The State Government has committed to removing universal materials and services charges from 2027 as part of its cost-of-living measures for South Australian families.

This initiative will be funded by the State Government and our school will be provided with the funding that it would have received through the universal materials and services charge, and will also continue to receive funding to meet the needs of students and to staff classrooms.

While families will not be required to pay the universal materials and services charge from 2027, schools will be able to continue to set fees to cover costs for individual subjects, however, these fees will not include core costs, as these will continue to be funded by government (for example, teacher salaries).

Eligible secondary school families are encouraged to continue to apply for the school card program, to obtain assistance with other school related costs, like free devices for year 7 and 10 school card eligible students and where optional or specialist subjects are chosen.

As has always been the case, families will be required to cover costs for items such as uniforms, digital devices and optional excursions.

Legislative changes are still required before the new arrangements can take effect, however, this information is provided to support families to plan for 2027.

As the discontinuation of the universal materials and services charge is effective from the start of the 2027 school year, any outstanding fees and charges should be paid. The initiative does not apply to international or non-resident students and separate advice will be provided at a later date.

The full version of this information provided by the Department for Education is available to download/print. Should you have any queries regarding this information please contact the Department for Education on 1800 088 158 (free call).