Parents and guardians have until November 27 to apply for the Government’s $200 Back-to-School Assistance for each eligible child, with Education Minister Aseri Radrodro warning that late applications will not be accepted.
Applications for the 2027 academic year opened yesterday, October 29, giving families almost a month to complete and submit their forms.
Mr Radrodro said the assistance was aimed at easing the financial burden on families preparing for the new school year, including the costs of uniforms, shoes, bags and stationery.
Eligible students from Early Childhood Education to Year 13 can apply, provided their parents’ or guardians’ combined gross annual household income does not exceed $50,000.
The assistance is paid per eligible child, meaning families with two qualifying children can receive $400, while those with three can receive $600.
“No late applications will be accepted,” Mr Radrodro said.
He stressed that completed applications must be submitted through schools, warning that the Ministry of Education headquarters and district education offices would not accept forms.
The Government has allocated $40million for the program and expects more than 190,000 eligible students to benefit.
Mr Radrodro urged families to submit accurate, complete applications before the deadline, with payments subject to eligibility verification and 2027 enrolment requirements.
Application forms are available through schools and the ministry’s official online platforms.
