THE $200 Back to School program is back.
Minister of Finance Esrom Immanuel in a press conference yesterday with Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, said $40million has been allocated for next year’s program.
Government has rolled out $180million over the past three years for this program.
Mr Immanuel said the program, introduced three years ago, continues to ease the financial burden on families and ensure all children start school prepared.
He pleaded with parents and guardians to use the funds on their children’s school preparations only.
“In 2023, we successfully provided this support to over 223,000 students, with a total payment of $44.7million to support Fijian students and their family,” he said.
“In 2024, we assisted over 212,000 dispersing a total of $42.5million.
“In 2025, we assisted over 213,000 students with a total disbursement of $42.7m. So in the last three rollouts, we have paid a total of $180million back to school support.”
Parents whose combined salary sits below $50,000 are eligible for the assistance.
Mr Radrodro said the assistance would cover pre-school to secondary school students.
He said for those in maritime islands, the funding could be collected through Telegraphic Money Order (TMO) from Post Offices.
“We have also revised the forms for parents to fill as some are uncomfortable in giving out information they consider personal and prefer not to share.”
Application forms will be available from schools or downloadable from the Education and Finance Ministry websites.
School heads will verify all submissions and upload details to the FEMIS system.
The government will cover all service fees, ensuring parents to receive the full $200.
Families are reminded to provide correct information, especially mobile details, to avoid payment delays.
