NSW to Waive School Fees for children of parents holding Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas, starting in 2025.

Source: Workers filling regional skills gaps given access to free public schooling

The NSW Government will waive tuition fees for children of parents holding Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas, starting in Term 1, 2025. This policy, aimed at addressing skills shortages in regional areas, will allow families to access free public education, saving up to $7,400 per year in fees.

The move targets skilled workers in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and construction, such as nurses, veterinarians, and dental technicians, encouraging them to relocate to regional NSW. Additionally, students with temporary resident visas will be able to enrol at their local public school.

The reform also includes changes to enrolment policies, prioritising siblings of current students and improving access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students based on kinship or cultural needs.

Minister for Education Prue Car and Minister for Skills Steve Whan highlighted that the initiative will reduce financial strain on families and make NSW a more attractive destination for skilled workers, boosting regional economies and filling critical workforce gaps.