How Much Does Homeschooling Cost in Australia? An Honest Breakdown

One of the first questions families ask when they start thinking about homeschooling is about money.

The honest answer is: homeschooling in Australia can cost almost nothing, or several thousand dollars a year.

Registration Is Free

Registration is free in every Australian state — you pay nothing to the government to home educate your child. Your time is the biggest cost.

Curriculum and Programs

Curriculum and programs range widely: some families use entirely free resources like Khan Academy and library books, while others invest in a complete program. Access Learning costs $29 a month for one child — $348 a year. Private school fees in Australia average between $4,000 and $30,000 per year.

Resources and Materials

Resources and materials typically cost $200 to $800 per year. Activities and socialisation — sports, music, co-ops, excursions — often cost $1,000 to $2,000 per year for active families.

What Families Actually Spend

A family using free resources and community activities might spend $500 to $1,000 per year. A family using Access Learning with regular activities might spend $2,000 to $4,000 per year per child. Either way, the numbers look very different from private school fees.

The families we speak with most often say the financial adjustment was smaller than they feared, and the return — in their child's wellbeing, their family's connection, and their confidence in their child's education — was larger than they expected.

Access Learning offers a free 7-day trial so you can see exactly what the program looks like before spending anything. No card required.