Fee Exemptions for Dependent Children of International Students in Australia

International students in Australia on a Subclass 500 Student Visa may be required to pay tuition fees for their dependent children attending public schools. However, certain fee exemptions and waivers apply depending on the student’s level of study, scholarship status, and state policies.

This guide outlines the eligibility criteria and state-by-state fee exemption policies for dependent children of international students in 2025.

Who Qualifies for Fee Exemptions?

Dependent children may receive full or partial fee exemptions if the primary visa holder falls into one of the following categories:

✅ PhD (Doctoral) students – Most states waive tuition fees for dependents of students enrolled in a Doctorate program.
✅ Master’s by Research students – Some states offer fee waivers, particularly for students studying at regional universities.
✅ Australian Government Scholarship recipients – Dependents of students receiving a full Australia Awards Scholarship or other government-funded grants do not have to pay tuition fees.
✅ Low-income families – Some states offer fee reductions if the family’s total income is below a certain threshold.

If a student does not qualify for an exemption, they must pay full international tuition fees for their child’s schooling.

State-by-State Fee Exemptions for Dependent Children

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

✔ Exemptions apply to:

• PhD students and Masters by Research students.
• Students holding a full Australian Government scholarship.

✔ Application Process:

• Parents must submit an official exemption request to the ACT Education Directorate with proof of student visa and enrollment status.

New South Wales (NSW)

✔ Exemptions apply to:

• PhD students enrolled in NSW universities.
• Australian Government scholarship holders (e.g., Australia Awards recipients).

✔ Important Notes:

• Students must NOT be receiving a foreign government scholarship that includes education fees for dependents.
• A small administrative fee may still apply for exempt families.

Queensland (QLD)

✔ Exemptions apply to:

• PhD students enrolled at any Queensland university.
• Masters by Research students studying at regional universities outside of Brisbane and major metro areas.
• Students holding full Australian Government scholarships (including Endeavour & Australia Awards).

✔ Application Process:

• Fee waivers are granted through Education Queensland International (EQI).

South Australia (SA)

✔ Exemptions apply to:

• PhD students studying at South Australian universities.
• Families earning less than AUD 74,000 per year before tax (income-based exemption).

✔ Application Process:

• Parents must provide income verification documents for means-tested exemptions.

Victoria (VIC)

✔ Exemptions apply to:

• PhD students at Victorian universities.
• Masters by Research students at recognized institutions.
• Students receiving a full scholarship from an Australian university or the government.

✔ Discounts Available:

• Coursework students (Bachelor’s & Taught Master’s) may qualify for a 25% tuition discount in certain Victorian government schools.

Western Australia (WA)

✔ Exemptions apply to:

• PhD students and Masters by Research students in WA.
• Tuition fee waivers cover the entire duration of the parent’s studies.

✔ Application Process:

• Parents need to apply through TAFE International WA, submitting proof of enrollment.

Tasmania (TAS)

✔ Limited exemptions available

• Tasmania generally requires all dependents of international students to pay full tuition fees.
• Exemptions may apply for government-sponsored students (e.g., Australia Awards recipients).

Northern Territory (NT)

✔ Limited exemptions available

• Only Australia Awards Scholarship holders receive full tuition waivers.
• Most other dependents must pay international student rates for NT public schools.

Final Thoughts

Fee exemptions for dependent children vary by state and visa holder status. While PhD students and scholarship recipients generally receive full exemptions, other students (such as Bachelor’s or coursework Master’s students) must pay international tuition fees unless a state-specific discount applies.

For state-specific policies and applications, visit MyCourseFinder.com for expert guidance.