The Cost of Education in 2026 and beyond:

The Rising Cost of Education — And Why Planning Early Matters!

The Real Cost of Education— And a Smarter Way to Fund It
The cost of education remains one of the most powerful equalisers in society.

🔎 According to the 2026 Cost of Education research conducted by Resolve on behalf of Futurity Investment Group, 90% of parents believe education is extremely or very important to their child thriving in life.

Yet the financial cost of education reality continues to intensify.

The 13-Year Cost of Education / Schooling

For a child starting school in 2026, projected K–12 costs are now:

• Government: $113,594
• Catholic: $247,174
• Independent: $369,594

The Cost of Education In South Australia specifically:

• Adelaide Independent: $304,997
• Adelaide Catholic: $249,830
• Adelaide Government: $111,630

And these figures include both tuition and ancillary costs.

The Hidden Driver in the Cost of Education: Ancillary Costs

Ancillary costs now represent a significant portion of total expenditure:

• 90% of Government education costs
• 64% of Catholic
• 38% of Independent

Parents are feeling the strain:

• 42% now use credit, debt or support
• 33% use credit cards
• 71% report cutting costs elsewhere

The cost of education is no longer simply a school fee discussion — it is a long-term wealth planning issue.

Planning Changes Outcomes

The research clearly shows:
Parents who planned ahead:

• Were more likely to attend their preferred school
• Felt they received better value
• Were less reliant on others

This is where structured planning vehicles matter.

How an Education Bond Works

An Education Bond provides a tax-paid investment structure designed specifically for education funding.

Key features include:

1️⃣ Tax Efficiency

• No personal income tax or CGT on capital withdrawals
• 30% Education Tax Benefit on eligible education expenses
  ..
  2️⃣ Control

• Bond Owner structure
• Bond Representative for minors
• Withdraw for education or broader cashflow needs
  ..
  3️⃣ Estate Planning Benefits

• Can assist in keeping wealth within bloodlines
• Simple alternative to complex trust arrangements

⏰ Real Example:
Oliver’s Structured Education Plan

Following his father’s death, Oliver (aged 12) received a $500,000 death benefit.
Rather than investing informally, his mother structured the funds into a Futurity Education Bond.

The strategy:

• $500,000 initial investment
• Long-term growth allocation
• Structured withdrawals for secondary and university costs
• Tax-free capital withdrawals
• 30% education tax benefit on eligible claims

The outcome: was a controlled, tax-effective education funding solution — while preserving long-term capital.
This demonstrates how an Education Bond can operate not just as a savings vehicle, but as a wealth structuring tool.

Who Might Consider an Education Bond?
Education Bonds are particularly suited to:

• Parents planning for private education
• Grandparents wishing to contribute
• Families receiving inheritances
• Business owners managing assessable income
• Estate planning strategies involving minors

⚠️ Final Thought

Education is one of the largest non-property investments families will make.

The question is not whether to fund education —
It is how to fund it intelligently.

If you would like to explore whether an Education Bond aligns with your broader financial strategy, please reach out to our team.

Let’s build education funding into your long-term wealth architecture.

📞 If you’d like to discuss your situation, we’re here to help.
→ Book a Call here
Book a 15-Minute Education Planning Call

Arthur Panagis
FMG Wealth Strategists

Arthur Panagis
Author, Founder, Wealth Coach and Financial Strategist

Call us on 08 7111 0022 👉 Book a chat with us today.

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Disclaimer
This content is general in nature and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not financial or tax advice. Before acting, seek professional advice.