Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has announced the successful early disbursement of Back-to-School Support payments for the 2025 school year. This initiative provides families with approximately two and a half extra weeks to prepare for the school year, which begins on January 27, 2025, significantly ahead of the previously scheduled payment date of January 15.

A total of 208,673 applications were received for this program, with 200,176 applications successfully processed, resulting in a substantial payout of $40.4 million. Currently, 8,313 applications remain on hold as they await Year-12 exam results necessary for students to officially enroll in Year 13.

Each child is eligible for $200 in support aimed at alleviating the financial burden of essential school expenses, including uniforms, shoes, bags, and stationery. Parents and guardians can access their funds through digital platforms such as MPAiSA and MyCASH or by visiting Post Fiji locations. In maritime areas, the funds are available for collection at local Post Fiji agencies with a child’s student ID required for verification.

This support initiative serves as a critical component of the Coalition Government’s efforts to assist families, particularly those with household incomes under $50,000. Historically, this program has provided assistance to around 200,000 students annually, with a total investment of about $130 million over the years.

The early distribution of these funds not only addresses the immediate financial challenges faced by families during the back-to-school period but also underscores the government’s commitment to promoting educational preparedness. Overall, this initiative is a hopeful signal for many families, ensuring children are well-equipped as they embark on a new academic year brimming with potential and opportunities.

The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education express their sincere gratitude to school heads, teachers, and parents for their continued cooperation throughout the application process, highlighting the importance of community collaboration in supporting education.