School Fees for Dependants of Visa Holders

School Fees for Dependants of Visa Holders

Update (November 2026)

The fees and rules below were checked against each state and territory education department in November 2026, and each figure shows the year it applies to. School fee rules for the children of temporary visa holders are set by each state and territory and change regularly, so always confirm current fees and exemptions with the relevant education department before you enrol. The TSS visa has been replaced by the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa. See also School fees for children of 482 visa holders.

Australia boasts a world top quality education system. When coming to Australia on certain types of visas, your children may benefits from reduced or waived school fees, which is one of the main reasons to choose Australia as a destination for your study and work. However, the amount of reduced school fees depends on types of your visas, and the state/ territory you are living in.

This article aims to summarise the eligibility for school fees reduction or waiver in different states/ territories according to your visas.

IS YOUR CHILD ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOOL FEES EXEMPTION?

Main work and student visas at a glance (November 2026)

The table below summarises the rules most families ask about. “No fee” means no tuition fee at a government school; schools can still ask for voluntary contributions and charge for materials everywhere. See the state and territory tabs further down for details.

Visa	ACT	NSW	NT	QLD	SA	VIC	TAS	WA
482	Apply ($265), Core Skills occupation	Fee $6,400 to $7,600 (2026); no tuition in eligible regional areas	No fee	No fee	Fee (income tested) in greater Adelaide, max $6,700 to $7,900 (2026); country schools exempt	No fee	No fee	Fee $4,000/family (hardship waiver)
494	Apply ($265)	Application fee only ($150)	No fee	No fee	Check with department	No fee	50% of TRP fee	Check with department
491	Apply ($265)	Application fee only ($150)	No fee	No fee	Check with department	No fee	50% of TRP fee	Check with department
485	Fee (not eligible)	Fee (low-income exemption possible)	No fee	No fee	Check with department	No fee	50% of TRP fee	Check with department
820 / 309	Apply ($265)	Application fee only ($150)	No fee	No fee	Check with department	No fee	No fee	Check with department
500 (PhD or research)	Apply ($265)	No tuition (doctorate at NSW university)	Fee	No fee	Fee unless SA endorsed scholarship	No fee	No fee	No fee
500 (other sectors)	Fee	Fee $7,800 to $14,200 (2026)	Fee	Fee	Fee	Fee	Fee	Fee (Masters by Coursework waiver ends 2027)

Note: Checked November 2026. ‘Check’ means confirm with the state or territory education department. Fees are per year unless stated. For the main work and student visas, see the summary table above and the state and territory tabs below.

IS YOUR CHILD ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOOL FEES EXEMPTION?

Visa subclass	ACT	NSW	NT	QLD	SA	VIC	TAS	WA
100	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
101	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
102	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
103	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
114	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
115	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
116	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
117	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
124 (closed)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
132 (closed)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
143	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
151	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
155	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
157	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
173	Check	Check	Fee applies	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
186	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
187 (closed)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
188 (closed)	Apply after 6 months (ACT-nominated)	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
189	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
190	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
200	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
201	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
202	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
203	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
204	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
300	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
309	Apply ($265)	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Free	Check
403	Check	Check	Free	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
407	Check	Check	Fee applies	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
408	Apply ($265): research only	Fee applies	Free	Free	Check	Free	Fee applies	Check
417	Check	Check	Fee applies	Check	Check	Fee applies	Check	Check
444	Free (NZ citizen)	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
445	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
461	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
462	Check	Check	Fee applies	Free	Check	Fee applies	Check	Check
476	Check	Check	Free	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
482	Apply ($265), Core Skills job	Fee $6,400 to $7,600 (regional free)	Free	Free	Income tested, up to $6,700/$7,900 (country schools free)	Free	Free	$4,000/family
485	Fee applies	Fee applies (low-income exemption)	Free	Free	Check	Free	50% fee	Check
491	Apply ($265)	Free ($150 application fee)	Free	Free	Check	Free	50% fee	Check
494	Apply ($265)	Free ($150 application fee)	Free	Free	Check	Free	50% fee	Check
500	Apply ($265): research only	$7,800 to $14,200 (doctorate free)	Fee applies	Fee applies (PhD exempt)	Fee applies (scholarship waivers)	Fee applies (research exempt)	Fee applies (research exempt)	Fee applies (research exempt)
600	Check	Check	Fee applies	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
601	Check	Check	Fee applies	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
602	Check	Check	Fee applies	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
651	Check	Check	Fee applies	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
785	Free (humanitarian)	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
790	Free (humanitarian)	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
801	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
802	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
804	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
808	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
820	Apply ($265)	Free ($150 application fee)	Free	Free	Check	Free	Free	Check
835	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
836	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
837	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
838	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
858	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
864	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
866	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
887	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
884	Free	Check	Fee applies	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
888	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
890	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
891	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
892	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
893	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)	Free (permanent resident)
995	Free (diplomat)	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check
998	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check	Check

