Many Australian parents may not realize that they are eligible for government-funded transport subsidies when driving their children to school. Each state and territory offers different schemes designed to ease the financial burden of school commutes—especially for families in rural or remote areas.
These allowances don’t cover the full cost of transport but provide a partial reimbursement based on the distance traveled. Depending on where you live, you could receive hundreds—or even over a thousand dollars—per year.
New South Wales: School Drive Subsidy
For parents in New South Wales, the School Drive Subsidy is available in areas where public transport options are limited or nonexistent. The rate for Semester 1, 2025, is $0.74 per kilometer.
Parents can claim for each eligible student, based on the distance to school and the number of school days attended. A parent driving their child 8 kilometers to and from school daily could receive $532.80 per semester.
Victoria: Conveyance Allowance
In Victoria, families in rural and regional areas may be eligible for the Conveyance Allowance if they transport their children by car. The amount ranges from $470 per year for distances between 4.8 and 10 kilometers to $1,178 per year for distances over 35 kilometers.
This applies to both government and non-government schools if there’s no free school bus available.
Queensland: School Transport Assistance Scheme
For families in Queensland, the School Transport Assistance Scheme provides financial relief for parents who live more than 3.2 kilometers from their nearest state primary school or more than 4.8 kilometers from their nearest state secondary school.
Students attending non-state schools may also qualify. Assistance is available for bus and ferry transport, helping students who rely on public transport for their daily school commute.
South Australia: Travel and Boarding Allowances
Parents in South Australia can apply for a travelling allowance if they live 5 kilometers or more from their nearest public school or school bus route.
The State Education Allowance is also available for geographically isolated families whose children board away from home for secondary school. This allowance helps with costs related to travel, boarding, and other essential expenses.
Western Australia: Student Travel Subsidy Scheme
In Western Australia, the Student Travel Subsidy Scheme supports students in remote areas. Assistance includes subsidized fares for air, bus, and train travel, as well as a road travel subsidy for students who need to be driven more than 56 kilometers to their nearest school or bus stop.
Tasmania: Conveyance Allowance
For Tasmanian families without access to a school bus, the Conveyance Allowance helps cover transport costs for students traveling from home to school or to the nearest bus stop.
To qualify, students must be between 5 and 18 years old, enrolled full-time, live outside an urban bus zone, and reside more than 5 kilometers from the nearest school or bus stop.
Northern Territory: Remote Transit Subsidy
Parents in the Northern Territory can benefit from the Remote Transit Subsidy if they live in a remote area and travel more than 5 kilometers to transport their child to school or a nearby transport service. This subsidy applies to full-time primary, middle, senior school, or tertiary education students.
Australian Capital Territory: Conveyance Allowance
In the ACT, parents in areas without ACTION bus services may be eligible for the Conveyance Allowance. The subsidy is calculated on a per-trip basis for each eligible vehicle, ensuring families without adequate public transport options receive financial assistance.
How Much Could You Be Missing Out On?
Many families are unaware that these subsidies exist. With varying eligibility rules across Australia, parents could be entitled to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in assistance, depending on their location and daily school commute.
To find out if you qualify, visit your state’s education or transport department website and apply today. A hidden cash boost could be waiting for you!
