Self Education Expenses – What Can I Claim?
Until 31 March 2027, you can salary package eligible self-education expenses using pre-tax income if this benefit is offered by your employer when the education is directly related to your current role and helps maintain or improve the skills needed for your job.
What you can claim
- Work-related courses, seminars or lectures that are directly linked to your current role
- Textbooks, reference books or equipment relevant to the course of study
- Registration fees for work-related conferences or seminars
- Travel between home or work and the place of education
- Meals and accommodation only when the self-education activity requires you to be temporarily away from home overnight
What you can't claim
- Bridging courses
- Courses that are not related to your current role
- Education that helps you get new employment rather than maintain or improve skills for your current role
- Non-work-related expenses
- Meals and accommodation if the activity does not require you to be away from home overnight
- HECS/HELP or Commonwealth-supported student contributions as self-education expenses
Documentation Requirements
What documents do I need?
You’ll need a paid tax invoice or receipt that clearly identifies the course, seminar, lecture or eligible expense so it can be linked to your current role. The invoice should show the seller’s details, issue date, description of the item or service, price, and GST information where applicable.
What proof of payment can I provide?
If your receipt or tax invoice does not show that the amount has been paid in full, you may need to provide proof of payment such as a receipt or bank statement.
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Examples
Can I claim a course that improves my skills for my current role?
Sarah enrolled in a course that is directly related to her current role and helps her maintain and improve the skills required to perform her job. Self-education expenses may be eligible, so Sarah can submit a claim as long as she provides a copy of the tax invoice, along with proof of payment.*
Can I claim a course for a different career?
Michael enrolled in a course designed to help him move into a different type of employment that is not related to his current role. Self-education expenses must be directly connected to maintaining or improving skills for a current job, so Michael cannot submit a claim for this expense.*
Can I claim travel to a work-related seminar?
Priya travelled between her home and a seminar that is directly related to her current role and helps her maintain the skills required for her job. Travel associated with eligible self-education activities may be claimable, so Priya can submit a claim as long as she provides a copy of the tax invoice, along with proof of payment.*
Can I claim HECS/HELP as self-education?
Daniel made payments towards his HECS/HELP debt for an approved course. HECS/HELP payments are not eligible under Self-Education Expenses, so Daniel cannot submit a claim for this expense and may need to consider whether it is eligible under the separate EDUCATE benefit instead.*