The ACT Government has now provided more than $3 million in financial support to Canberra families through the 2025 Future of Education Equity Fund.
Since it opened in December 2024, the Equity Fund has supported over 5,000 students from more than 2,500 Canberra families.
The Future of Education Equity Fund helps ACT students from eligible families access everyday essentials to assist with their education and wellbeing, such as book packs, uniforms and excursions, sport equipment and activities, tuition, and music lessons.
It supports families experiencing financial disadvantage with students who are enrolled in preschool through to Year 12 in any ACT school.
Payments are:
- $400 for preschool students
- $500 for primary school students
- $750 for high school and college students
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Yvette Berry said every child deserved a quality education and the Equity Fund has helped thousands of Canberra students and families in need with financial support to purchase items and services to fully engage with their education.
"There are Canberrans doing it tough with cost-of-living pressures right now, and the Equity Fund is helping take some of that pressure off families," Minister Berry said.
"We know how important education is, so we want to make sure all of our students have an equal chance to fully engage with their schooling, no matter their circumstances.
Applications for the 2025 school year will remain open until 28 November 2025.
Information about the fund, and a link to apply online, is available at https://www.act.gov.au/education-and-training/life-at-school-and-college/get-help-with-the-cost-of-schooling.
