Costs you might need to pay
Education is free in New Zealand for state schools, state-integrated schools and kura, but you should be prepared to pay for:
- school uniforms
- stationery
- trips outside of school hours
- extra-curricular activities such as sports.
If your child has a course that involves creating something they will take home to keep, the school or kura can ask you to pay for the cost of this item. For example, your child might make a wooden pencil case in their woodwork class. The school must tell you about this cost before the course starts and you must agree to pay it. You don't have to pay this cost, but your child may not be able to take home their creation if you don't.
State-integrated and private school fees
State-integrated schools will charge a fee called an attendance due to improve school buildings. You must pay this fee.
Private schools set their own fees.
School donations
Schools can ask for donations to help with school activities. Payment of school donations is optional. You can pay all, some, or none of the suggested donation. This generally applies for anything that happens during school hours or is part of an assessment.
Children are entitled to take part in all activities that are part of the curriculum without paying a fee. Children can't be excluded from these activities for non-payment.
Apply for a tax credit
If you’ve paid school donations, you will need a donations tax receipt. You can apply for a tax credit from Inland Revenue.
There is a 4-year limit for claiming tax credits for school donations.
Tax credits for donations – Inland Revenue
Payment requests
If you are unsure about a payment request your school has made, talk to the school. They should be able to explain if a payment is voluntary and what it is for. There are no fees in schools aside from extra-curricular activities outside school hours.
If you are unsatisfied with the response you receive, contact the school board directly.
If you think the school hasn't got it right, contact your regional Ministry office.
School donation scheme
If your school opts in to the school donation scheme, the board can’t ask parents or guardians for donations, except for school camps. Payment for camp is optional. Your child can go on the camp if you don't pay.
Schools that are part of the school donation scheme receive more government funding for each student. Not all schools are eligible for the scheme.
Schools in the donation scheme – Education Counts
Financial support
If there are costs that you can't afford, talk to your school about what options may be available.
Work and income can offer support with some costs.
Out of school care subsidy – Work and Income
School and year start-up payment – Work and Income
Some private schools offer scholarships. Contact the school to find out what they offer.
