Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has confirmed that the Back-to-School Support payments for the 2025 academic year have been processed and distributed ahead of schedule. This initiative was originally slated to begin on January 15, 2025, but has been expedited to give families two and a half additional weeks to prepare for the upcoming school year commencing on January 27, 2025.

In total, 208,673 applications were received under this support program, with 200,176 successful applications processed, amounting to a significant disbursement of $40.4 million. The remaining 8,313 applications are currently on hold, awaiting the results of Year-12 exams, which are necessary for students to officially enroll in Year 13.

The $200 support per child is intended to ease the financial burden of essential school-related expenses, including uniforms, shoes, school bags, and stationery. Parents and guardians can access these funds readily through digital platforms such as MPAiSA and MyCASH, or by visiting Post Fiji outlets. For families in remote maritime areas, the funds can be collected at the nearest Post Fiji agency, with a child’s student ID required as proof of eligibility.

This Back-to-School Support initiative is a key component of the Coalition Government’s strategy to assist families, especially those with household incomes under $50,000, and historically serves around 200,000 students each year, with a total government investment of approximately $130 million in educational assistance annually.

The early distribution of this financial aid not only alleviates short-term financial pressures for families but also shows the government’s commitment to promoting educational readiness. This support serves as a hopeful perspective for many families, ensuring that children are well-equipped as they embark on a new academic journey filled with opportunities. Furthermore, the cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education highlights the importance of community collaboration in supporting educational success.