Updates

Free laptops for disadvantaged Queensland students

Queensland Government media release

The Queensland Government will provide up to 140,000 free laptops over the next three years for Queensland’s most disadvantaged students opening the world to so many new possibilities.

Many students through Queensland simply don’t have access to a modern or any digital device and this can have a long-term negative effect on their learning journey.

Having access to a laptop or other digital device is vital in today’s technologically driven world.

This program will be specifically targeted at schools with students in financially disadvantaged situations will be eligible to participate in the program.

The program will provide students with access to a digital device for learning and internet access at home, if required.

Families who meet the eligibility criteria also have the opportunity to apply for free home internet access, via their state school, as part of the Australian Government’s School Student Broadband Initiative, until December 2025.

Participating Queensland State Schools will co-contribute 50% of the value of the device, up to the maximum of $500.

This $152 million program over the next three years adds to the 42,000 digital devices the Government has supplied to disadvantaged students in state schools since 2020.

This is on top of families already saving thousands per year, through programs including:

• Free Kindy – a saving of up to $4,800 for every four year old, for 15 hours per week during school terms. The 2024–25 Budget includes $12.6 million (over two years) to extend Free Kindy to up to 30 hours per week for four-year-olds in discrete communities.
• Textbook and Resource Allowance – saving of $155 (years 7-10) and $337 (years 11-12) per student off the cost of textbooks and learning resources. This is paid directly to the school and passed on to every parent of secondary school age students attending state and approved non-state schools.
• School Transport Assistance Scheme – assisting with the cost of transport for eligible students.
• Share the Dignity – access to free period products at every school that wants it.
• Fairplay vouchers –$200 vouchers for sporting registration and fees for children aged from 5 to 17 years.
• Mental Health Support – Providing state school students with access to mental health support from psychologists, social workers, guidance officers and/or youth works for free.
• After School Homework Centre – Free access to supervised, after school homework support at 120 state schools across the state. Students also receive a free healthy snack.
• School and Community Food Program– $15 million to support schools across Queensland deliver school breakfast and lunch programs.
• GPs in schools – Expanding the hugely successful GPs in schools program from the existing 50 High Schools to a further 20 high priority primary schools in Queensland.