The DVA Education Scheme can help ease some of the financial pressure that often stands between your child and their educational goals if your family has been impacted by a veteran’s significant impairment or death. The scheme provides both financial and practical support to eligible children, giving them stability and the chance to continue their studies with confidence. And if navigating DVA programs feels like a maze, our expert team at KSC Law is here to help you understand your options and access the support available to you and your family.
What Is the DVA Education Scheme?
The Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES) and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS), known together as the DVA Education Scheme, exist to support the children of veterans whose lives have been deeply affected by service. If a veteran parent has died or has a significant service-related impairment, DVA recognises the ripple effects this can have on a child’s education and overall development. The purpose of the scheme is to help eligible young people continue their schooling with fewer financial barriers and more stability.
Administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), the scheme supports primary school students, secondary school students, and full-time tertiary students. It provides financial assistance, special assistance, student support services and arranges for guidance and counselling for eligible children to help them achieve their full potential in full-time education or career training.
Families can learn more about the Education Schemes on the official DVA website, but this guide aims to break the schemes down in a clear, grounded way so that you can understand what help may be available and how to access it.
Who Is Eligible for the Scheme?
Eligibility for the DVA Education Scheme is specific, and understanding the criteria can help families quickly determine whether support may be available.
The scheme is designed for children of veterans who meet one of the following circumstances:
- The veteran parent has died as a result of service, or
- The veteran has a significant impairment, recognised or accepted by DVA.
Eligibility applies across several types of qualifying service, including wartime, operational, and certain peacetime service categories, provided the impairment or death is linked to service conditions.
Both school-aged children and tertiary students can be eligible. This means support may continue from primary to high school, or progress into apprenticeships, traineeships, or approved full-time study pathways.
What Support Is Available Under the DVA Education Scheme?
The DVA education scheme provides a range of supports designed to help children affected by a veteran parent’s service and have the stability, resources, and support they need to continue their education without additional hardship. While the exact support will vary depending on the student’s needs, age, and education level, common assistance includes:
- Education allowance
- Special assistance
- Fares allowance
- Rent assistance
- Additional tuition
- Guidance and counselling
- Tertiary student start-up and relocation scholarships
- Energy supplement
- Income support bonus
Overall, the Education Scheme aims to give veterans’ children the best chance of continuing their education with stability, confidence, and meaningful support.
DVA Education Scheme Payments and How They Work
Payments under the Education Scheme differ based on the student’s age, education level, and circumstances. Generally, payments may include:
- School fees or contributions
- Books and essential supplies
- Transport or accommodation support
- Living allowances for tertiary students
- Tertiary scholarships
- Additional educational expenses or specialist assistance
Payments are made fortnightly to the parents of primary and secondary students, and directly to tertiary students. And to ensure continuity of payments, students must remain enrolled in approved education, and notify DVA in writing within fourteen days if any educational, family or financial situation changes.
How to Apply for the DVA Education Scheme
Applying for the scheme is straightforward, and dependent on the student’s age. First, you’ll need to gather key documents. This will usually include:
- Certified copy of the student’s birth certificate or adoption papers
- Proof of enrolment in full time education
- Veteran’s details and Defence Service/PMKeys number
Select the relevant DVA Education Scheme claim form:
- DVA Form D2697 for students under the age of 16 years
- DVA Form D2566 for students 16 years and over
- DVA Form D0742 for rent assistance
- DVA Form D9212 for additional tuition
All completed forms should be posted to DVA in your capital city. The addresses are provided on the form. Alternatively, forms may be lodged online through MyService or by email.
Some common mistakes to avoid include lodging uncertified documents, missing documents or attachments, not updating contact details, or forgetting to notify DVA of changed circumstances. Lastly, a clear, complete application leads to faster outcomes and less back-and-forth.
How KSC Law Can Assist Families
At KSC Law, we work with families to make sense of DVA entitlements and ensure you’re not left navigating the process alone.
We can assist by:
- Helping you understand whether your child qualifies
- Guiding you through the documentation and application
- Clarifying what support your child may receive
- Liaising with DVA on your behalf
Our approach is always family-focused, patient, and grounded in a real understanding of what veteran families experience. We’re here to help you feel supported, respected, and confident as you work through the system.
FAQs About the DVA Education Scheme
Can this scheme be used for university or TAFE fees?
Yes, tertiary students who are undertaking full-time education (including an Australian Apprenticeship, Traineeship or cadetship) may receive financial assistance.
How long can a student receive support?
Support continues up to the age of 25 while the student meets eligibility criteria and maintains approved study.
Can apprentices or trainees be eligible?
Yes, if the training is full-time.
Do I have to apply for the Income Support Bonus, Energy Supplement or Student Start-up and Relocation Scholarships?
No, all Education Scheme students who receive an education allowance and who are eligible for additional payments or scholarships will be determined automatically by DVA.
How much will I be paid?
For current Education Scheme payment rates, please refer to the DVA website. VCES rates and MRCAETS rates.
Support for your family’s education entitlements
If a veteran parent has died or has a significant service-related impairment, your children may be entitled to education support that is easy to overlook. Our expert team can help you understand what applies and guide you through the process. No win, no fee.