Australian parents are going into debt just to be able to pay for the soaring costs of back-to-school items.

New data has revealed that one in three Aussie parents can’t afford back-to-school expenses this year, with some forking out almost $5000 per child for books, laptops and uniforms.

A Finder survey of 1,039 people has revealed that 30% of respondents can’t afford back-to-school expenses, with 11% admitting they’ve gone into debt to pay for the items.

A further 13% said they have to purchase second-hand items or hand-me-downs to get their children back to school, and four percent said their child will have to go without.

The analysis finding that parents are paying an average of $2,547 for each primary school child and $4,793 for secondary students just to get back to school. The research showed that just half of Australian parents can comfortably afford their children’s back-to-school costs.

Mouths of Mums asked our audience how much they’re shelling out for the kids to get back to the classroom, with many having to hand over thousands of dollars amid the rising cost of living.

“Super painful hit this year. Stationery wasn’t too bad, around $150 for all three students because the school subsidises the books, but three children needed five pairs of shoes (formal for two and sport for three) and two required all new uniforms for starting different school and prep. I used $550 in prepaid visa cards my husband got for as bonuses over the past two years and it still cost me another $480 on top of that.” – Sarak Kirk

“Both my boys needed new uniforms and shoes… one a size 14! Then there were books and stationery lists… easy over $1200.” – Krisi Else

“My daughter is starting high school so lve spent $1280 on uniforms and books and have another $720 for the travel pass!” – Fiona Glenn

“Around $1500. About $1400 of which for starting fresh year 9 at a new public high school including new laptop. $100 for public primary grade 3 and no new uniform needed yet because I sized up last year. (edit: forgot to add name brand shoes and bags $250).” – Lauren Spilling

“I would say nearly $3.5k. 2 x devices plus all accessories, uniforms, book lists.” – Amanda Duff

It comes as NAB reveals a growing number of Australians are taking up No Interest Loans to help cover school expenses, with the bank expecting to support more than $640,000 in No Interest Loans loans for school expenses in February.

“With the cost of living continuing to rise, we expect to see more families on low incomes turn to a no interest loan to help them manage higher back-to-school costs,” NAB Head of Customer Vulnerability Mike Chambers said.

Finder is encouraging parents to seek help before getting into more financial difficulty.

“Shop around as there are big price differences between the different retailers,” said Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder.

:Also ask around on your local Facebook groups if anyone has any unwanted stationery and look into what grants and other assistance is available from your state or territory government to help with school expenses.

“Ask your child’s school whether they can provide financial assistance for compulsory items like uniforms, school excursion and school supplies. Some schools have funds set aside to cover these types of expenses for families in financial hardship.”

How much are you paying for your children’s back-to-school expenses? Let us know in the comments below. 

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