Tasmanian parents sending their children to ‘free’ government schools will still fork out more than $73,000 over 13 years of education, new research shows.
But that figure remains Australia’s lowest, coming in $40,000 cheaper than the national metro average of $113,594.
The Futurity Cost of Education Index 2026 found ancillary costs – not fees – are driving the expense for public school families.
Uniforms, camps, electronic devices, transport and before-and-after school care account for 90% of government school costs nationally.
For Tasmanian students starting Year 7 in 2033, projected annual costs in regional areas include $2,426 for extracurricular activities, $821 for before-and-after care and $746 in school fees and contributions.
Electronic devices will set families back $389 per year, while necessities such as uniforms and stationery cost $611.
Tasmania also offers significant savings in the non-government sector.
Catholic schooling costs $196,121 across the K-12 journey, compared to $247,174 nationally.
Independent schools come in at $220,326 – $149,000 less than the national metro average of $369,594.
The survey of 2,502 Australian parents found school fees are rising at roughly double the rate of inflation, hitting 5-6% in 2025.
But the financial pressure extends well beyond fee-paying sectors.
Some 45% of parents said they have had fewer children because of the costs associated with raising and educating a child.
Credit card use for school expenses has climbed to 33%, up from 27% the previous year.
37% of parents reported choosing cheaper food options to manage education costs.
Victoria and Queensland have emerged as Australia’s most expensive states, while Tasmania and the Northern Territory remain the most affordable.
Despite the strain, 90% of parents said education remains extremely or very important to their child’s future.
Futurity Investment Group, which commissioned the research, said the findings highlighted the importance of early financial planning.
