REGIONAL Tasmania is one of the most expensive places in Australia to educate a child in a private school, according to research released on Tuesday.
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The ASG Planning for Education Index found for a child born in 2016, the forecast cost of a private education in regional Tasmania would be $340,214 – at least $11,000 more than the national regional average.
The forecast cost of a government education in regional Tasmania would be $47,425, less than the national regional average by $3495.
Hobart was highlighted as the most affordable city in Australia to educate a child in government and systemic schools. The state’s capital was also 10 per cent cheaper than the national metropolitan average for a private education.
For a child born in 2016, the estimated cost of a private education in Sydney would be $552,351.
ASG CEO John Velegrinis said the cost of education had continued to rise at more than twice the rate of inflation over the past decade.
‘‘Regardless of whether you send your children to a government, systemic or private school, the costs of that education will clearly increase, which is why we advocate that parents start planning for education as early as possible,’’ Mr Velegrinis said.
Based on more than 12,500 responses, the index measures variables, including school fees, transport, uniforms, computers, school excursions and sporting trips to determine the cost of education.
The report also indicated that the cost of certain variables had not increased over the past year.
For example, the costs for computers and transport costs, including the price of fuel, had declined compared to the previous year, while the cost of books remained stable.
The report also forecasts preschool or kindergarten in Australia will cost parents between $2774 and $8330, depending on the school type.