The Victorian Government School Saving Bonus is a fantastic initiative aimed at helping families save and invest in their children’s education.
By offering eligible families support for school-related expenses, it not only eases financial pressures but also ensures children have the resources they need to thrive.
Keep reading to discover how the Victorian School Saving Bonus can support the cost of school camps and more.
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 (except full-fee international, home-schooled, and TAFE students) enrolled in Victorian Government schools for 2025. Families can use the bonus, in full or in part, to cover the cost of school activities, textbooks, uniforms, and other essentials.
Are students at non-government schools eligible for the Victorian school saving bonus?
While the Victorian School Saving Bonus is primarily aimed at government schools, non-government school students who are eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) may also receive the $400 School Saving Bonus once the process is completed in 2025.
Contact your school for further information.
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
The School Saving Bonus cannot be used to cover the cost of:
- Curriculum materials (e.g. stationery and general classroom supplies)
- Before and after-school care
- Locker hire
- Formals and debutante balls
- Individual transactions
- General retailers (e.g. Kmart, Big W, or Best&Less)
It’s important to note that the bonus can be used for uniforms and textbooks, but only when purchased through approved suppliers, either in-store or online. You can also use the bonus for generic uniform items through State Schools’ Relief.
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 the camp. The School Saving Bonus can be used towards camps at both of our school camps in Victoria – 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.
Online access to the School Saving Bonus will end on 30 June 2025. After this date, any remaining balance will be automatically transferred to family accounts at the school, where it can be used for school activities.
Unused funds will roll over and remain available for future years, ensuring families have ongoing flexibility.
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.
Please note that the School Saving Bonus cannot be combined across different schools or transferred between government and non-government schools.
For more information about the Victorian Government’s School Saving Bonus, visit School Saving Bonus | vic.gov.au
Is the School Saving Bonus the same as the Camps, Sports and Excursions fund?
No, the Schools Saving Bonus and the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) 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 sports 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
Why use the School Saving Bonus for camps?
The Victorian Government School Saving Bonus can be a brilliant way to help cover the costs of school camps, providing numerous benefits for families:
Accessibility
School camps can be expensive, and the $400 bonus can significantly offset these costs, making them more accessible for families.
Flexibility
You can choose to allocate some, or all, of the bonus towards camp expenses, depending on your needs and priorities.
Supports valuable experiences
Camps offer unique educational and social opportunities for children, fostering teamwork, independence, and personal growth. By using the bonus for camps, you’re investing in these valuable experiences.
Combined with other support
The School Saving Bonus can be used in conjunction with other government assistance programs like the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), further reducing financial barriers.
Book a PGL adventure camp
Here at PGL, 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. These experiences help students develop essential skills such as communication, relationship-building, leadership and resilience.
With a whole range of thrilling activities for both primary and secondary school groups at our adventure camps in Victoria, Campaspe Downs and Camp Rumbug, the possibilities are endless!
So, if you’re thinking of taking your class on an exhilarating outdoor adventure, get in touch and request a quote today!
