Is Primary Education Free in Australia? A Complete Guide for Families and Immigrants

Many parents ask: Is primary education free in Australia?
The short answer is: Yes, for citizens and most permanent residents — but not entirely free for everyone. The cost depends on your visa status, the type of school, and the state or territory where you live.

In this guide, we break down who is eligible for free education, explain what costs are involved, and help you understand how to enrol your child in an Australian primary school.

Is Primary School Free in Australia?

For Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents:

Yes — children are entitled to free public primary education from Foundation (Kindergarten/Prep) to Year 6.

• Tuition is fully covered by the government.
• However, families may still need to pay small voluntary fees, uniforms, stationery, and excursion costs.

Primary education in Australia is compulsory for children aged 6 to 12 years, though many start at age 5.

For Temporary Residents and Visa Holders:

No, primary education is not free for most temporary visa holders, including:

• Student visa dependents (subclass 500)
• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
• Visitor visa holders (subclass 600)

In these cases, parents must pay international student tuition fees to enrol their children in public schools.

Average annual public school fees for temporary residents:

• AUD $5,000 – $15,000 per child, depending on the state and school

Some states offer fee exemptions or discounts for specific visa categories or hardship cases.

For Refugees and Humanitarian Visa Holders:

Yes — children holding refugee or humanitarian visas have access to free primary education, similar to citizens.

They may also receive:

• English as a Second Language (ESL) support
• Settlement and integration programs
• Additional academic or emotional support services

Types of Primary Schools in Australia

There are three main types of schools in Australia:

Public schools are government-funded and are the most affordable option for families.

What Costs Might Still Apply?

Even in public schools, families may pay for:

• School uniforms
• Books and supplies
• Excursions and camps
• Technology contributions (e.g., iPads)
• Voluntary parental contributions (varies by school)

These costs typically range from AUD $300 – $1,000 per year per child.

Enrolment Process for Primary School

Requirements:

• Child’s passport and visa
• Proof of address in the school zone
• Birth certificate or proof of age
• Immunisation history

When to Enrol:

• Most schools start in late January or early February
• Enrolment typically opens the year before the child turns 5 or 6

Education is managed at the state/territory level, so enrolment procedures and fees may differ.

Final Thoughts

So, is primary education free in Australia?

• Yes, for Australian citizens and permanent residents, in public schools
• No, for most temporary residents, unless eligible for exemptions
• Yes, for refugees and humanitarian visa holders

Understanding your visa type and location is essential to knowing whether fees apply and how much they will be. Families planning to move to Australia should budget for education costs if not eligible for free schooling.

Need Help With a School Visa or Enrolment in Australia?

At Australian Immigration Services, we help families navigate the education system and visa requirements for enrolling children in Australian schools.

Our services include:

• Applying for an ETA 
• Support for fee exemption applications in eligible cases
• 24/7 customer support and document preparation
• Real-time updates and urgent processing options

Let us support your child’s educational journey in Australia, with accurate, friendly, and expert help from start to finish.

Apply through our website today and get started with stress-free school planning in Australia.

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