School fees and exemptions by state and territory

Select your state or territory below to see who pays school fees and which visa holders may be exempt.

ACT

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

In the ACT, tuition fees are charged for the school-age dependants of temporary residents unless the visa is exempt. Some visas are exempt automatically and others must apply for an exemption (current rules, checked November 2026).

Automatically exempt

Subclasses 400, 590, 771, 884, 942 and 988
Humanitarian, refugee, protection and safe haven visas
New Zealand passport holders, diplomats and Status of Forces Agreement holders
Dependants of asylum seekers on bridging visas can be granted an exemption (reviewed each November)

Exempt on application ($265 non-refundable application fee)

482 Skills in Demand: with an ACT employment contract in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List
491: with a state or territory nomination or family sponsorship (MLTSSL or ROL occupation) and an ACT employment contract
494: with a state or territory nomination and an ACT employment contract
500 Student: postgraduate research, Foreign Affairs or Defence sector, or higher education with an Australian scholarship (VET students are not eligible)
408: with evidence of research activities
309 and 820 Partner visas
188 (ACT nominated): possible after 6 months of business activity in the ACT

Apply using the Dependants of Temporary Residents Fee Exemption Application Form. A bridging visa is not accepted for enrolment or an exemption. 485 visa dependants are not eligible and pay fees.

Tuition fees for fee-paying students (current ACT rates, year not stated)

Preschool: $4,200 a year
Primary (K to 6): $11,100 a year
High school (Years 7 to 10): $14,500 a year
College (Years 11 and 12): $16,200 a year

The ACT fees policy has allowed paid tuition fees to be refunded pro rata from the date Australian permanent residency is granted. Check with the ACT Education Directorate whether this still applies before you rely on it.

NSW

New South Wales (NSW)

School fees apply to most dependants of temporary residents in New South Wales through the Temporary Residents Program run by NSW Department of Education International (rules checked November 2026). All temporary resident visa holders can enrol at their local school by address.

2026 rates (40 school weeks)

Primary (K to 6): $6,400
Junior high (Years 7 to 10): $6,400
Senior high (Years 11 and 12): $7,600
Application fee: $150 for new applications
Dependants of 500 Student visa holders: $7,800 to $14,200 a year, depending on the parent’s study sector

By visa

482: application fee and tuition apply. From the 2025 school year, tuition is exempt if the family lives at an eligible regional NSW postcode and the child attends an eligible regional government school (the application fee still applies). Families in Greater Sydney and Wollongong still pay.
494 and 491: application fee only, no tuition
820: application fee only, no tuition
485: fee-paying at the temporary resident rate; a low-income fee exemption may be available
408: fee-paying; a fee exemption may be available only if the visa runs for more than 3 months
Bridging visas: generally fee-paying at the temporary resident rate (the student dependant rate applies if the previous visa was a 500)

The following further exemptions apply:

Exemption for specific circumstances

Temporary resident students in the following specific circumstances are exempt from the education fee, however, are liable for the administration fee:

Dependants of international students who hold visa subclass 500 or 574, and the principal visa holder is undertaking a Postgraduate Doctorate course (as per their Confirmation of Enrolment), the course provider is a New South Wales main campus university, and the principal visa holder is not a recipient of a scholarship that includes school fees for dependant children.
Dependants of international students who have a full scholarship from a publicly funded Australian university.

Exemption for specific circumstances

Temporary resident students in the following specific circumstances are exempt from the administration fee and education fee.

