Distance education enrolment fees
Information is available about the eligibility criteria used to determine whether home-based school-aged learners are classified as limited choice learners and therefore exempt from paying the distance education enrolment fee. This also includes details about fees and charges that may apply to non-state school students, and the process for seeking an exemption, waiver, or refund.
More information is available at:
https://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/pp/distance-education-enrolment-and-fees-procedure
Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme
The Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme supports families whose children are unable to attend an appropriate state school on a daily basis, primarily due to geographic isolation. The scheme applies to families with students enrolled in an approved distance education course.
A student may be regarded as geographically isolated if one of the following criteria is met:
- the principal family home is at least 56 kilometres from the nearest appropriate state school via the shortest practicable route; or
- the principal family home is at least 16 kilometres from the nearest appropriate state school and at least 4.5 kilometres from the nearest available transport service to that school, via the shortest practicable route.
For further information, contact Services Australia (Centrelink) on 132 318 or visit:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/assistance-for-isolated-children-scheme
Back to School Boost (from 2026)
From 2026, the Queensland Government will provide a Back to School Boost of $100 per eligible primary student (Prep to Year 6) to assist families with the cost of school essentials, such as stationery, books, uniforms, camps, and excursions.
Further information about eligibility and how the payment is applied will be provided closer to implementation.
More information is available at:
https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/budgets-funding-grants/grants/state-schools/core-funding/back-to-school-boost
ABSTUDY
ABSTUDY is a payment that may assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary or tertiary students, as well as full-time Australian Apprentices, to remain at school or continue further study. Depending on individual circumstances, additional payments may also be available to help with study-related costs.
More information is available at:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/abstudy
Secondary textbook and resource allowance
The Secondary Textbook and Resource Allowance is provided by the Department of Education to assist parents of secondary school-aged students attending state and approved non-state schools. This allowance contributes to the cost of textbooks and learning resources.
More information is available at:
https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/budgets-funding-grants/grants/parents-and-students/textbook-resource-allowance
ICT subsidy
An ICT subsidy is available through Schools of Distance Education to assist families with the cost of computer equipment and internet access required for student learning.
More information is available at:
https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/budgets-funding-grants/grants/state-schools/core-funding/ict-subsidy