Assistance scheme now open

TRANSPORT assistance applications for students for the 2023 academic year are now open.

In a statement, Education Ministry permanent secretary Dr Anjeela Jokhan said all students in Years 1-13 whose parents’/guardians’ combined household income was $16,000 or less were eligible to apply for the assistance.

“The ministry will be piloting an optional online transport assistance application process for students in Years 10-13 for the 2023 academic year where parents/guardians can register and apply for transport assistance using a new online parent/guardian portal,” Dr Jokhan said.

“This is in line with the ministry’s modernisation strategy, which includes the increasing use of online platforms.

“The online Parent/Guardian portal will offer a more streamlined application process for families and schools, and provide improved communication to parents/guardians on the status of their children’s transport applications.

“The online Parent/Guardian portal can be found at studentparentsportal.edu.gov.fj.”

Ms Jokhan said families with students in Years 10-13 who do not have internet access and/or email addresses to register and apply online could still submit a paper application for transport assistance.

“Parents/Guardians for students in Years 1-9 for the 2023 academic year are required to only submit paper applications for transport assistance to schools.

“The online transport application process will be offered to students in Years 1-9 at a later stage.

“Parents/Guardians must ensure they submit an online application or paper Transport Application to their child’s school with all the required supporting documentation by December 9, 2022.”