The cost of sending a child to high school can add up, even with “free” public education. Thankfully, there are a number of government payments, schemes and programs designed to help families manage these expenses, especially for those on lower incomes or with specific circumstances.
Let’s look at the different types of government assistance available to families with kids in high school.
1. Payments from Services Australia (Centrelink)
Services Australia (also known as Centrelink) provides a range of payments that can support families with children, including teenagers in high school. Eligibility usually depends on a family’s income and assets.
Family Tax Benefit (FTB)
This is a two-part payment that helps with the cost of raising children.
- FTB Part A. Paid per child and depends on a family’s income. It continues until a child turns 16, or up to 19 if they are still in full-time secondary study and not receiving a social security payment like Youth Allowance.
- FTB Part B. An extra payment for single parents or families with only one income. It usually stops when your youngest child turns 13 but can continue until they turn 16 if they are still in secondary school.
Youth allowance (for students and apprentices)
If a child is 16 or older and studying full-time in high school (or doing an Australian Apprenticeship), they might be eligible for Youth Allowance. This payment is usually subject to parental income and assets tests, unless the child is considered “independent.”
ABSTUDY
This payment provides financial help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and apprentices. It can help with school fees, living costs and travel.
Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme (AIC Scheme)
This is a group of payments for parents and carers of children who can’t go to a local government school because of where they live (geographical isolation), or due to disability or special needs. It can help with boarding costs or distance education expenses.
Education Entry Payment
A once-a-year payment if you’re starting study and receiving certain income support payments from Services Australia.
Pensioner Education Supplement (PES)
A regular extra payment to help with study costs if you receive certain payments like Parenting Payment (Single) or Disability Support Pension.
Where to check
The best place to find out more and check your eligibility for these payments is the Services Australia website or by using their Payment and Service Finder.
2. State and Territory Government Assistance Programs
In addition to federal payments, each state and territory government often has its own specific programs, vouchers or allowances to help with school-related costs. These can vary significantly, so it’s vital to check your specific state’s education department website.
Here are some common types of state-level assistance you might find.
“Back to School” vouchers/payments
Some states offer one-off payments or vouchers to help with the cost of uniforms, textbooks, and school supplies at the start of the year. For example, in Victoria, the School Saving Bonus provides $400 for eligible students in 2025 to help with school costs like uniforms, textbooks, and excursions. This bonus is often provided directly to schools for government school students, or through a process linked to other support for non-government schools. Find out more about the Victorian School Saving Bonus.
Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) (Victoria)
This provides payments for eligible Victorian students to ensure all students can participate in school camps, sports activities, and excursions. Eligibility is usually tied to holding a Health Care Card or other concession card. Read more about the CSEF on the Victorian Government website.
Secondary Assistance Scheme (SAS) (Western Australia)
Available to low-income families with children in Years 7-12. It provides an Education Program Allowance (paid to the school) and a Clothing Allowance (paid to the parent or can be directed to the school). You can find details on the WA Department of Education website.
Creative Kids Vouchers (NSW)
Provides a $100 voucher for school-aged children to put towards creative activities like music, dance, drama, or coding.
Active Kids Vouchers (NSW)
Provides a $100 voucher for school-aged children to help with the costs of sports and fitness activities.
School Card Scheme (South Australia)
Assists with school fees, uniforms, camps, and excursions for eligible students in government schools.
Student Assistance Scheme (Tasmania)
Helps with school levies for low-income families.
Transport Assistance
Schemes like the School Drive Subsidy (NSW) or subsidised public transport fares are often available for students who need to travel a certain distance to school.
Textbook/Resource Allowances
Some states offer specific payments or schemes to help with the cost of textbooks or other learning resources for secondary students.
Support for Boarding Students
If your child needs to live away from home to attend high school (e.g., due to geographic isolation), specific boarding allowances may be available.
Where to check
Always look at the Department of Education website for your specific state or territory (e.g., NSW Department of Education, Victorian Department of Education, etc.). Search for “financial assistance for students” or “school payments.”
3. Non-Government Organisations and School-Based Support
Beyond government programs, several non-government organisations and individual schools offer assistance.
The Smith Family – Learning for Life Program
This program provides financial support to help disadvantaged children and young people meet the costs of school essentials like uniforms, books and excursions, along with educational support.
School Hardship Programs
Many Catholic and independent schools, and even some public schools, have their own hardship funds or payment plans to help families who are struggling financially. It’s always worth contacting the school directly to discuss your situation.
Second-Hand Uniform/Book Sales
Many schools run or promote second-hand sales for uniforms and textbooks, which can significantly reduce costs.
How to Access Assistance
Concession Cards
Many forms of assistance are linked to holding a Centrelink Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or other eligible concession cards. Make sure your card is current.
Check Eligibility
Use online tools from Services Australia or your state education department to quickly see what you might be eligible for.
Apply Early
For many schemes, applications open early in the year (e.g., Term 1), so don’t delay.
Contact Your School
The school itself is often your first point of contact for state-specific programs and internal hardship support. They can guide you through the application process for relevant schemes.
Navigating the costs of high school can feel overwhelming, but knowing about the various government assistance programs available can help ease the burden. Don’t hesitate to seek out the support you’re entitled to – it’s there to help your child succeed.
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