The Australian Government’s Indigenous Boarding Provider Grants have been extended until the end of 2026.
Schools and stand-alone boarding facilities that mainly support First Nations students may be eligible to receive funding under the program.
The $43.2 million in grants will allow more than 40 boarding schools and stand-alone facilities across Australia to provide accommodation and wrap-around supports to up to 2,500 students who may otherwise not have access to secondary education.
Minister for Education, the Hon Jason Clare MP said:
“This investment in boarding facilities across Australia is about supporting Indigenous school students in remote communities.
“It will mean supporting more students to finish school and deliver certainty for providers.
“This builds on the $18 million in funding for three boarding schools in Central Australia and is another way the Government is building a better and fairer education system.”
This funding will assist providers while an Indigenous Boarding Review is being finalised. Outcomes and recommendations from the review will be considered by the Australian Government. The National Indigenous Australians Agency will administer the Indigenous Boarding Provider Grants program.
The announcement follows the government’s Central Australia Boarding Response Fund last week, offering $18 million to three Alice Springs schools to upgrade or build facilities.