Self-Education Expenses: The Complete Guide
Studying to upskill and thinking, "Can I claim this on my tax return?" Too right you can—if it links to your current job. Here's the A to Z of self-education tax deductions, served hot and fresh by Gotax.
What Counts as Self-Education?
You can claim if your course:
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Directly relates to your current job
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Helps you improve or maintain skills for that job
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Might lead to higher income in your current role
Examples:
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A teacher doing a course in special needs education
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A nurse taking a workshop in advanced patient care
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An accountant studying tax law updates
You can’t claim if:
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The course is too general (like studying "business" while working retail)
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It’s to help you get a different job or start a new career (aspiring astronaut? Nope.)
What You Can Claim
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Tuition/course fees (if YOU paid them)
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Textbooks and professional journals
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Stationery, printing, and photocopying
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Internet and phone (only the study bit!)
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Equipment like computers or tablets (depreciation applies if over $300)
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Travel between work and study place
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Public transport, parking fees
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Student services and amenities fees
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Depreciation on study-related equipment
What You Can’t Claim
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HECS-HELP or government loan repayments
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Lunch or snacks (even if the canteen does killer sausage rolls)
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Childcare during study
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General interest or hobby courses
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Anything your employer pays for
Claiming Depreciation
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If an item costs $300 or less, claim the full amount in the year you buy it.
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If it’s over $300, claim depreciation over a few years.
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Use it for personal AND study? You’ll need to apportion the cost.
Travel Expenses
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Claim trips between work and your study, or home and study.
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Can’t claim your standard commute (home → work or work → home)
Records You’ll Need
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Receipts for fees, books, gear, travel—everything
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A diary/log if you're splitting costs (e.g., 70% study, 30% Netflix binge)
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Course outlines or a note showing how it relates to your current job
Common Traps
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No receipts? No claim. It’s that simple.
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Boss paid for it? Can’t claim it.
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Netflix on your laptop? Only claim the study part.
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Loan repayments (like HECS)? Not deductible.
Real-Life Examples
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A teacher pays $1,200 for a classroom management course, $200 in books, and $100 for stationery. She buys a $900 laptop used 80% for study. She claims it all, including depreciation on the laptop.
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A nurse travels from her hospital to a night class—claims that leg, not the trip home.
Real-Life Self Education FAQs
Q: Can I claim uni fees as a tax deduction?
A: Yes, if you pay them yourself and the course directly relates to your current job.
Q: Can I claim my HECS repayments as a Tax Deduction?
A: Nope. The taxman says nah.
Q: What if I study to change careers?
A: No can do—your course must relate to your current job.
Q: Can I claim a laptop I also use for Netflix as a tax deduction?
A: Yep, but only the study portion. And if it’s over $300, you’ll need to depreciate it. Keep a log to record the relevant course useage.
Q: Can I claim travel from home to uni?
A: Yes, if the course is related to your current job.
Q: Can I claim travel from work to uni?
A: If it’s for a work-related course, then yes, it's a tax deduction.
Q: Can I claim travel from home to work via uni?
A: Only the leg from uni to work.
Q: What if my course isn’t related to my job?
A: No claim for travel or any associated costs.
Q: Do I need a logbook for my car expenses?
A: Only for the logbook method.
Q: What’s the rate for cents per km?
A: 88c/km for 2025 up to a maximum of 5000km per year
Q: Can I claim parking and tolls?
A: Yes, for the work/study-related portion.
Q: What if I use public transport?
A: You can claim those fares instead of car expenses.
Q: Can I claim if my boss reimburses me?
A: No, not if you’re reimbursed.
Q: Do I need receipts?
A: Yes, for the logbook method and for parking/tolls.
Why GoTax is Your Best Deduction Sidekick
GoTax is the fastest, cheapest online tax return in Australia—no jargon, no confusion, and no missed claims. Whether you’re sorting your course fees, claiming your laptop, or figuring out travel deductions, we’ve got your back.
Let GoTax turn your tax return from “ugh” to “oh yeah!”
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