Dependants of international students who have a full scholarship from the Australian Government or who are sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Department of Defence.
Exchange students who enrol in NSW government schools through organisations that manage student exchange programs and are registered with the NSW Department of Education.
Dependants of teachers on exchange programs organised by the NSW Department of Education or in agreements or memoranda of understanding recognised by the department.
Temporary residents enrolled in a NSW government hospital school and receiving in-patient care.
Temporary resident students with links to an Australian citizen or permanent resident by birth, marriage or adoption, who have applied for permanent residency and do not hold, or have applied for, a dependant student visa.
Temporary resident students with links to an Australian citizen or permanent resident by a de facto relationship, who have applied for permanent residency under family stream migration and do not hold, or have applied for, a dependant student visa.
Students who are holders of an ImmiCard issued by the Department of Home Affairs

Exemption based on low income

Families on a low income can apply to the department for an exemption from the education fee. Visitor, short-stay (13 weeks or less) and dependant student visa holders cannot use this exemption.

Northern Territory (NT)

In the NT, many temporary visa holders do not pay government school fees. According to the NT Department of Education (checked November 2026):

No fee: dependants of 482, 494, 491, 485, 408, 820, 400, 403, 476 and 489 visa holders
Fee-paying: dependants of 500, 407, 417, 462, 600, 601, 651, 160 to 162, 173, 602, 870 and 884 visa holders
Bridging visas: 010, 020, 030 and 050 follow the previous visa; 051 holders pay no fee

Fees for dependants of fee-paying visa holders (latest official rates, 2024)

Preschool: $4,100 a year
Transition to Year 6: $6,750 a year
Years 7 to 9: $7,700 a year
Years 10 to 12: $8,400 a year
Plus a $225 administration fee and a $1,000 refundable bond

These are the latest figures published by the department, and fees for 2026 are likely to be higher. Check current fees with NT International Services before enrolling.

Dependants of Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training students are generally treated as international students and pay fees. In the past, exceptions applied to dependants of Australian Aid students and some PhD home country scholarship students as agreed with Charles Darwin University; check with the department whether a scholarship exemption is available before enrolling.

QLD

Queensland (QLD)

In Queensland, enrolment of temporary residents is managed by Department of Education International (DEi), formerly Education Queensland International (rules checked November 2026).

Visas that pay no school fees

482, 494, 491, 485, 462, 820 and 408 visa holders do not need to register with DEi and pay no application or tuition fee; they enrol directly at the school
500 Student visa dependants need an Authority to Enrol and pay application and tuition fees unless an exemption below applies
Bridging visas need an Authority to Enrol; fees apply only if the previous substantive visa was fee-paying

2026 fees for dependants of student visa holders (per week, paid each term)

Kindy: $158
Prep to Year 6: $314
Years 7 to 9: $322
Year 10: $340
Year 11: $385
Year 12: $396
Application fee: $305 (2027: Prep to Year 6 rises to $325 a week and the application fee to $315)

A financial hardship waiver is available, generally for up to one school year at a time. DEi also offers fee exemptions for eligible dependant students of temporary visa holders whose parents are studying in Queensland tertiary institutions.

Exemptions for school age dependants of student visa holders

School age dependants of student visa holders may be exempt from the requirement to pay tuition fees for their education (Prep to Year 12) in Queensland state schools.

‘School age dependant’ of a student visa holder means a member of the family unit of the student visa holder who has turned 5, but has not turned 18 (see the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cwlth)). Any exemption only applies for the duration of the primary student visa holder’s (parent’s) course of study in Queensland.

Categories of exemptions

New Zealand citizens are not charged tuition fees (the cost of providing instruction, administration and facilities for the education of the person at a state school is met by the State).
The primary student visa holder is a postgraduate research Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student. Dependants are exempt from paying tuition fees, except where the dependants are from a country whose government sponsors dependant children.
The primary student visa holder is studying a Masters by Research Degree at a regional Queensland university located outside South East, Metropolitan and North Coast education regions, except where the primary student visa holder is receiving financial support from their home country government.
The primary student visa holder holds one of the following scholarships:
- Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) Development Awards
- Australian Development Scholarship (ADS)
- Australian Leadership Awards Scholarship (ALA)
- Australian Regional Development Scholarship
- Australian Leadership Awards Fellowship
- Prime Minister’s Pacific-Australia Awards.
The primary student visa holder holds one of the following full tuition scholarships, for the duration of their course of study:
- Commonwealth Government: Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships
- Queensland university scholarship.

Part scholarships will be charged at the published fee rate.

South Australia (SA)

If you are an international tertiary student studying an award course in a South Australian university or tertiary education institution, or bridging from a student visa, you may choose to enrol your unmarried school-aged children as Dependants in a South Australian government school.

Your child’s visa subclass and your tertiary student status will determine the category of Dependant.

Visa subclass	Your tertiary student status	Category of Dependant
500	Full fee-paying international student (Higher Education sector, Vocational Education & Training sector, Postgraduate Research sector)	Children of a full fee-paying international tertiary student
500	South Australian endorsed scholarship holder	Children of South Australian government endorsed scholarship holder

If your visa subclass or citizenship is one of the following, your children cannot be enrolled as Dependants.

Visa subclass or citizenship	Do your children need to be enrolled as international or local students?	Follow the link for further information
500	If you are an international tertiary student studying English on an ELICOS course only, your children need to be enrolled as full-fee paying international students	Primary school student High school student
New Zealand citizen	If your children hold New Zealand citizenship, they can be enrolled as local students.	You will find more information on how to enrol your children at Department for Education .
188, 400, 401, 403, 416, 420, 476, 485, 489, 602	If you are a business, occupational or cultural visa holder, your children can be enrolled as local students.	You will find more information on how to enrol your children at Department for Education.
482 (and remaining 457 holders)	If you are a temporary work (skilled) visa holder, your children can be enrolled directly at your local school subject to capacity.	You will find more information on how to enrol your children at Department for Education. You may be required to pay a contribution fee

The list of visas whose children enrol as local students (188, 400, 401, 403, 416, 420, 476, 485, 489, 602) dates from earlier years, and several of these visas have since closed. South Australia now uses an online visa look-up, so check with the Department for Education Temporary Resident Education Administration before enrolling, including for 491 and 494 visas.

Student fees for 482 visa holders (2026)

The fee applies to 482 families with children at government schools in greater Adelaide whose combined gross family income is over $75,000 (including salary sacrifice and overtime). Under $75,000, no fee is charged.
Maximum fee in 2026: $6,700 per primary student and $7,900 per secondary student. A reduced fee applies below $101,000 (1 child), $120,000 (2 children) or $139,000 (3 or more children).
Second and later children receive 10% off, and with 4 or more children only the youngest three are charged. Fees are pro rata for mid-year starts, and an employer can pay the fee.
About 246 listed schools in country areas (for example the Riverland, Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas, Limestone Coast, Upper Spencer Gulf and APY Lands) have been exempt from the fee since January 2019. See the country schools exemption list to find out if you need to pay it.

Student visa (500) dependants

Fees for 2027: $7,400 per primary student and $8,720 per secondary student, plus a $740 per family first-year application fee and a $380 per child annual administration fee. Check the 2026 fee with the department.
Children of South Australian government endorsed scholarship holders receive full or partial fee waivers for the scholarship period.

VIC

Victoria (VIC)

Depending on the type of visa you hold, your dependants may or may not be required to pay school fees through the Department of Education International Student Program (rules checked November 2026).

Fee exempt visas

482, 494, 491 and 485 (skilled employees), 408 and 820 visa holders do not pay tuition fees at Victorian government schools
417 and 462 Working Holiday visa holders pay fees

Student visa (500) dependants

Fee-liable if the parent is in the ELICOS, Higher Education, Non-award, Schools or VET sector
Exempt if the parent is in the Postgraduate Research or AusAID and Defence sector, studies higher education with an Australian Government or Victorian higher education institution scholarship, or is an approved exchange student

Indicative dependant tuition published by Study Victoria (year not stated): about $13,600 a year for primary, $16,660 for junior secondary and $18,700 for senior secondary. Check current fees with the department before enrolling.

Bridging visas

Bridging visas are issued when someone enters Australia on one type of visa and later applies for another visa. A bridging visa allows the applicant to stay in Australia lawfully once their original visa has expired and while the Department of Home Affairs makes a decision on their new visa application.

Whether a student is fee liable or fee exempt when they are on a bridging visa is determined by the visa held by the student immediately prior to receiving their bridging visa. If that visa was exempt from paying fees to study in a Victorian government school, the student does not need to pay fees while they are on the bridging visa. If that visa was fee liable, the student needs to pay fees and enrol in the International Student Program.

