How much do Australian parents spend on back-to-school costs per child?

Most families spend between $500 and $1,500 per child for primary school, and $1,000 to $2,500 for high school. The Big W Back to School Survey found the average spend was around $1,000 in 2025, with uniforms, shoes, and technology being the biggest line items.

When is the best time to buy school supplies in Australia?

January is the main back-to-school season and when most sales happen, but July (post-EOFY) is also great for grabbing discounted stationery and uniforms from stores clearing winter stock. Boxing Day sales in December can also save you 20–40% on tech like laptops and tablets.

Can I claim school expenses on my tax return?

Generally no — school fees, uniforms, and stationery are private expenses and not tax deductible for most parents. The exception is if you run a home-based business and your child's education costs directly relate to your work (which is rare). Education tax refunds like the old Schoolkids Bonus no longer exist.

How do I budget for back-to-school when money is tight?

Start with a list of what you actually need (ask the school for their specific requirements), then set aside $20–$50 per week starting in October for the following year. Second-hand uniform shops, lay-by services, and the state government's textbook and uniform allowance (available in some states for eligible families) can all help bridge the gap.

Back to School Costs in Australia: What Parents Spend and How to Save

Short Answer

Australian parents spend anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per child on back-to-school costs each year, with uniforms, shoes, stationery, and technology eating up most of the budget. The good news? With a bit of planning, you can easily cut that bill by 25–40% — without your kid showing up to school with second-rate gear.

What Back-to-School Actually Costs

Let's break down the numbers. These are based on real parent spending for a primary school child in 2026:

Item	Typical Spend	Budget-Conscious Spend
School uniforms (2 sets)	$250–$400	$80–$150
School shoes (2 pairs)	$120–$180	$60–$100
Sports uniform & runners	$100–$160	$50–$90
Backpack & lunchbox	$80–$150	$40–$80
Stationery pack	$60–$120	$25–$50
Technology (laptop/tablet)	$400–$1,200	$250–$600
Excursions & incursions (year)	$150–$300	$150–$300
Total per child	$1,160–$2,510	$655–$1,370

Technology is the wildcard. If your school has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy for older kids, a laptop can add $400–$1,200 to your bill. Primary school kids usually don't need their own device — the school provides them — but check your school's specific requirements before you buy anything.

5 Practical Ways to Cut the Bill

1. Raid the Second-Hand Uniform Shop

Every school has one. The second-hand uniform shop is the single biggest money-saver available to parents. Blazers that cost $120 new often sell for $20–$30 in near-new condition. Kids outgrow uniforms in 12 months anyway — there's zero reason to buy everything new.

Real saving: $150–$300 per child.

2. Don't Buy the "Back-to-School" Stationery Pack

Schools love selling pre-packed stationery bundles for convenience. Convenience comes at a price — these packs are typically marked up 30–50% compared to buying the same items at Kmart, Big W, or Officeworks. Get the school's required list, take it to a discount retailer, and tick off items one by one. You'll be surprised at the difference.

Real saving: $35–$70 per child.

3. Time Your Purchases Around Sales

January is the obvious back-to-school month, but it's not always the cheapest. EOFY sales (June–July) and Boxing Day (December 26) often have better deals on big-ticket items like laptops, tablets, and shoes. Buy summer uniforms in January and winter gear in June — the stores are clearing exactly what you need at exactly the right time.

Real saving: $80–$300 per child (especially on tech).

4. Check If You're Eligible for Government Help

Several states offer financial assistance for school costs. For example, the NSW Department of Education runs the Student Assistance Scheme for eligible families. Queensland, Victoria, and SA have similar programs covering uniforms, textbooks, and excursion fees. The thresholds vary by state, but if you hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, you're likely eligible.

Real saving: $100–$400 per year in covered costs.

5. Spread the Cost With Lay-By

Big W, Target, and Kmart all offer lay-by services with no interest charges. Instead of dropping $1,000 in one painful January hit, you can spread payments over 8–12 weeks starting in October or November. This doesn't technically "save" you money, but it removes the financial shock — and avoiding credit card interest is a saving in itself.

The Hidden Cost Nobody Talks About

There's one cost that rarely makes the budget spreadsheet: the "keeping up" pressure. When other kids show up with the latest sneakers or a $150 branded backpack, your child notices. You notice.

Here's the thing: kids care far less about brand names than we think — especially in primary school. What they care about is showing up with gear that works and doesn't stand out for the wrong reasons. A clean, well-fitting uniform from the second-hand shop is indistinguishable from a brand-new one after the first wash.

If your child is older and brand-conscious, give them a budget and let them choose between "one pair of expensive shoes" or "two pairs of affordable ones plus a new backpack." It teaches them trade-offs — and they'll value whatever they pick more because they chose it.

A Simple Back-to-School Budget Plan

Month	Action	Estimated Cost
October	Start a dedicated savings account or envelope. Check second-hand uniform shop.	Set aside $25/week
November	Buy stationery (pre-Christmas sales). Lay-by big-ticket items.	$50–$100
December	Boxing Day sales: tech, shoes, bags. Compare prices online first.	$200–$500
January	Buy remaining uniforms, lunchboxes, drink bottles. Label everything.	$100–$300
February	First excursion note arrives — pay from your saved buffer.	$50–$150

Starting in October and spreading costs across 4–5 months transforms a stressful January lump sum into manageable weekly amounts. By the time school starts, you're organised, calm, and you've probably saved $400–$800 compared to panic-buying everything in the last week of January.

The back-to-school bill doesn't have to be scary. A little planning, a willingness to buy second-hand, and a realistic conversation with your child about what they actually need (vs what they want) goes a long way. Your kid is going to have a great year — and your bank account doesn't have to suffer for it.