international student fees

international student fees

Postby barliz » Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:28 am

Hello All,
We're looking at moving to Australia for a year and have been exploring the education system. I kept hearing that some states could make us pay up to $8,000 for public schooling for our kids who will attend primary. For those of you in the same boat, here's what I have found out so far.on a 457 Visa there are no international school fees (ie $8,000 per child, per year) in Western Australia or Queensland.Haven't heard back from anyone else yet. I am attaching the link outlining all the visa subclasses for Western and fee structures as applicable. Good luck!http://policies.det.wa.edu.au/Members/e4002033/policy.2006-01-19.8936487071/Orig_2008-06-23.6469118438.pdf.
User avatar
barliz
Junior Member
Junior Member
 
Posts: 14
Joined: 18 Jul 2008
Location: Newfoundland
Gender: None specified
Country: Canada (ca)

Postby comet555 » Tue Aug 19, 2008 2:37 pm

You could also check out South Australia, I think I read someone comment that they don't have the excess school fees there.

Also, another option is to send the kids to a private school, which can sometimes be cheaper than paying the fees at a state school. Mostly it's some of the reglious schools (like Catholic) that can have fees lower than $4000 per person. If you choose to send the kids to private school then you pay them directly whatever their fees are. Or at least that's what I've gathered from other people.

I think the $8000 is excessive though for a 457, I think most places would be closer to $4000 for a 457 visa holder. Although better to plan for the higher end!

If you're planning on going on a 457 have you looked into how easy/hard it would to be sponsored? To go on that visa you need to have found an employer to sponsor you, which in some cases can be very difficult.

I think in previous posts you mentioned that you qualified for the 175 visa. If this is the case then it might work out to be cheaper to just get the permanent visa. That way you won't have to fork out the school fees every year or pay for private medical coverage. I believe our visa cost about $3000 Canadian and took about 8 months to get. So for us, it was well worth it. We don't have the extra costs, and we're not dependent on our employer for a visa.

If you come on a 457 you are tied to that employer. If they fire you (or you quit) then you need to find another visa within a month (I think). For us that just wasn't enough security which is why we opted to get our own visa.

I know you aren't looking at coming over for a while, but I'd keep that option in mind in case sponsorship doesn't work out the way you planned.
comet555
CanuckAbroad VIP
CanuckAbroad VIP
 
Posts: 278
Joined: 28 Jun 2007
Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Gender: Female
Country: Australia (au)

Postby barliz » Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:17 am

Just heard back from Victoria.no international fees on a 457 with them either.
User avatar
barliz
Junior Member
Junior Member
 
Posts: 14
Joined: 18 Jul 2008
Location: Newfoundland
Gender: None specified
Country: Canada (ca)

Postby britzinoz » Wed Aug 20, 2008 4:03 pm

I'm a Brit in Australia, but it will be the same for Canadians.

School Fees for 457 Visa Holders

Although the 457 visa is classed as a temporary visa, it must be noted that it is a Temporary "Resident" Visa, and not a Temporary "Visitor" Visa.

Most States allow the children of Temporary "Resident" Visa holders to access Government School facilities under the same conditions as Citizens and Residents. However, it must be noted that the ACT and New South Wales do NOT.

NSW charges between $4,500 and $5,500 per child for education whilst on a 457 Visa.

ACT charges between $9,500 and $13,500 per child for education whilst on a 457 Visa.

QLD treats 457 Visa Holders the same as Citizens and Residents.

WA treats 457 Visa Holders the same as Citizens and Residents.

VIC treats 457 Visa Holders the same as Citizens and Residents.

SA treats 457 Visa Holders the same as Citizens and Residents.

Tasmania treats 457 Visa Holders the same as Citizens and Residents.

Northern Territory treats 457 Visa Holders the same as Citizens and Residents.

Note: NSW Sydney Morning Herald Newspaper Article quote from September 20, 2007:
"A spokeswoman for the NSW Education Minister, John Della Bosca, said 457 visa holders could apply to have school fees waived"

Hope it helps :)
User avatar
britzinoz
For every question there is an answer.
New Member
New Member
 
Posts: 7
Joined: 20 Aug 2008
Location: QLD
Gender: None specified
Country: American Samoa (as)


  • Did you find this topic helpful? If so, please link to it!
URL
BBCode
HTML
BOOKMARK  


Return to Canadians in Australia and New Zealand

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests

Latest Forum Posts

Canuck Abroad - Flights, Hotels Expatriate Travel Advice