The ACT Education Equity Fund is there to take some of the sting out of school costs for lower-income Canberra families. Officially called the Future of Education Equity Fund, it pays a one-off amount for each eligible student every school year. Here’s what you can claim in 2026, and how to make sure you don’t miss out.
How much does the ACT Education Equity Fund pay per student?
For the 2026 school year, the ACT Government pays $400 for each preschool student, $500 for each primary school student and $750 for each high school or college student (in the ACT, college covers years 11 and 12).
What can I use the money for?
The payment is meant to help with the everyday costs of schooling, such as book packs, uniforms, excursions, sports equipment and activities, tuition and music lessons.
Who is eligible for the ACT Education Equity Fund?
The fund covers students from preschool to year 12 at any ACT school, government or non-government, but it isn’t open to everyone. You’ll need to live in the ACT and show that your household is on a low income, usually with a current means-tested Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. If you don’t have one, other evidence of low income or financial hardship may be accepted. Students at CIT, those registered for home education and independent students can also apply.
Do I need a separate application for each child?
No. You can include all your eligible children in one application, even if they go to different schools.
When do I need to apply for the ACT Education Equity Fund?
The 2026 round is open now, but time is running short. The ACT Government’s media release says applications stay open until the end of November, but the application portal gives a firmer deadline of midnight on 27 November 2026, so it’s safest to get yours in by the 27th. Applications for the 2027 school year open on 1 December 2026.
How many families has the fund helped so far?
More than $15 million has gone to eligible Canberra families since the ACT Education Equity Fund began in 2022. Up to 30 September, the 2026 round alone had paid out more than $3.7 million to over 6,300 students from more than 3,100 families.
Education Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith encouraged families who haven’t yet applied to do so now, saying many Canberra families “are doing it tough with cost-of-living pressures” and the fund helps make sure “those who need it can get a helping hand”.
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General information only, not legal or financial advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: ACT Government. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
