Reviewed 1 October 2026. SettleAU editorial guidance using the linked primary sources. Examples are our own hypothetical scenarios, not market estimates. No independent legal, financial or education-professional review has been completed.
Use written quotes, not sector averages
Request tuition, mandatory charges, voluntary contributions, devices, uniforms, transport, camps, care and setup costs separately. Record the school year, student year level, visa assessment, sibling discount, quote date and refund/withdrawal terms. A zero tuition entry should reflect a confirmed exemption or price, not an assumption about public schools.
A Catholic or independent school sets its own admission and fee terms. A public-school fee depends on the applicable state and student category. School sector, fees and class size do not establish the cause of results or predict a child’s experience. Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School is independent, not a public-school example. PEGS history.
Reproduce the worksheet
Recurring costs = tuition + other recurring costs + weekly transport × attendance weeks. Total for the first budget period = recurring costs + one-off non-refundable setup. Use one common 12-month period on both sides. An annual fee already quoted for that period is not multiplied by the number of terms or weeks.
| Input | Option A | Option B |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,400 | $4,800 |
| Other recurring costs | $900 | $1,200 |
| Weekly transport × 40 weeks | $20 × 40 = $800 | $35 × 40 = $1,400 |
| Recurring total | $8,100 | $7,400 |
| One-off setup | $400 | $650 |
| Total for first period | $8,500 | $8,050 |
Option A is $450 more in this example. Neither figure includes a refundable deposit or guarantees a place. For part-year attendance, first get a prorated tuition quote; do not assume the program divides its annual fee by 52.
A real fee schedule needs a matching category
The NSW 2026 Temporary Residents Program tuition factsheet lists $6,400 for Kindergarten–Year 10 and $7,600 for Years 11–12 for its stated category, with a $150 new-application fee. Visitor-visa students and dependants of international students are excluded from that table. Check exemptions and the correct program before using it as your quote.
WA 457/482 families are not generally fee-free: WA’s policy sets a $4,000 family tuition fee for Pre-primary–Year 12, with no family tuition fee if the oldest child is in Kindergarten. SA’s 482 contribution also depends on income, school location and other circumstances. SA assessment route.
For the full state-by-state lookup and selected 2026 examples, use the enrolment guide. This calculator intentionally makes no automatic subclass or state fee decision.
Compare the educational fit alongside cost
| Question | Evidence to ask for |
|---|---|
| Place and timing | Written enrolment response for your address, year level and visa route |
| Learning and language support | Assessment, service available this term and a review plan |
| Curriculum and interests | Subjects and activities offered for the relevant year |
| Wellbeing and access | Who to contact, disability adjustments and safe travel options |
| Daily routine | School times, commute and available before/after-school care |
| Published results | My School context and school annual report, read alongside a visit |
No single NAPLAN or ICSEA number is a complete quality score. Use My School as one source, and verify claims with the school.
Questions and answers
Why are unknown quotes blocked?
A comparison that silently treats an unconfirmed visa fee as zero can reverse a family’s decision. Confirm the category and all amounts first.
Is this a public versus private recommendation?
No. It adds your own two quotes. The cheapest total is not a judgement about learning support or suitability.
Are refunds or future inflation included?
No. Refundable deposits are excluded and the tool compares one stated period. Ask for refund terms and build future-year scenarios separately.