The Fijian Government has announced the continuation of its Back-to-School Support program for the upcoming academic year of 2026, aimed at easing the financial burden on families. Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel confirmed that the initiative, which was launched three years ago, will provide eligible children with $200 each to assist with the costs of school essentials such as uniforms, shoes, bags, and stationery.
Immanuel stated that the program is a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to support families, indicating that it has already assisted thousands of households across Fiji. Families with a combined annual income of $50,000 or less are eligible to receive the $200 per child, a consistent amount that has been part of the program since its inception.
The application process for the 2026 support will open on November 11, 2025, and close on December 12, 2025. Parents can obtain applications from schools or via the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance’s websites. Completed forms need to be submitted to the child’s school for verification, where school heads are responsible for the accuracy of the information provided, following past issues with false applications.
It is important for parents to ensure all application details are correct, especially their mobile numbers, which must be registered with M-PAiSA or MyCash, as no alterations can be made after submission. Payments are scheduled to commence on January 16, 2026, giving families adequate time to prepare for the new school year starting on January 26, 2026. Funds will be distributed through various means including Vodafone M-PAiSA, Digicel MyCash, and Post Fiji for those in maritime areas lacking mobile coverage.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to making education more accessible and alleviating the financial strain on families. With ongoing efforts aimed at supporting children’s educational needs, the hope is that every student in Fiji can start their school year fully equipped and ready to learn, underscoring a positive investment in the future of the nation.
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