A new report indicates that Brisbane's Catholic and private schools are among the most expensive in Australia. Specifically, Brisbane's Catholic schools have, on average, surpassed other capital cities in cost over a student's 13-year education, from prep to year 12.
Key Findings
The report, commissioned by Futurity Investment Group and completed by Resolve Strategic, estimates that schooling a child from prep to year 12, starting this year, would cost families over $270,000. The data was compiled from survey responses from 2500 families and school income information from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.
For a child beginning Catholic schooling in 2026, the estimated annual cost is $9860. Optional expenses, including external coaching, tutoring, electives, school camps, and musical instruments, account for approximately 44 percent of this annual sum. School fees represent the largest single expense for families.
Brisbane's Catholic schools are projected to cost approximately $200 more annually than those in Melbourne and up to $829 more than those in Sydney.
Comparative Costs
Despite the higher average, the most expensive Catholic school in Brisbane for 2026, Stuartholme, would cost at least $10,000 less for a Year 12 student than the priciest institutions in Sydney and Melbourne.
For independent schooling, the report estimates a 13-year education in Brisbane could reach up to $423,378. Even for state school attendees, parents might spend up to $120,486 on their child's education, although only about 8 percent of this total is for compulsory fees or voluntary add-ons like student resource schemes.
Official Statements
Allan Blagaich, chief executive of Catholic Education Queensland Limited, noted the significant variation in schooling costs across Brisbane. He stated that Catholic schools prioritize keeping fees as low as possible, explaining that parent contributions are essential to bridge the gap between government funding and the actual cost of providing education.