The back-to-school boost is rolling out across Queensland, with a $100 credit for every primary school student to help families cover school essentials in 2026.
Queensland families are receiving a timely helping hand as the back-to-school boost rolls out with the start of the 2026 school year, offering practical relief during one of the most expensive times on the family calendar.
Under the program, every primary school student across the state, Catholic and independent schools will receive a $100 back-to-school boost credit. The initiative is designed to ease the cost of everyday school essentials, from uniforms and stationery to excursions, camps and extracurricular activities.
Back-to-school boost eligibility
For families juggling the rising costs of living, the boost arrives when it’s needed most. The beginning of the school year often brings a flurry of expenses, particularly for households with more than one child. The back-to-school boost aims to reduce that pressure by giving parents flexibility in how the credit is used.
For state school students, the $100 credit will be automatically applied to their school account. In non-state schools, the administration of the credit will be managed by the school, including how it is applied to offset fees or other school-related costs.
Eligibility is broad, with all primary school students from Prep to Year 6 included. This also extends to children attending special schools and those enrolled in home education programs. The back-to-school boost is provided once per year, offering families a predictable form of support they can plan around.
Across Queensland, around 895,000 students are returning to classrooms this year, alongside more than 65,000 children beginning kindy programs. For many households, the boost will help smooth the transition back into school routines, particularly for younger students starting their education journey.
While the program sits alongside other cost-of-living measures, its impact is felt most directly at the kitchen table. Parents can decide how best to use the funds based on their child’s needs, whether that’s contributing to a school camp, paying for sports fees or replacing worn-out uniforms.
The back-to-school boost, delivered by the Queensland Government, is expected to be funded annually, providing certainty for families as they plan for future school years.
More information about how the back-to-school boost works, including school-specific arrangements, is available at qld.gov.au/backtoschool/boost.
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