Written by a qualified teacher with classroom and educational leadership experience. Rethinking Mindsets is a Sydney, NSW-based online tutoring provider supporting families nationwide.

ADF and DVA tutoring eligibility can be confusing because eligibility for an education scheme and approval for tutoring are not the same thing. Before arranging funded sessions, families need to confirm that the relevant authority has approved tutoring for their child. Rethinking Mindsets provides tutoring for families with approved funding and families choosing private tutoring.

Defence and DVA have different requirements and approval processes. The information below explains the distinction between the two pathways and where our role as a tutoring provider begins.

ADF Tutoring Through the Education Assistance Scheme

The ADF Education Assistance Scheme (EAS) may provide tutoring assistance when a posting leads to a school change and additional educational support is required. A connection to Defence, a school move or a parent’s concern about learning does not by itself confirm approval for funded tutoring.

Families should contact Defence directly to confirm eligibility, application requirements, funding limits and claim conditions. Current information is available through the Defence Education Assistance Scheme guidance.

Once EAS tutoring funding is approved, families can consider a provider suited to their child’s academic needs. Our ADF tutoring page explains how our qualified teachers respond to curriculum differences, unfamiliar school expectations and learning needs following a posting-related school change.

DVA Tutoring Through MRCAETS

DVA’s current Education Scheme is the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS). VCES eligibility criteria were incorporated into MRCAETS on 1 July 2026, and students accessing VCES were transferred to the current scheme. VCES should therefore be understood as historical terminology rather than a separate current scheme.

Eligibility for MRCAETS does not by itself confirm approval for additional tuition. DVA assesses additional tuition separately, including confirmation from a qualified person at the child’s school that extra academic help is needed beyond what the school can provide.

Students from veteran families have different school experiences and academic needs. A relocation is not the only circumstance DVA may consider, and concerns such as perfectionism or anxiety about schoolwork do not by themselves establish funding eligibility. Families should consult DVA’s current Education Scheme guidance for eligibility, additional tuition applications and funding conditions.

Our DVA-funded tutoring page explains the tutoring we provide once additional tuition funding has been approved. Teaching responds to the academic needs identified for tutoring within the scope of that approval.

Where Rethinking Mindsets’ Role Begins

Families arrange tutoring approval directly with Defence or DVA before enquiring about funded sessions with us. We do not determine eligibility, approve funding or guide or manage applications. For application assistance, please contact the relevant scheme directly.

Once tutoring funding is approved, we welcome a conversation about your child’s learning needs, school expectations and available sessions. Before tutoring begins, we clarify session fees, how the proposed sessions fit the approved funding and any costs payable by your family. Funding approval does not reserve a tutoring place or guarantee educator availability.

Choosing Tutoring That Fits Your Child’s Needs

Funding approval establishes the scope of funded assistance; it does not replace thoughtful educational planning. At RM, experienced, qualified teachers use curriculum knowledge and classroom experience to plan sessions and adapt teaching to reflect individual school expectations.

Educators explain concepts, model strategies and guide practice, with attention to academic growth, confidence, independence and student wellbeing. Teaching can respond to changing needs while remaining within the approved tutoring arrangements. Our guide to choosing a qualified teacher for tutoring explains what families can look for when considering teaching expertise and suitability.

Private Tutoring Is Also an Option

Defence and veteran families may choose private tutoring when funding is unavailable, approved sessions have finished or they prefer to proceed privately. Private tutoring is a separate choice and does not depend on approval through Defence or DVA.

The same individually planned, teacher-led approach applies. Whether tutoring is funded or private, we consider your child’s needs, suitability and educator availability before discussing arrangements.