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 academic year, which have been processed and distributed ahead of the initially scheduled date of January 15. This proactive initiative provides families with an additional two and a half weeks to prepare for the start of the new school year on January 27, 2025.

The program received a total of 208,673 applications, with 200,176 being processed successfully, resulting in a substantial payout of $40.4 million. However, 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, which is intended to alleviate financial pressures associated with essential school expenses, such as uniforms, shoes, school bags, and stationery. Parents and guardians can access these funds via digital platforms like MPAiSA and MyCASH, or collect them at Post Fiji outlets. For families in maritime areas, funds can be collected at local Post Fiji agencies by presenting a child’s student ID as verification.

This initiative aligns with the Coalition Government’s commitment to support families, especially those with household incomes below $50,000. Historically, the Back-to-School Support program has assisted around 200,000 students each year, reflecting a total government investment of approximately $130 million in educational assistance.

The early disbursement not only provides immediate financial relief but also underscores the government’s efforts to foster educational preparedness. It serves as a hopeful indication for families, ensuring that children are well-equipped as they embark on their new academic journeys filled with promise and opportunities.

The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education extend their gratitude to all school heads, teachers, and parents for their collaboration during the application process, emphasizing the vital role of community support in enhancing educational success. This initiative is a testament to the government’s dedication to improving accessibility in education and ensuring a bright future for all students and their families.