The National Department of Education has confirmed the full transfer of K904 million in Government Free Education (GFE) subsidies to registered schools nationwide for the 2026 academic year covering tuition and project fees says Secretary of Education Dr Uke Kombra.

Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra confirmed that the department had fully transferred the Government Free Education subsidies to schools nationwide during public servants and non-citizen farewell program held in Port Moresby today.

Parents and guardians across the country are being reminded that schools cannot impose unauthorized fees on students under the Government's Free Education Policy, following confirmation that the full K904 million allocated for 2026 has been remitted to schools.

The announcement comes as the 2026 academic year approaches its scheduled completion on December 4, with thousands of students, parents and schools preparing for the end of the school year.

However, the Department's funding announcement also raises an important question for parents: what payments are schools legally allowed to collect?

According to the 2026 Education Policy, schools are not permitted to charge additional registration, admission, identification card, advance or transfer fees.

The policy also makes it clear that no student should be denied enrolment or prevented from attending classes because of non-payment of fees.

Parents may, however, be asked to support approved school self-reliance projects.

These contributions must be voluntary and receive approval from both the Parents and Citizens Association and the Provincial Education Board.

The policy sets maximum contributions at K500 per primary school student and K1,000 per student in high schools, secondary schools and National Schools of Excellence.

Parents remain responsible for other basic education-related needs, including school uniforms, clothing, footwear, meals and transportation.

The Education Department has also provided for church agency fees at church-run schools under the relevant education legislation.

The Department of Education urges parents and guardians who receive demands for unauthorised payments to report the matter immediately to their nearest school inspector. Reports should be accompanied by supporting evidence, such as written fee notices or receipts, to allow the Department to take appropriate disciplinary action.