What is the right to education?

The right to education in Australia is the principle that everyone should have access to schools, vocational training, and tertiary education that supports their development and life chances. While there is no constitutional right to education, Australia has signed the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which recognises the right to education in articles 13 and 14.

School education is compulsory and free at public schools. Every child of school age must be enrolled in school or an approved alternative, with the leaving age typically 17 across states. About 65 per cent of Australian students attend public schools, about 20 per cent Catholic schools, and about 15 per cent independent schools. Public school tuition is free for Australian citizens and permanent residents, although fees apply for uniforms, stationery, voluntary contributions, and some activities. Non-government schools charge fees but also receive federal and state government funding through the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) framework.

Vocational education is delivered through TAFE and registered training organisations under the Australian Qualifications Framework. Fee-free TAFE places, introduced from 2023, have provided more than 600,000 subsidised training places in priority skill areas. Apprenticeships combine paid work with study. VET Student Loans, similar to HECS-HELP, support approved Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses.

Tertiary education is supported through HECS-HELP and related programmes. The Higher Education Contribution Scheme allows Commonwealth-supported students to defer tuition fees and repay them through the tax system once income exceeds the threshold (54,435 dollars from July 2024). About 1.2 million students enrol in higher education each year, with about 3 million Australians holding an outstanding HECS-HELP debt. The 2024 Universities Accord set out major reforms to expand higher education participation, particularly among Indigenous Australians, students from regional and remote areas, and students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Recognition of prior learning and overseas qualifications operates through the Skills Recognition Service of Australia.