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Planning ahead can help you stay on top of back-to-school costs.
Ways to spend less on school uniforms and supplies
The costs of uniforms, bags, stationery, fees, excursions and computers can add up quickly. There are ways to cut costs and still buy what your child needs for school.
Spread the costs
You don’t need to buy everything at once.
Only buy uniform items that your child needs for the first term. Hold off on extra sets or seasonal items until they’re needed.
The same applies to books and stationery. Check when your child will use them and spread purchases across the year where you can.
Go second-hand
Many schools and parent associations sell second-hand uniforms at lower prices.
For books, calculators and other equipment, check second-hand bookshops, community noticeboards and online marketplaces. Parents with older children may also have items they no longer need.
Technology can cost a lot. If your child needs a laptop or tablet for school, a second-hand or refurbished device may cost less and still do the job. You can also ask if the school offers discounts, payment plans or device programs.
Label everything
Write your child's name on uniforms, lunch boxes, drink bottles and stationery. People are more likely to return lost items when they can see who they belong to.
Buy at sales
Make a list before you shop and focus on what your child actually needs.
Look out for sales, clearance events and school discount programs. Some schools also have arrangements with local businesses that offer savings to families.
Look for value
The cheapest option isn’t always the best value.
A quality item that lasts can cost less in the long run than replacing something several times during the year.
If your children are older, buying school supplies can also be a chance to talk about spending decisions and getting value for money. See our tips on teaching your kids about money.
How do I budget for school expenses?
School costs don’t stop after the first day of term.
Excursions, camps, sport, music lessons and projects can all cost money during the year. Adding these costs to your budget early can make them easier to manage.
Use our budget planner to work out your school expenses for the year and see how they fit within your household budget.
If school costs are putting pressure on your finances, visit our cost of living help hub for practical ways to manage expenses, reduce bills and find support.
What help can I get with school costs?
If school costs are hard to manage, there are places you can turn to for help.
No Interest Loan
A No Interest Loan can help eligible families pay for school fees, uniforms or a laptop.
You can borrow up to $2,000 and pay it back over time. You won’t pay fees or interest.
Ask Good Shepherd about No Interest Loans.
Saver Plus
Saver Plus helps eligible families save for school costs.
You set a savings goal and for every dollar you save up to $500, your savings will be matched. You can use the money for things like textbooks, uniforms and computers.
Ask the Brotherhood of St Laurence about Saver Plus.
Financial hardship support through your school
If school costs are causing stress, contact the school early.
Many schools offer payment plans, hardship support, second-hand uniform programs or information about local support services. Asking early may give you more options.
Where can I get government support?
Services Australia and state and territory governments offer payments, concessions and assistance to help families with school costs.
Services Australia
Services Australia provides payments and services to help with the costs of raising children and supporting their education.
Visit the Services Australia website to learn more about the payments.
State governments
State and territory governments offer help with school costs.
This can include help with uniforms, textbooks, technology and transport to school.
See what help your state or territory offers:
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Australian Capital Territory |
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New South Wales |
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Northern Territory |
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Queensland |
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South Australia |
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Tasmania |
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Victoria |
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Western Australia |
Public transport
If your child travels to school by public transport, check whether your state or territory offers concession fares or transport assistance.
Check your state or territory website for details.
| ACT |
Transport Canberra concessions |
| New South Wales | School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) |
| Northern Territory | Remote Transit Subsidy |
| Queensland | School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) |
| South Australia | Travel concession and allowances |
| Tasmania | Student travel |
| Victoria | Public Transport for school students |
| Western Australia |
Student travel subsidies |
If you're struggling, there's always help available! Learn more about financial counselling services you can use.