in Sydney is less expensive, but still the highest compared to other cities and states.

The index found a government education for a single child starting school this year in Sydney will set parents back $150,323 over 13 years, or 22% above the national average ($123,294).

The projected cost is 59% higher than last year's estimates and covers outside tuition, school uniforms, electronic devices, and sports equipment.

It also includes school fees or voluntary contributions, which are only about 5% of the total cost.

Meanwhile, Canberra holds the title as Australia's most expensive city for a Catholic education.

It is calculated that a Catholic education in the country's capital will cost $215,633 over 13 years for a child starting school in 2025, 3% higher than last year and 11% above the national average of $193,666.

As with independent institutions, school fees make up the most expensive component of a Catholic education in Canberra at 46%.

The rest will be spent on ancillary expenses including outside tuition and coaching, electronic devices, school excursions, and school uniforms.

School costs further stretch household budgets

Futurity Investment Group's Sarah McAdie acknowledged that the costs associated with education continue to weigh heavily on many Australian families.

"Spiralling cost of living, rent and mortgage repayment pressures mean many households are under considerable pressure," she said.

"With less discretionary money to spend, it is going to be a challenge for many families to pay for education, including school fees and voluntary contributions, which have all increased in the past year."

Despite these challenges, many Aussie parents who place a huge value on education are finding ways to reduce their spending where possible just to ensure they can send their kids to schools.

"Ancillary spending is down compared to last year, with parents cutting back on outside tuition and coaching, musical instruments and electives," Ms McAdie shared.

A growing number of families are also choosing to delay an education opportunity for their children, the research revealed.

"Parents who have planned and saved for education will be in a better position in the long run and will have the opportunity to explore and afford choice when it comes to their children's education."

Estimated costs of education for child starting school in 2025

If you're sending your child to school in 2025, these are the projected costs you must prepare for over a 13-year period, as per the Cost of Education index:

National

ACT

New South Wales

Queensland

Victoria

South Australia

Western Australia

Northern Territory

Tasmania

Image by Emily Ranquist on Pexels

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