The Fijian government has officially confirmed the continuation of its Back-to-School Support program for the academic year 2026, a vital initiative aimed at alleviating financial pressures on families. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel highlighted the program’s significant impact since its launch three years ago, benefiting countless families across the nation.
Eligible children will receive $200 each to help cover the costs of essential school supplies, including uniforms, shoes, bags, stationery, and lunch boxes. This support is specifically aimed at families with a combined annual income of $50,000 or less, encompassing students from Early Childhood Education (ECE) through Year 13.
The application process will begin on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, and conclude on Friday, December 12, 2025. Parents can obtain application forms at schools or through the websites of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance. Completed forms must be submitted to the child’s school for verification, emphasizing the school heads’ responsibility in ensuring accurate information, especially given previous incidents of fraudulent applications.
It is crucial for parents and guardians to provide correct details, particularly mobile numbers that must be linked with M-PAiSA or MyCash, as changes cannot be made after submission. Payments are expected to commence on January 16, 2026, allowing families sufficient time to prepare for the new school year that starts on January 26, 2026.
Funds will be distributed electronically via Vodafone M-PAiSA and Digicel MyCash. In maritime regions lacking mobile coverage, payments will be facilitated through Post Fiji. This initiative reflects the Fijian government’s dedication to making education accessible and acknowledges the importance of investing in the future of its children.
Building upon the prior successes of the program, which has supported over 200,000 students annually with a total investment of approximately $130 million, this year’s effort brings renewed optimism and assistance to families as they approach the school year. With such support in place, Fiji is paving the way for every child to achieve academic success, irrespective of financial conditions. This continued investment in education demonstrates a hopeful commitment to the wellbeing and future potential of all students in Fiji.