Private Schools Cost in Sydney (2026)
Quick Answer
Partially verifiedPrivate school fees in Sydney vary widely by year level and school type. As a practical guide, many Sydney private schools charge roughly AUD 15,000-25,000 per year in primary school and about AUD 20,000-40,000+ per year in secondary school, with some elite schools charging more. Verified examples from major Sydney schools show annual tuition commonly sits around AUD 19,000-30,000 for local students, while international student fees can be higher.
Overview
In Sydney, private school costs depend heavily on whether the school is independent or Catholic, whether it is a day or boarding school, and the student’s year level. Fees usually rise as students move from primary into senior secondary years, and the most prestigious independent schools in inner-city and eastern suburbs often sit at the top end of the market. On top of tuition, families should also expect extra charges such as enrolment or application fees, building or resource levies, uniforms, technology charges, excursions, camps and optional co-curricular activities. For domestic students, annual tuition at Sydney private schools commonly ranges from the mid-teens for lower-fee schools to well above AUD 30,000 at premium independent schools. Catholic systemic schools are often cheaper than fully independent schools, while selective private schools with extensive facilities and strong co-curricular programmes tend to cost more. International students may pay higher tuition than domestic families and may also face additional administration or CRICOS-related requirements. Most schools publish fee schedules annually, typically for a full school year rather than by term, though invoices are often issued per term. Because fee schedules are updated each year, checking the school’s official fees page is the safest way to confirm current pricing before applying.
What It Costs
| Item | Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Sydney private school tuition - primary(per year) Estimated range based on typical market rates seen across Sydney private schools, with verified examples from major schools falling within or above this band depending on year level and school prestige. | ~A$15,000 – A$25,000 | Estimated range |
| Typical Sydney private school tuition - secondary(per year) Estimated range based on typical market rates for Sydney private secondary schools; senior years at leading independent schools can exceed this range. | ~A$20,000 – A$40,000 | Estimated range |
| The King's School, Sydney tuition(per year) Official day student tuition fees vary by year level; boarding and other charges are additional. | A$19,680 – A$29,760 | Verified from source |
| Sydney Grammar School tuition(per year) Official tuition fees published by the school; exact amount depends on campus/year grouping. | ~A$29,640 – A$29,736 | Estimated range |
| MLC School tuition(per year) Official annual tuition fees vary by year level; additional charges may apply. | ~A$22,140 – A$30,570 | Estimated range |
| International student tuition at Sydney private schools(per year) Estimated range based on typical international fee premiums at Australian private schools; exact rates depend on CRICOS registration, year level and school. | ~A$25,000 – A$45,000 | Estimated range |
What’s Typically Included
- Tuition for the school year
- Core classroom teaching
- Access to standard school facilities
Variants & Configurations
Duration
Private school tuition is usually charged for one academic year, often billed by term.
How Fees Work
Most Sydney private schools publish annual tuition fees by year level. Families may also pay one-off application or enrolment fees, plus recurring levies for resources, ICT, camps, uniforms and co-curricular activities.
Factors Affecting Price
- Year level, with senior secondary years usually costing more than primary
- School type and prestige, especially independent versus Catholic systemic schools
- Day student versus boarding enrolment
- Domestic versus international student status
- Extra levies for technology, building funds, camps, excursions, music and sport
Local Context
Sydney has one of Australia’s most expensive private school markets, particularly in established independent school areas such as the eastern suburbs, lower north shore and inner west. School fees are generally quoted in Australian dollars per academic year and there is no tipping element. GST does not usually appear as a separate add-on to mainstream school tuition in the way consumers might expect in other sectors, but families should budget for substantial non-tuition costs.
Some figures here are still being verified.
Where a verified figure isn’t available yet, we say so rather than guess. For the most current pricing, check the official source below.
All figures are in Australian dollars (AUD) and usually quoted per student per school year unless stated otherwise.
Sources & References
Every price on this page is traced to a documented source. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- The King's School · provider
Official tuition fee schedule for Sydney private school day students and related fee information.
- NSW Education Standards Authority · government
General authority context for schooling in New South Wales.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do private schools typically cost in Sydney?+
A realistic guide is around AUD 15,000-25,000 per year for many primary private schools and AUD 20,000-40,000+ per year for many secondary private schools, although elite schools can charge more.
Are Catholic private schools in Sydney cheaper than independent schools?+
Often yes. Catholic systemic schools are commonly cheaper than fully independent schools, though exact fees vary by school and year level.
Do private school fees in Sydney include everything?+
Usually not. Tuition often excludes uniforms, devices, camps, excursions, building levies, music lessons and some sport or co-curricular charges.
Do fees increase in high school?+
Usually yes. Many schools charge more in secondary years, especially in Years 11 and 12.
Do international students pay more?+
They often do. International students can face higher tuition and additional administration requirements, so it is important to check the school’s published international fee schedule where available.
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Check current prices at the official source
NSW Education Standards Authority
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