Back-to-school season should bring nerves, not dread. But for more families each year, the cost of getting a child into class feels like a growing burden. The gap between “public” and “affordable” is starting to show—and it’s not just about the money.
Public Education No Longer Feels Free
A new study has revealed that sending a child through 13 years of public education in Victoria now costs more than $108,000—a number that’s caught many parents off guard, reports 9News. Despite the idea that public schools are free, expenses for uniforms, technology, learning materials, excursions, and extracurriculars are piling up fast.
The research, led by Swinburne University, shows that vulnerable families are having to cut back on food, utilities, and other essentials just to keep their kids in school. Some parents are skipping meals or delaying medical bills. In more extreme cases, school costs are tipping families into housing stress or even homelessness.
Education Versus Survival: A Daily Balancing Act
Many of the families affected are already at breaking point. According to community support organisations like Anchor, the issue isn’t just about the money—it’s also emotional. Parents feel ashamed, guilty, and isolated when they can’t provide the same school experiences for their children that other families take for granted.
For the children, the impacts are even more invisible. Students in insecure housing or financial hardship may miss out on school camps, group projects requiring purchased supplies, or even proper school clothes. This can quickly lead to exclusion and lowered self-confidence, making it harder to stay engaged in the classroom.
Hidden Costs Hit Families On The Edge
Families at risk of losing housing, or who are marginally housed, are also feeling the strain. While homelessness services see the most critical cases, researchers warn the problem is widespread and growing. The current cost-of-living crisis is expected to push more middle-income families into difficulty, especially if wage growth fails to keep pace.
According to lead researcher Suzannah Willis, public education is now something kids can’t access on equal terms. She’s calling for clearer school cost guidelines and greater support for families who are struggling—not just financial aid, but recognition in policies and school culture.
A System Under Pressure
Education is meant to be a ladder out of poverty. But when families are forced to choose between paying for school or keeping the lights on, something’s broken. Without better planning and broader support, the idea of public education being free and fair may soon feel like a thing of the past.
