Australia - British Expat Forum

During an initial assesment we have been informed that the best way of obtaining a visa is via a student visa and then attending a listed course to obtain an Australian recognised qualification to enable us to gain a full visa.
I have seen somewhere that any one entering on such a visa with children will have to pay for education for the children until full visa appliaction has been granted.
Have i understood this correct and if so what sort of costs are involved?
I currently work here in the Uk as a Construction Site Manager and my wife only currently works as a part time cleaner while the children are young. We have a boy of 10 and a girl of 7. My wife was a hairdresser with NVQ level 2 qualifications but has not worked in hairdressing for the past 6 years.