Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has announced that the Back-to-School Support payments for the 2025 academic year have been successfully processed and issued ahead of the scheduled date of January 15. This proactive initiative allows families an extra two and a half weeks to prepare for the school year, which is set to commence on January 27, 2025.
This year, the program received an impressive total of 208,673 applications. Out of these, 200,176 applications were successfully processed, resulting in a substantial payout of $40.4 million for eligible families. Currently, 8,313 applications remain on hold as they await Year-12 exam results necessary for students to officially enroll in Year 13.
Families will receive $200 per child aimed at mitigating the financial burdens common during back-to-school preparations, covering essential expenses such as uniforms, school bags, shoes, and stationery. Parents and guardians can access these funds through digital platforms like MPAiSA and MyCASH or collect them at Post Fiji outlets. For families in maritime areas, funds can be retrieved from local Post Fiji agencies upon presenting a child’s student ID as proof of eligibility.
This initiative is an integral part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to assist families, particularly those with household incomes falling below $50,000. Historically, this support program has benefited around 200,000 students each year, reflecting an overall investment of approximately $130 million in educational assistance.
The early rollout of these funds signifies not only significant financial relief for families during the back-to-school season but also the government’s dedication to fostering educational readiness and accessibility. It serves as a hopeful indicator for families, ensuring that children are well-equipped as they embark on their academic endeavors filled with promise and opportunities.
The Ministry of Finance, along with the Ministry of Education, extends gratitude to all school heads, teachers, and parents for their cooperation throughout the application process, emphasizing the essential role of community collaboration in enhancing educational success.
This initiative paints a positive picture for families striving to equip their children for the challenges of a new academic year, reinforcing the government’s commitment to making education more accessible and fostering a brighter future for all students.
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