Back-to-School $200 support applications open tomorrow for 2026

Applications for the Government's $200 Back-to-School Support programme open tomorrow with $40 million allocated to assist eligible families for the 2026 school year.

Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel announced today that parents and guardians can begin applying from tomorrow, November 11, with applications closing on December 12.

“Our goal for this initiative was simple, yet powerful. Very special that every child in Fiji start the school year equipped with all the necessities, without parents having to worry about financial burdens,” Mr Immanuel said.

The support is available to students from early childhood education to Year 13 whose families have a combined annual income of $50,000 or less.

Application forms can be obtained from schools or downloaded from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance websites. Parents have approximately five weeks to complete and submit their forms.

Families already receiving full transportation subsidies or students with blue cards do not need to complete the full application as their income has been pre-verified.

However, families earning below $50,000 receiving transportation assistance or with yellow cards must fill out the entire form, including an income verification section certified by designated authorities.

Payments will commence from January 16, 2026 via M-PAiSA and MyCash.

For families in maritime islands without mobile coverage, Post Fiji will facilitate payments through Telegraphic Money Order at no cost to recipients.

A helpline has been established on 990 079, 998 6069, 322 0551 and 3314 477, available Monday to Friday from 8am to 4.30pm.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj