The new research estimates the total cost of a Government education in the South Australia capital will be $83,306 over 13-years for a child starting school in 2023.

However, Adelaide parents are forecast to spend almost identical amounts on outside tuition and school fees this year, with electronic devices, transport and musical instruments also adding to the total cost of a Government education.

The Futurity Investment Group Cost of Education Index also revealed Adelaide is one of Australia’s most affordable cities for an independent education. It’s estimated the total cost of an independent education in Adelaide will be $273,435 over 13-years for a child starting school in 2023, 9% below the national average. The Index, however, did find the cost of a Catholic education in the City of Churches is above the national average.

One of the most prevalent barrier to parents’ choice of high schools for their child is cost. Once enrolled, the cost of schooling represents a substantial household expense.

With the right financial strategies and plan in place, reaching your goals may not be as hard as you may think.

The hidden cost of education

Contrary to the popular belief that Government schools are free, parents are expected to pay a voluntary financial contribution. The reasoning is that while administration of the standard curriculum program is free, schools can charge parents for ‘essential education items’ and ‘optional extras’.

 
Regardless of school type, the cost of education in South Australia includes more than just fees and parent contributions. In fact, for parents sending their children to Government schools, these fees may constitute a relatively small portion with other ancillary costs really adding up. Many times, this comes as a “cost shock” for families entering the public schooling system for the first time.
 
For instance, our research shows that for a child starting Government primary school this year, will cost the following:

• School fees: $460

• Ancillary costs such as uniforms, outside tuition and electronic devices: $3,887

For families sending a child to an Independent primary school in Adelaide this year will pay a total of $14,577 in tuition and ancillary fees such as textbooks, technology devices, unforms and excursions. The ancillary fees account for 52% of the total cost of education.

 
For families with children in the Adelaide Catholic primary system, our research estimates the ancillary cost will account for 75% of the total cost of education this year. The tuition fee alone is $2,914 and the ancillary fees will be $8,827.

The annual cost of schooling changes over the course of a13-year school period. Secondary school fees are generally higher than for primary. Spending on older children for school camps and items such as sports equipment and musical instruments tends to increase for many.

Having a fuller picture of the cost of education and planning ahead can help to avoid, or at least cushion against, nasty surprises.

 
Confidence starts with preparation

The best way to take control of your child’s future is to plan and save to meet future education costs.

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

Dedicated education savings and investment products, like Futurity Investment Group’s Education Bonds, can help address the great education funding challenge.

“Futurity’s range of Education Bonds allow parents and grandparents to tax-effectively save and invest to accumulate the funding to support their family’s life-long education objectives.
 
About the research quoted
 
Data collection for the Futurity Investment Group Cost of Education Index was undertaken by McCrindle.

The Index is a collection of quantitative data collected in an online survey. The survey was sent to 1,525 Australian parents with children in school and had quotas set for a proportionate sample of across the states and territories and school stage (primary or secondary).

Discover more about the Cost of Education in South Australia

*Estimates of future long-term education costs projected over a 13-year period are provided as a guide only and are population weighted. Being estimates the actual cost of education for a particular child or school sector or particular period cannot be guaranteed.

Further information about the research methodology, assumptions, and results can be accessed here.