AUS Visa Update: Western Australian School Tuition Fees for 457 and 482 Visa Holders

Western Australian public-school tuition fees

The Western Australian (WA) Government currently provides a tuition fee waiver for Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) holders whose children attend public schools in Western Australia.

From 2027, the WA Government will reintroduce a means test for families to continue accessing this waiver. Families with a combined gross annual income of $90,000 or less can be granted a full waiver. Families earning more than this will be required to pay an annual family tuition fee.

Tuition fee and school contributions

The tuition fee is $4,000 per family per year, regardless of the number of children enrolled in public schools from Pre-primary to Year 12. Families whose oldest child is enrolled in kindergarten are not required to pay the fee.

School voluntary contributions, charges and fees are separate. These are paid directly to your children’s schools each year for each child enrolled, as they are by all families whose children attend the school.

Paying the tuition fee

TAFE International Western Australia manages invoicing and collection on behalf of the Department of Education. At the start of each school year, or when you enrol your children, you will receive a fee advice for $4,000 (or a pro-rata amount) by mail or email.

You can pay in full or by direct-debit instalments throughout the year. Online payment via BPoint is available through the unique link in your fee advice. Full payment must be received before the end of the year in which the invoice is issued. Outstanding tuition fees from previous years must also be paid.

When you no longer pay the tuition fee

You will no longer pay the tuition fee if:

• you gain permanent residence;
• your children leave the public school system; or
• your visa status changes.

Notify each of your children’s schools when any of these situations occur, so a correct fee advice can be issued and any eligible refunds arranged.

If you were on a 457 or 482 visa and are now on a Bridging Visa, you must continue paying the tuition fee. A Bridging Visa does not change the conditions and entitlements of your substantive 457 or 482 visa.

Fee waivers or reductions

457 and 482 visa holders can apply for a reduction or waiver within the year the fee is incurred. Applications for tuition fees incurred in previous years can no longer be submitted. There are two types of application:

Combined gross family income

Combined gross family income is the total taxable income received by both parents before tax and other deductions, including overtime and bonuses. If this is calculated to be $90,000 or less for the calendar year, a full waiver can be granted.

Evidence for you and your partner should include:

• your three most recent payslips;
• evidence of year-to-date income;
• income reported in PAYG or group certificates; and
• your 457 or 482 visa grant notice or employment contract with guaranteed income.

Unforeseen changes to financial circumstances

A full or partial waiver may be provided where an unforeseen change has reduced your capacity to pay. Evidence of the event and its impact must be provided within 6 months of the event. Examples include illness, changed employment conditions, family breakdown or death.

The following are not considered unforeseen circumstances:

• the requirement to pay tuition or other school fees;
• applying for permanent residence;
• family living expenses such as rent, health insurance or loan repayments; or
• paying for the education of other children or an adult student.

Changes to employment may affect a hardship application. Provide gross income from all paid work for you and your partner, along with termination or redundancy letters, final payslips, or details of how long either of you has been unemployed.

Applications are assessed case by case. You will be notified of the outcome between 4 and 6 weeks after all required documentation has been provided to TAFE International Western Australia.

A new application must be made each year. A waiver applies only for the period when you do not have the capacity to pay, and does not carry over into the following school year.

To apply for a waiver or find out more, visit TAFE International Western Australia.

Catholic and independent schools

Catholic Education of Western Australia (CEWA) has confirmed that 482 visa students pay the fees set by their individual school. They are not classified as full fee-paying overseas students. Fees may change, so confirm costs directly before enrolling.

The Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA) represents independent schools but does not set or charge tuition fees. Fees for international or full fee-paying overseas students (FFPOS) are set individually by each member school.