The Allan Labor Government is ensuring every student at every Victorian Government school - including high-ability students - receive a great education and are supported to reach their full potential.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced academically advanced students will have access to more free programs to challenge them and extend their knowledge.
30,000 high-ability students from Prep to Year 12 will benefit from extra activities offering challenging and engaging learning opportunities.
The Government will partner with 34 leading education and not-for-profit organisations to deliver hands-on learning experiences in subjects such as philosophy, coding, entomology, writing, botany, sustainability, innovation, 3D printing, sports science, music and dance.
Activities will be held across the state as incursions, masterclasses, excursions, design challenges, leadership summits, and online tutorials - with support from organisations including Deakin University, the Arts Centre and Mathematical Association of Victoria.
The program is being delivered under the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series, a key initiative of the Student Excellence Program. Schools will be able to register or refer students to the programs from the beginning of term 1, 2026. The programs are all free.
The Labor Government invested $24.6 million earlier this year to continue the program throughout 2026 - including $2.4 million for students to participate in the enrichment series which will provide a range of activities across the curriculum.
The Government has invested $155.4 million in the Student Excellence Program, including $11.9 million in the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series.
More than 200,000 students across the state have participated in opportunities to enhance and enrich their learning since the program was established.
As stated by Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"Victoria's brightest students come from all walks of life, and I am proud that our government continues to provide them with opportunities to extend their learning through free enrichment programs and challenges."
"Participating students will have access to outstanding education and not-for-profit experts in 2026 that will nurture their curiosity and love of learning."
