Families to receive back-to-school grant from Jan 16

Eligible families will start receiving the $200 Back-to-School Grant from January 16, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has confirmed.

The grant is one of Government’s programmes aimed at easing financial pressure on families as children return to school.

It provides $200 per eligible child to help cover costs such as school uniforms, shoes, bags, stationery, lunch boxes and other essentials.

Mr Radrodro said about 225,000 students were enrolled in schools last year, while more than 205,000 applications have already been received for 2026.

Applications remain open, as some parents have cited delays in submitting their forms. All applications will undergo a thorough vetting process to ensure the grants are distributed fairly.

“Parents must provide accurate information and be transparent in their applications,” Mr Radrodro said.

He also urged parents to take an active role in their children’s education.

“Some parents enrol their children at the start of the year to access the grant but do not monitor their learning. It is important that families stay engaged throughout the school year,” he said.

Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel said the programme has supported thousands of families since its introduction and remains a key initiative in the 2025–2026 National Budget, with $40 million allocated for this year’s rollout.

For 2026, eligible parents and guardians with a combined annual income of $50,000 or less will receive the $200 grant per child, from early childhood education to Year 13.

Funds will be disbursed through Vodafone M-PAiSA and Digicel MyCash, while Post Fiji will facilitate payments via the TMO service for maritime families without mobile coverage.

The Government will cover all service fees, ensuring families receive the full $200.

The grant is expected to give families adequate time to prepare for the start of the school year on January 26, 2026.

Mr Radrodro said the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting education and helping families manage the cost of learning.