Is Schooling FREE in Perth, WA?

Written By Krista Baroa

If you’re planning a move to Perth and have kiddo’s in tow, chances are one of your first thoughts is: “How much will schooling cost us?” Good question! Sorting out education is one of those big stress decisions all families need clarity on - and we are here to help.

As a local Perth mum and relocation specialist who’s helped loads of families land smoothly in WA, I’m here to walk you through the schooling setup in Perth — the real deal!

So, is schooling free in Perth?

Yes and no. It depends on a few key things:

If you're a local or permanent resident: Public schooling in Western Australia is generally free for Australian citizens and permanent residents. You’ll still have some costs, but the actual tuition fees are waived.

If you’re on a visa: Here’s where it gets a bit trickier. If you’re moving on a temporary visa (like 482, 500, or 600 series), you’ll most likely have to pay international school fees to enrol your child in a public school. These fees are called Tuition Fees for Dependants of Visa Holders and are charged by the WA Department of Education, via TAFE International.

BUT — there are some exceptions and concessions depending on the visa type.

💡 Did you know? WA has one of the most accessible public school systems in the country — even regional schools are well-equipped and connected.

What are the typical public school costs?

  • For citizens and PRs (permanent residents):

    • Tuition fees: $0

    • Voluntary contributions: Usually $60–$350/year per child. This helps cover classroom resources, art supplies, etc.

    • Charges for extra activities: Think excursions, school camps, specialist music tuition — these are optional and billed separately.

    • Uniforms: $150–$300 per child to get started.

    • Stationery/books: Schools provide a booklist. Budget around $100–$150 per year.

🧠 Hack: Some schools offer second-hand uniform shops or swap days — great for saving a few bucks. Read our previous blog on how to buy school uniforms.

  • For temporary visa holders:

    • Tuition fees: is currently set at $4000 AUD, per family (not student) per year. WA is one of the cheaper states in Australia as many others charge per child, not family. This cost is set by the state government and is subject to change each year, and always subject to your visa class;

    • Other costs (as above): Still apply, same as for Aussie citizens.

    • You’ll need to apply for an “Authority to Enrol” through the WA Department of Education before you can enrol your child. This is where they’ll assess your visa status and give you a fee estimate.

    • TAFE International WA has advised that school fees for the 2025 school year have been waived for migrants holding a 482 Temporary Skills Shortage visa. For more information, check this page or talk with your migration agent.

Types of schools in Perth

You’ve got a few main options when it comes to schooling:

1. Public (Government) Schools

  • Catchment based — your child goes to a school in your local zone.

  • Solid education, especially in sought-after areas like Churchlands, Rossmoyne, Willetton, Applecross, and Shenton Park.

  • Great for integrating into the local community.

2. Independent Public Schools (IPS)

  • Still government-run but with more autonomy.

  • Often have specialised programs (languages, STEM, music).

  • You may need to apply even if you’re in the catchment.

3. Private Schools

  • Fee-paying, even for locals.

  • Can be religious (Catholic, Anglican, Baptist etc.) or non-denominational.

  • Includes our International School of Western Australia (ISWA) which offers the IB programme.

  • Fees range from $3,000–$25,000+ per year.

💡 Fact: There are over 800 schools in WA — plenty of options to suit different learning styles, cultures, and values.

Click this school age calculator to get the year group for your kids depending on date of birth.

Enrolment tips for relocating families

Start early

Popular public schools fill up fast — especially in top-rated catchments. Once you’ve locked in a rental, get the ball rolling on enrolments.

Choose your suburb wisely

In Perth, your address usually determines which public school your child can attend. So if you’ve got a dream school, you’ll need to rent/buy in the school’s catchment.

🧭 Hack from a relo mum: Use the school intake map before you start house-hunting!

Prepare documents

Most schools will ask for:

  • Child’s passport and visa

  • Immunisation records (Australia requires AIR documentation)

  • Proof of address (lease agreement and utility bill)

  • School reports (if transferring from overseas)

FAQ

a.) Special programs and gifted education

WA public schools offer a range of specialist programs, especially at high school level:

  • Academic extension (GATE)

  • Languages

  • Music and performing arts

  • Sports academies

You can apply for these through selective testing, usually done in Year 5 or 6 for high school entry.

b.) What if my child needs English support?

Many Perth schools are wonderfully multicultural and experienced with kids from non-English speaking backgrounds. There are Intensive English Centres (IECs) around the metro area that help kids adjust before transitioning to mainstream classes.

c.) Private tutoring & homework clubs

Not compulsory, but heaps of families choose a bit of extra help for their kids:

  • Private tutors (around $40–$80/hour)

  • Homework clubs at libraries or schools (often free or gold coin donation)

  • Online tutoring (some Aussie-based, some international)

Final thoughts from a Perth mum;

Moving to a new country with little ones is no small feat. But schooling in Perth? It’s actually one of the smoother bits of the transition.

With a mix of friendly school communities, gorgeous campuses, and a very welcoming education system, your kids are likely to settle in beautifully — and you’ll find that the school drop-off chats at the gate might just be where you meet your new friends too.

If you’re unsure about your visa type or what fees might apply, reach out to the WA Department of Education.. We’ve helped loads of families enrol stress-free and get those first-day jitters sorted.

Got more schooling questions?

Watch our REEL - West Aussie School 101

Download our FREE Guide - School Enrolments and School Age Calculator

Read more about our package - Kids Connect Service

Still stuck and don’t know where or how to start? Let’s talk about that! Book our Relocation Hub Call and have a 1-on-1 with me so you can have a clear understanding of the education system in Western Australia.

Welcome to Perth — your schooling journey is just beginning!

Krista Baroa
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How to Buy School Uniforms in Australia?