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School Fees in Australia for Dependents of 491 Visa Holders in Different Australian States and Territories

School Fees in Australia for Dependents of 491 Visa Holders in Different Australian States and Territories

Australian School Fees Guide for Dependents of 491 Visa Holders: State-by-State Breakdown

If you’re a holder of a 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa and planning to bring your children to Australia, understanding school fees in each state and territory is crucial. Let’s dive into the latest breakdown of school fees for dependents of 491 visa holders across the country:

Australian Capital Territory (ACT):In the ACT, dependents of a 491 visa holder may be eligible for a waiver of school fees — but only under specific conditions:

Eligibility:You must have been nominated for the 491 visa by the ACT Government and the visa must be granted.

Exemption Process:Once your visa is approved, you can apply for an exemption from paying public school fees.

Important Note:If your visa is still in process (not yet granted), the exemption does not apply.

How to Apply: You must contact the International Education Unit (IEU) first — you cannot apply online or directly through the local school.

Required Documents: You’ll need to provide a Skills Canberra letter or email that confirms your ACT nomination for the subclass 491 visa.

New South Wales (NSW):Under the NSW Temporary Residents Program, dependents of 491 visa holders only need to pay an application fee,no ongoing tuition fees are required.

Northern Territory (NT):Good news for NT-based families — no school fees apply for dependents of 491 visa holders.

Queensland (QLD):Queensland also offers free education — no school fees for dependents of 491 visa holders.

South Australia (SA):Families living in South Australia can enjoy no school fees for dependents of 491 visa holders.

Tasmania (TAS):Tasmania offers discounted school fees for 491 visa holders:

Standard Tuition Fees: From Prep to Year 12, the annual tuition fee is approximately $7,600.

Discount for 491 Visa Holders: A 50% discount is applied, significantly reducing the cost.

More Info: Detailed fee structures and processes are available through Tasmania’s education department.

Victoria (VIC):Victoria stands out by offering no school fees for dependents of 491 visa holders.

Western Australia (WA):In WA, dependents of 491 visa holders are also exempt from school fees.

Final Thoughts:Each state and territory has its own rules and fee structures — and some, like the ACT, require specific steps and approvals to secure fee exemptions. Make sure to:

Confirm your nomination and visa status before applying for exemptions.

Reach out to the correct education department or international education unit (especially in ACT).

Factor in any additional costs like uniforms, excursions, or special programs that may still apply even if tuition is waived.

Want to dive deeper into the process or need help navigating the school enrolment process for your 491 visa journey? Let’s make sure your family’s transition is smooth and stress-free!