Preschool families now able to access one-off payment to help with the cost of education

Eligible families in the Australian Capital Territory can now access one-off payments to help cover the costs of education expenses through the ACT Government’s Future of Education Equity Fund.

Available for financially disadvantaged families residing in the ACT with children from preschool to Year 12 age, the fund helps to cover the costs of things like uniforms and excursions, sport equipment and activities, tuition and music lessons.

Payments are:

• $400 for preschool students
• $500 for primary school students
• $750 for high school and college students.

“The ACT Government continues to deliver on this Labor election commitment to ensure that every child in Canberra, regardless of their background, can get the most from their education. In 2022, the fund supported over 3,400 ACT students,” said ACT Minister for Education and Youth Affairs Yvette Berry.

“No young person should miss out on an excursion or activity because their family might be struggling financially. There is support available. The Future of Education Equity Fund can help relieve the financial stress some families might be experiencing and give all children an equal chance to participate fully.”

The ACT Government recognises that families may encounter financial difficulties at any point in the school year. Applications for the 2023 school year are open until term 4 and will close on 3 November 2023.

Information about the fund, and a link to apply online, is available here.