Parents in Australia are set to face a substantial financial burden as back-to-school costs for 2024 are projected to reach a staggering $3.5 billion, according to research by Finder.

The study reveals that essential school supplies, encompassing textbooks, stationery, and uniforms, will average $684 for primary school students and $1,132 for secondary students.

When factoring in additional expenses like tuition fees, camps, excursions, technology, sporting equipment, and transport, the national expenditure skyrockets to $12.9 billion.

Tuition fees alone constitute the largest portion, ranging from $158 for public primary schools to $12,860 for independent secondary schools, resulting in a national spend of $3.7 billion.

Personal finance experts suggests exploring payment plans and financial hardship programs to alleviate the strain on families, emphasising the need for resourcefulness, such as reusing items from previous years and checking for second-hand uniforms, to mitigate the overall financial impact.