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han6(Newbie)Newbie
5 Apr 2025

Hi ATO Community,

I’m currently studying full-time for a Master’s in Teaching and wanted to check if I can claim my tuition fees as a tax deduction under self-education expenses.

A bit of background:

  • I’ve been working in early childhood education since May last year (before the current financial year), and I continue to work while studying.
  • My postgraduate study directly relates to my current job, and I’ve received 3–4 salary increases since I began the course.
  • I’m paying the tuition fees myself (not through HECS-HELP, employer support, or scholarships).
  • I chose to undertake the study independently—my employer did not require or encourage it, but the study has clearly contributed to my role and professional growth.

Given these circumstances, am I eligible to claim the tuition fees for this financial year as self-education expenses?

Additionally, I pay my tuition fees in five instalments each year. My course started in February last year and will finish this December. If I am eligible for the deduction, how much of the tuition fees can I claim for this financial year? Can I claim the full instalment for the year or just the portion I paid within the tax year?

Thanks in advance!


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4 replies
497 views
4 replies

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Most helpful reply

Taxduck(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
5 Apr 2025

I’ve been working in early childhood education...

Without knowing exactly what your job is then no one can provide a definitive answer. Teacher? Teacher's aide?

If you are a qualified teacher and working as a teacher then the course fees should be claimable. That is assuming the course is not Commonwealth supported. (i.e. it is a full fee-paying placement)

Information on self-education expenses as a deduction below

Self-education expenses | Australian Taxation Office

Expenses are claimed when they are incurred. In your case I would suggest that is when you pay an instalment amount. From above link

"..you incur deductible course or tuition fees when the debt becomes a legal obligation you need to pay back.."

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Most helpful reply

Taxduck(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
5 Apr 2025

I’ve been working in early childhood education...

Without knowing exactly what your job is then no one can provide a definitive answer. Teacher? Teacher's aide?

If you are a qualified teacher and working as a teacher then the course fees should be claimable. That is assuming the course is not Commonwealth supported. (i.e. it is a full fee-paying placement)

Information on self-education expenses as a deduction below

Self-education expenses | Australian Taxation Office

Expenses are claimed when they are incurred. In your case I would suggest that is when you pay an instalment amount. From above link

"..you incur deductible course or tuition fees when the debt becomes a legal obligation you need to pay back.."

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Can I claim tuition fees for my Master's as self-education expenses? | ATO Community