Planning Your Child’s Education in Australia: Estimated Costs for Papua New Guinean Families

For parents in Papua New Guinea considering sending their children to Queensland State Schools in Australia, understanding the full cost of education and living expenses is an essential first step. This guide provides an approximate reference for families planning for one or two children accompanied by a guardian.

Estimated Annual Costs for Queensland State School (International Students)

Category	One Child + Guardian	Two Children + Guardian	Notes
School Tuition (Primary school)	AUD 15,176 ≈ PGK 36,422	AUD 30,352 ≈ PGK 72,845	Primary school tuition per child
Student Insurance	AUD 665 ≈ PGK 1,596	AUD 1,330 ≈ PGK 3,192	Must be paid for entire visa duration (3–5 years)
Guardian Insurance	AUD 1,980 ≈ PGK 4,752	AUD 1,980 ≈ PGK 4,752	Can pay 12 months upfront, then monthly after first year
Living Costs – Student	AUD 7,400 ≈ PGK 17,760	2 × AUD 7,400 ≈ PGK 35,520	Approximate annual living costs per student
Living Costs – Additional Child	–	AUD 7,400 ≈ PGK 17,760	Only applies for second child
Living Costs – Guardian	AUD 21,000 ≈ PGK 50,400	AUD 21,000 ≈ PGK 50,400	Approximate annual living costs
Visa & Medical Related Costs	Varies	Varies	Includes visa application, biometrics, and medical exams (not included above)
Flight Tickets	Varies	Varies	International flights to and from Australia (not included above)
Total Estimated Annual Cost	AUD 46,221 ≈ PGK 110,930	AUD 69,462 ≈ PGK 166,709	Excludes visa, medical, and flight costs

Junior high school and Senior high school students

Category	Junior High (Year 7–10)	Senior High (Year 11–12)	Notes
School Tuition	AUD 16,612 ≈ PGK 39,869	AUD 18,776 ≈ PGK 45,062	Tuition per year for international students
Student Insurance	AUD 665 ≈ PGK 1,596	AUD 665 ≈ PGK 1,596	Must be paid for the full visa duration (3–5 years)
Guardian Insurance	AUD 1,980 ≈ PGK 4,752	AUD 1,980 ≈ PGK 4,752	Can pay 12 months upfront, then monthly after first year
Living Costs – Student	AUD 7,400 ≈ PGK 17,760	AUD 7,400 ≈ PGK 17,760	Approximate annual living costs
Living Costs – Guardian	AUD 21,000 ≈ PGK 50,400	AUD 21,000 ≈ PGK 50,400	Approximate annual living costs
Visa & Medical Related Costs	Varies	Varies	Includes visa application, biometrics, and medical exams (not included above)
Flight Tickets	Varies	Varies	International flights to and from Australia (not included above)
✅ Total Estimated Annual Cost	AUD 46,657 ≈ PGK 114,377	AUD 49,821 ≈ PGK 119,770	Excludes visa, medical, and flight costs

It is important for parents to understand that student insurance must be paid for the entire duration of the student visa, which is generally three to five years, so this should be considered when planning the budget.

Guardian insurance is more flexible, as it can be paid 12 months in advance and then on a monthly basis after the first year.

Additional costs

Families should also take into account additional costs such as visa application fees, medical examinations, and international flights, which are not included in the school and living expenses.

By planning early, parents can ensure that tuition, living, and insurance expenses are managed smoothly and efficiently.

Homestay fees

For families considering a homestay arrangement for their child (available from Year 7 and above), the weekly fee is AUD 382. There is also a one-time placement fee of AUD 476. Any week that students are away during school holiday, homestay holding fee of AUD 60 per week will be applied.

Our agency is here to make this process as smooth as possible, assisting with paperwork, payments, and guiding families step by step from the beginning to the end, so that sending your child to study in Queensland can be a stress-free and well-organized experience.