What is the Victorian Government School Saving Bonus?
The Victorian Government’s School Saving Bonus is a one-off payment of $400 which goes to all students, from Prep to Year 12, enrolled in Victorian Government schools for 2025. (Additionally, non-government school students who are eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund may also receive the School Saving Bonus).
This bonus will provide $400 support for school-aged students in Term 4 of 2024, to cover cost incurred in 2025.
What can the $400 School Saving Bonus be used for?
The School Saving Bonus can be used to cover or contribute towards the cost of:
- School camps
- Outdoor education programs
- Excursions or incursions
- School uniforms
- Textbooks
- Graduations
Can the School Saving Bonus be used for a camp at PGL?
Absolutely! If students are eligible for the School Saving Bonus, and the school is running a camp with us in 2025, parents can choose to use the School Saving Bonus towards the cost of camp. The School Saving Bonus is able to be used towards camps at both of our Victorian camp locations – PGL Campaspe Downs and PGL Camp Rumbug.
How do families access the School Saving Bonus?
Parents of eligible students should have received an email from the Department of Education Victoria in November 2024 to their registered email address with some information. Parents should have also received a further email from the Department in late November / early December 2024 with a link to an online system, where they can nominate their use of the $400 bonus.
Is the $400 School Saving Bonus per family or per student?
The $400 School Saving Bonus is per student, so for 3 students attending Victorian Government schools, families should be eligible for $1200 in School Saving Bonus.
For more information about the Victorian Government’s School Saving Bonus, visit School Saving Bonus | vic.gov.au
Is the Schools Saving Bonus the same as the Camps, Sports and Excursions fund?
No, the Schools Saving Bonus and the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund are separate programs. The Camps, Sports and Excursions fund is an ongoing means-tested fund which can be used by families to cover the cost of activities such as camps, outdoor education programs, school trips, organized sport programs or excursions / incursions.
Families will need to apply for the Camps, Sports and Excursions fund, and applications are open to:
- Families holding a valid means-tested concession card; or
- A student over 16 years who is considered a youth minor, and holds a valid concession card.
For more information on the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, visit Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund | vic.gov.au
We believe that the School Saving Bonus provides a great opportunity for Victorian students to experience a camp program where they can learn and grow outside the classroom, helping them to improve communication skills, relationship-building skills, leadership skills and building resilience.
Book a PGL camp
Here at PGL, we offer a whole range of thrilling activities forboth primary and secondary school groups at our adventure camps in Victoria, Campaspe Downs and Camp Rumbug.
So, if you’re thinking of taking your class on an exhilarating outdoor adventure, get in touch and request a quote today!
