PNG Education Department Releases K225.8m in Q1 School Grants

The PNG Department of Education has begun disbursing more than K225 million in school operational and functional grants and project fees for the first quarter of the 2026 academic year.

Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra said the payments, processed through the Government’s Free Education Policy, are expected to reach school bank accounts nationwide within the week. The funding is aimed at ensuring schools are properly resourced early in the school year.

Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra

According to the Department, a total of K225,845,619.86 has been allocated across all education sectors. This includes School Operational and Functional (SOF) Grants for Q1 Payment 1 Batch 1, as well as project fees covering FODE, BERC, and other school sectors.

Dr. Kombra said the government remains committed to removing financial barriers to education and ensuring equal access to learning opportunities for all children. He said the early release of funds will help school administrations focus on teaching and learning rather than financial constraints.

He urged school heads, administrators, and provincial education divisions to monitor their accounts and ensure proper use of the funds. The Department will also publish a full breakdown of payments by province on its website for public viewing.

The Secretary also called on parents and guardians to continue supporting their children’s education throughout the year. “Our mission is clear: we must ensure that no child is left behind,” he said.

“By prioritizing these payments early in the term, we are giving schools the stability they need to focus on quality teaching and learning in the classroom,” Dr. Kombra said.