Applications for the government's $200 Back-to-School Assistance Programme for the 2027 academic year is open from today and will close on Friday, 27th November 2026, with no late applications to be accepted.
While launching the programme Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro highlighted that the Coalition Government has allocated $40 million for the programme and expects around 190,000 eligible students to benefit.
He says the assistance will be available to eligible students from Early Childhood Education to Year 13, whose parents have a combined gross annual household income of $50,000 or less.
Gross income refers to income before tax deductions.
Radrodro says eligible children attending government-funded public schools, private schools and special inclusive schools can apply, subject to verification by the Ministry of Education.
He says the assistance will be provided for each eligible child, meaning a family with two eligible children will receive $400, while a family with three eligible children will receive $600.
The Minister urges Parents and guardians to obtain application forms early, prepare the necessary documents and submit their applications through their children's schools before the deadline.
He says the programme is aimed at easing the financial burden on families and ensuring children begin the new school year fully prepared and ready to learn.
Radrodro is also urging parents and guardians to use the assistance responsibly by prioritising school uniforms, shoes, books, stationery and other essential educational needs.
They are also being reminded not to spend the money on alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gambling or other expenses unrelated to their children's education.
Radrodro stressed that all applications must be submitted to the respective heads of schools and will only be processed through the Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS).
No applications will be accepted at the Ministry of Education headquarters, and applications submitted outside the school process will not be considered valid.
The Minister says Parents and guardians must complete a separate application form for each eligible child and provide the necessary identification, school information, income verification documents and correct payment details.
He says for students receiving full transport assistance, additional income verification under Section D of the application form will not be required, although other sections and supporting documents must still be completed.
Radrodro says parents enrolling children in Early Childhood Education for the first time must confirm their child's enrolment for 2027 while students entering Year 1, Year 9 and Year 13, payments will be subject to confirmation of their enrolment for the new academic year.
Application forms will be available at schools, district education offices, the Ministry of Education headquarters, the Ministry's website, Facebook page and FEMIS.
The Minister says schools and district education offices will also be provided with official forms to print and distribute to parents and guardians.
Meanwhile, the government says it has provided approximately $129.9 million in direct back-to-school assistance between 2023 and 2025.
In 2023, more than 223,000 students received assistance amounting to approximately $44.7 million.
In 2024, more than 212,000 students benefited at a cost of approximately $42.5 million, while more than 213,000 students received assistance in 2025, costing approximately $42.7 million.
The government is also calling on community leaders, faith-based organisations, school management and the media to help communicate the application requirements, particularly to families in rural and maritime communities.
The deadline for all applications is Friday, 27th November 2026.
