‘Free’ public education costs as much as $100,000 in parts of Australia, report finds

Despite state government schools not charging mandatory fees, parents can still pay tens of thousands of dollars for a public education. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

Experts are calling for greater government investment in public education as a new report suggests parents could spend up to $100,000 putting a child through the state school system.

The Futurity Investment Group cost of education index found the costs associated with a government education in Melbourne can reach $102,807, which was 17% above the national average of $87,528, making it the most expensive city for public schooling.