TAS

Tasmania (TAS)

If you are moving to Tasmania to study or work on a temporary resident visa, your children (referred to as dependants) are very welcome to study. The Temporary Resident Program (TRP) helps a significant number of students on temporary visas enrol into Tasmanian Government Schools.

Who pays (current TRP rules, checked November 2026)

No TRP fee: 482, 820, 309, 186, 189 and 190 visa holders
50% of the TRP fee: 494, 491 and 485 visa holders (485 has been charged 50% since 24 July 2023)
500 Student visa: most dependants pay the fee (ELICOS, VET, Higher Education and Non-award sectors); dependants of Schools sector students pay full international fees; no fee for Postgraduate Research or Foreign Affairs and Defence sector students
408: fee payable
Bridging visas: follow the previous visa; 051 holders pay no fee, and protection or humanitarian applicants may be exempt

TRP fees (current rates, year not stated)

Kindergarten: $3,800 a year
Prep to Year 12: $7,600 a year ($1,900 a term)
Application fee: $150 per student; the first two terms must be paid before the Authority to Enrol is issued

A fee relief policy is available for families in financial hardship.

Western Australia (WA)

Every child from pre-primary to Year 12 on a permanent visa is guaranteed a place at their local public school. For temporary visa holders, enrolment and fees are managed by TAFE International Western Australia (rules checked November 2026).

482 Skills in Demand visa (and remaining 457 holders)

Children can enrol at their local school, but a tuition fee of $4,000 per family per year applies (Pre-primary to Year 12, whatever the number of children). There is no fee if the oldest child is in Kindergarten.
The fee was waived for 2024 only and applies again in 2025 and 2026.
A financial hardship waiver is available if the combined gross family income is $90,000 or less (reapply each year). A waiver for unforeseen events must be applied for within 6 months.
The fee continues if you move onto a bridging visa.

Student visa (500) dependants

Dependants of Masters by Research and PhD (subclass 574) students at a WA university do not pay mainstream tuition fees for the study period, but contributions and charges apply. The waiver does not cover bridging, preliminary English or similar courses.
Change from 1 January 2027: dependants of Masters by Coursework (subclass 573) students will no longer receive the waiver, unless they already hold one or receive a Confirmation of Placement by 30 November 2026.
Holders of AusAID, full Commonwealth, or full ECU, Curtin, Murdoch or UWA scholarships have local enrolment entitlement for the scholarship period. Scholarships that also sponsor the dependants pay mainstream fees.
Other 500 dependants enrol as full fee-paying overseas students. 2027 mainstream fees: Kindergarten $7,809; Pre-primary and Primary $14,575; Years 7 to 10 $17,286; Years 11 and 12 $18,980 (an Intensive English Centre adds $3,000 and EAL/D support adds $1,500).

Children on certain other visa subclasses may need to enrol as full fee-paying students, with enrolment at the discretion of the school principal and subject to capacity. For 494, 491, 485, 820 and 408 visas, check with the WA Department of Education or TAFE International Western Australia before enrolling. All students also pay the contributions and charges that apply at every public primary and secondary school.

Book a Consultation

School Fees for Dependants of Visa Holders

Update (November 2026)

IS YOUR CHILD ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOOL FEES EXEMPTION?

Main work and student visas at a glance (November 2026)

IS YOUR CHILD ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOOL FEES EXEMPTION?

School fees and exemptions by state and territory

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

New South Wales (NSW)

Northern Territory (NT)

Queensland (QLD)

South Australia (SA)

Victoria (VIC)

Tasmania (TAS)

Western Australia (WA)

Related guides

Recent News

400 Visas for Ship Crews, Media, Sport, Models and Influencers

Doctors and Lawyers: When Registration or Admission Is Your Skills Assessment

Married, Separated or Had a Baby After Your Skilled Visa Invitation?

Second Jobs, Volunteering and Overseas Work on a 482 Visa

Australian Study Requirement: RPL, Overlapping Courses and Time Offshore

400 Visas for Ship Crews, Media, Sport, Models and Influencers

Second Jobs, Volunteering and Overseas Work on a 482 Visa

Australia visa options

Employer Sponsored

Immigration Lawyer* Melbourne

Lawyers*

TR to PR

Book a Consultation

Immigration Tools

Migration Agent Melbourne

MARA registered agents

Locations

Melbourne Office