Total cost of school calculator
Work out what a school really costs over the years — tuition, capital levy, debentures and the extras.
Families usually budget for tuition and get caught by the rest. A capital levy can be six figures, and a debenture is often the single largest line — the question is whether you ever see that money again.
Your estimate
| Upfront, one-off | 0 |
|---|---|
| — | |
| Annual recurring | 0 |
| — | |
| Years at this school × 6 | 0 |
| Total cash outlay over 6 years | 0 |
| Net cost after refund | 0 |
| Average net cost per year | 0 |
Capital levy
A capital levy (some schools call it a capital fee) funds building or refurbishment and is usually not refundable. Schools charge it once or every year — the calculator above routes it to the upfront or annual side depending on what you select, because an annual levy multiplies by the number of years. Direct Subsidy Scheme schools do not charge one, and neither do kindergartens; it is mainly a private and international school cost.
Debenture / nomination right
Debentures and nomination rights are set up by individual schools. The EDB permits them but requires schools to disclose them, and holding one does not guarantee a place — admission still depends on the school's own assessment. Common forms include fully refundable, non-refundable but redeemable at a discount, non-refundable, and transferable to another family. Amounts and refund timelines vary enormously, so always get the school's terms in writing.
This is a planning estimate based on the numbers you enter, not a quote. Schools change fees annually and structures differ school by school — confirm every figure with the school before you commit.