Department of Education and Training (DET)
DET provide financial assistance for families with education costs who are on low incomes and/or hold a valid Centrelink concession card. This includes: The State Schools’ Relief (SSR), Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), Child Care Subsidy and Family Assistance. For further information speak to your school or childcare provider.
Visit the website.
State Schools’ Relief (SSR)
The SSR provides support to government school students to access uniforms, footwear, and educational resources, including learning devices and graphing calculators. SSR works with all Victorian primary, secondary, specialist and language schools to ensure that any student facing hardship have the necessary items they require for school. For further information speak to your school.
Visit the website.
Camps Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)
The CSEF is a government funded payment to assist eligible students to attend school activities such as school camps or trips, swimming, and school organised sports programs, outdoor education programs and excursions and incursions.
Families who hold a valid concession and temporary foster parents are eligible to apply.
Special consideration is also given to students in and out of foster care, students in statutory kinship care, families on a bridging visa, temporary protection visa, are in community detention or are asylum seekers.
For further information speak to your school, or visit the website.
Child Care Subsidy
The Child Care Subsidy and Additional Childcare Subsidy are government funded subsidies that can assist eligible families with the cost of childcare fees. For further information, eligibility and to make a claim you can visit the website.
Child Care Subsidy
Additional Child Care Subsidy
Family Assistance
Family Assistance payments are government funded payments that are designed to provide support to low-income families to assist in the cost of raising children. For further information, eligibility and to make a claim you can call the families line or visit their web page.
Visit the website.
Brotherhood of St Laurence – Saver Plus
The Saver Plus program is run by Brotherhood of St Laurence and aims at assisting and improving financial capabilities and building assets of families and single parent families on low incomes. This program is offered locally across 60 different locations across Australia.
Visit the website.
Phone: 1300 610 355
Email: saverplus@bsl.org.au
Smith Family – Learning for Life Program
The Learning for Life program provides financial assistance from sponsors to families who are disadvantaged and needing assistance with school costs. The program also connects the child and family to local learning opportunities and access to any educational programs Smith Family may offer. For more information please contact your child’s school or visit the website.
No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)
The NILS provides individuals and families on low incomes with access to safe, fair, and affordable credit. Loans are available for essential goods and services such as education expenses, household goods, car repairs and medical procedures for up to $1500. Repayments are set an affordable amount over 12-18 months.
To find your nearest NILS provider please visit the website.
Phone: 13 64 57
Computer Bank
Computer Bank is an independent not-for profit-organisation providing low-cost refurbished desktop and laptop computers. Computer Bank have provided thousands of refurbished, low-cost computers to students for education purchases.
To access this program, you will need to hold a valid Australian concession card.
Visit the website.
Phone: 03 9600 9161
Student Loans, Scholarships and Fee Help
Tertiary education fees in Australia are payable for courses at tertiary education institutions such as universities and TAFEs.
The government provides loans and subsidies to relieve the cost of tertiary education for eligible students. Australian citizens and permanent visa holders can access government loans including HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and VET-HELP to assist with paying tuition fees, overseas study expenses, student services and amenities fees.
Scholarships are an award of financial aid for a student to further their education at a private elementary or secondary school, or a private or public post- secondary college, university, or other academic institution. Scholarships are awarded based upon various criteria, such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, and financial need.
Visit the Study Assist website to learn more about the following:
Scholarships
HECS Help
VET Help
Fee Help
Get Kids Active Voucher Program
The Get Active Kids Voucher program will support the delivery of 100,000 vouchers to support children get involved in organised sport and active recreation activities by providing up to $200 towards the cost of membership, sports equipment or uniforms.
To find out more about the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, eligibility and how to apply see their website.
Visit the website.