Fees
This webpage is managed by the NSW Early Learning Commission as the independent regulator for early childhood education and care in NSW. Learn about the NSW Early Learning Commission.
Information on the fees NSW early learning services must pay. The information below applies to all services unless otherwise stated.
Overview
Fees are set under the Education and Care Services National Regulations.
Fees contribute to the cost of regulating the early learning sector, and support monitoring, compliance and other regulatory activities to strengthen the safety of children attending services that provide early childhood education and care.
There are 2 types of fees:
- transaction fees that apply to specific transactions such as applications
- annual service fees that apply to all services.
Fees increased from 1 July 2026. In NSW (and Victoria), fee increases are scaled based on the size of the service and the size and type of provider, with larger increases applying to large for-profit providers. This tiered approach is intended to reflect increases in the volume, risk and complexity of regulatory activities.
Transaction fees
All services must pay transaction fees. Common transactions include applications for:
- service approval
- provider approval
- reassessment and re-rating
- service waivers
- temporary waivers.
Visit ACECQA for a list of transaction fees and costs.
When to pay
Pay the transaction fee when you lodge the relevant application.
Annual service fee
All providers must pay an annual service fee. The fee amount depends on the type and size of the service and type and size of the provider.
Visit ACECQA for annual service fee amounts.
New service approval
If you're applying for a new service approval you need to pay both:
- an application fee
- the annual fee for the first year of approval.
How to pay fees
Services regulated under the National Quality Framework are invoiced via NQA ITS.
When invoiced, services must pay through NQA ITS by:
- BPAY or
- credit card.
Make sure you:
- Only pay each invoice once.
- Pay the full amount.
- Use the correct reference number.
- Only pay by BPAY or credit card.
State-regulated services
Services regulated under the state-based framework (such as occasional care services, Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s services and mobile services) are provided with a copy of their invoice via email.
When invoiced, services must pay via the BPay details provided on the invoice.
Make sure you:
- Only pay each invoice once.
- Pay the full amount.
- Only pay by BPay using the payment details provided on the invoice.
Overdue invoices
Overdue invoices will incur a late fee and may result in the suspension of a service approval.
Alternative arrangements
The Commission may waive, reduce, defer, refund or offer a payment plan with respect to an annual fee or transaction fee in exceptional circumstances.
For more information see section 4.3 in the Fees and Charges Policy (PDF 253 KB).
More information
- Visit ACECQA's website
- Email information@earlylearningcommission.nsw.gov.au
- Call us on 1800 619 113
Last modified date
02/10/2026
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