Affordable options for BYOD programs

Jurisdiction: Victorian government schools. These requirements do not automatically apply to Catholic or independent schools. The $980 threshold is the base device cost including GST; accessories, software, insurance and warranties are excluded. A senior-secondary exemption applies where the school identifies a clear learning benefit from a more advanced device. The department reviews the threshold annually and publishes changes by 30 June. [1]

From 2027, Victorian government secondary BYOD programs must include at least one device option at or below $980 including GST. [1] Education Advantage helps schools identify effective, education-ready devices under this threshold, review BYOD specifications, and shape procurement pathways that families can understand.

There is a new requirement for Victorian government secondary schools with a BYOD program: as of 2027, they are to offer a device option at or under $980 (GST inclusive). For the school that has to balance procurement timing and support load with what parents expect and the classroom demands, this figure makes affordability a matter of practical design.

At Education Advantage we assist in navigating those decisions. We put forward options that do not exceed the threshold but we do not let price be the sole arbiter. An ideal choice has to be something the family can afford and the school can put across without difficulty; it must have the capacity for proper learning and be one the ICT staff can handle in their support role for the duration of the year.

Schools need to check that their recommended devices and minimum specifications meet the affordability requirement. Families also need clear advice about what the purchase includes, how repairs are handled and what happens if a device needs replacing.

For some schools this means having to put forward a single device that comes in under the limit; for others it is a matter of ensuring at least one of the options on the list is suitably priced. Where minimum specifications are in play, they must be ones that can be satisfied by a unit of $980 or less with GST. [1]

There is an inherent tension in all of that. An inexpensive device may end up being more costly to the school in the long run should it prove unreliable, hard to manage or not well adapted for the classroom, necessitating an early swap. While families require an affordable route, the school has to be certain the choices on offer will not be a source of unnecessary aggravation for the students, the teachers and those providing support.

Effective devices under the threshold

MacBook Neo is worth considering for schools looking for a high-quality, powerful machine for everyday learning. Its aluminium enclosure, 13-inch Liquid Retina display and A18 Pro chip give students a capable platform for research, writing, presentations and creative projects. Those are useful qualities in a laptop that will be opened, carried and worked on throughout the school day. Where the price can be achieved, Neo offers a compelling combination of build quality and performance at the upper end of the budget.

A well-chosen Chromebook can be a great budget option where students spend most of their time in browser-based learning tools. Research, shared documents, classroom platforms and online assignments can make good use of a modest device.

Build quality deserves close attention. Some inexpensive makes and models have flimsy hinges, flexible cases or vulnerable charging ports that are a poor fit for daily travel in a schoolbag. That is a reason to inspect the particular device, rather than assume all laptops are built alike. For example, some laptops include a replaceable keyboard and a serviceable charging port. Ask to handle a sample, check the hinge and keyboard, and confirm what happens after a damaged screen or port.

Devices from less popular brands can look attractive on price and specifications. They deserve consideration on their merits, but schools should establish who will support the exact model in Australia before recommending it to families. A smaller local service network, limited spare parts or reliance on a single importer can make repairs harder to arrange. These are risks to investigate, rather than assumptions to make about every unfamiliar brand.

Ask the supplier who handles warranty claims, where repairs take place and whether screens, keyboards, batteries and charging components are stocked locally. Confirm freight costs, expected turnaround times, support after the warranty period and what happens if the model is discontinued. A warranty document alone does not tell a parent how long their child might be without a working laptop.

Affordability matters beyond government schools

While the $980 BYOD figure is a stipulation for Victorian government schools, one would be mistaken to think the pressure it creates is confined to the public system. Catholic and independent institutions are grappling with much the same issues when it comes to what families can afford, parent confidence, device equity and the total cost of ownership.

In those cases there may not be an official mandate, yet the challenge is no less tangible. An approach that offers a more economical device eases the way for families and simplifies enrolment talks, while providing school leaders with a straightforward case for value.

At Education Advantage we engage with all sectors on the basis that every school has its own community, budget and governance to contend with. We do not presume a single model is right for all; instead we put in place the option that is right for the individual school.

If you’re reviewing your BYOD program, let’s talk about what your families can afford and what your classrooms need. We’ll help you work through device options, support requirements and parent communication so you can take the next step with confidence.

Get in touch

Teacher helps a secondary student study with a laptop and textbooks in a library.

Device lifecycle, finance and procurement

A device program should give a school a clear view of what next year may cost, which devices will need replacing and how today’s decision will affect the next refresh.

Teacher sits beside a student as she uses an iPad.

Transitioning to school-owned devices

From 2027, Victorian government primary schools will no longer be able to ask families to buy their own devices for school.

Sources

[1] Department of Education, Victoria (2026) Digital Learning: Policy. Available at: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/digital-learning/policy (Accessed: 23 October 2026).