School Card scheme
The School Card scheme offers financial assistance with school fees (materials and services charges) for students attending government schools in that year.
If your school fees (materials and services charges) are less than the School Card subsidy, the scheme can also help with other educational expenses such as uniform and camp/excursion costs.
For students at non-government schools, parents are encouraged to speak directly to the school about financial assistance.
Eligibility
School Card is available to:
- families with children aged four years and over who attend a school full-time
- independent full time years 10 or 11 students who are studying six subjects
- independent full time year 12 students who are studying five subjects
- adult re-entry students undertaking Department for Education funded subjects at a government school.
Applications
Applicants need to complete an application form at the beginning of each year. Forms can be submitted from the start of January.
The 2018 round has closed. Forms for the 2019 round will be available here in mid-January.
Reassessment
For applicants to request their application be reassessed after receiving a 'no' for School Card assistance for the 2018 school year.
Income limits
The tables below list the income limits for applications lodged in 2018 – based on the family's gross income in 2016/2017.
To qualify for school card, your family's gross income must be below a certain limit. This limit depends on how many dependent children you have and whether your child attends a government, independent, or Catholic school.
You will need to provide proof of income – eg payslips or Centrelink information.
Eligibility income limits for a student attending a government school
| Number of dependent children | Gross annual School Card income limit | Gross weekly School Card income limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | $57,870 | $1,113 |
| 2 children | $58,903 | $1,133 |
| 3 children | $59,936 | $1,153 |
| 4 children | $60,969 | $1,173 |
| 5 children | $62,002 | $1,193 |
| More than five children | Add $1,033 for each dependent child | Add $20 for each dependent child |
Eligibility income limits for a student attending a non-government school
The income limits for students attending non-government schools are set by the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA) and Catholic Education South Australia (CESA). If you have questions about the income limits for independent schools, contact AISSA. For questions about the income limits for Catholic schools, contact CESA.
Independent schools
| Number of dependent children | Gross annual School Card income limit | Gross weekly School Card income limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | $37,870 | $728 |
| 2 children | $38,903 | $748 |
| 3 children | $39,936 | $768 |
| 4 children | $40,969 | $788 |
| 5 children | $42,002 | $808 |
| More than five children | Add $1,033 for each dependent child | Add $20 for each dependent child |
Catholic schools
| Number of dependent children | Gross annual School Card income limit | Gross weekly School Card income limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | $57,870 | $1,113 |
| 2 children | $58,903 | $1,133 |
| 3 children | $59,936 | $1,153 |
| 4 children | $60,969 | $1,173 |
| 5 children | $62,002 | $1,193 |
| More than five children | Add $1,033 for each dependent child | Add $20 for each dependent child |
Related information
On this site
Payments and financial support schemes
Scholarships
Travel concession and allowances
Grants
Other websites
Students or trainees - Centrelink
Payments and services - Human Services
Contact
For more information or assistance with completing the form talk to your school or phone freecall 1800 672 758.
Email: DECD.Schoolcard@sa.gov.au
