Deductibility of Self-Education Expenses

Many Australians pay out of pocket for courses and study programs to improve their skills, advance their careers, and boost their income. While this is a great investment in your future, it raises an important question: are self-education expenses tax-deductible?

The rules can be complex, and the ATO applies a strict test. Let’s break down when you can (and can’t) claim a deduction for self-education expenses.

When Are Self-Education Expenses Deductible?

To claim a deduction, your study must have a sufficient connection to your current employment or business activities. That means the course must:

• Maintain or improve your existing skills or knowledge required for your current role, or
• Be likely to increase your income from your current employment activities.

Important: If you are not currently employed or self-employed, your self-education expenses are not deductible.

Examples of Eligible Courses

Here are some situations where self-education expenses may qualify as deductible:

• Hairdresser apprentice: Working in a salon four days a week and attending TAFE one day a week to improve professional skills.
• Enrolled nurse: Studying a Bachelor of Nursing, which is likely to lead to a higher income as a nurse.
• IT professional: A systems administrator completes a programming course, leading to a pay rise from their employer.
• Pilot: A domestic airline pilot undertakes an aircraft conversion course to qualify for international flights and higher pay.

Examples of Non-Deductible Courses

Not all study is deductible. You can’t claim if the course is designed to help you get new employment or if it’s not directly related to your current role. Examples include:

• Personal care worker studying nursing: The skills and knowledge do not directly relate to the current role.
• Dental technician studying dentistry: A course to become a dentist is too different from the work of a dental technician.
• Teacher’s aide studying education: Teaching students is fundamentally different from assisting a teacher.
• Personal development courses: Self-improvement or hobby-related courses generally don’t qualify.

What Self-Education Expenses Can You Claim?

If your course is eligible, you may be able to claim:

• Tuition, course, conference, or seminar fees
• Textbooks, journals, and other study materials
• Depreciation on assets such as laptops (apportioned if partly personal use)
• Transport costs (e.g. car, public transport, flights) to attend study
• Accommodation and meals when required to stay overnight for study
• Interest on loans taken to fund study expenses

Note: Any reimbursements from your employer must be deducted from your claim. Always keep receipts, records, and ideally a written statement from your employer confirming how the course benefits your current duties.

Final Thoughts

Self-education expenses can deliver valuable tax deductions—but only if your study is closely connected to your current job. The rules can be tricky, especially where study also relates to future career opportunities.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to get professional advice to make sure your claim is valid and fully documented.

Need help claiming self-education tax deductions? Contact us today—we’ll make sure you claim everything you’re entitled to.