Information on this page reflects publicly available Defence and DVA guidance at the time of writing. Defence education assistance policies, funding limits, forms, and processes may change without notice. Families are responsible for confirming current requirements directly with Defence or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs before applying or claiming.
Information on this page reflects publicly available Defence and DVA guidance at the time of writing. Defence education assistance policies, funding limits, forms, and processes may change without notice. Families are responsible for confirming current requirements directly with Defence or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs before applying or claiming.
Funded Tutoring Eligibility for Defence and Veteran Families
Australia provides funded tutoring pathways for eligible Defence and veteran families when a posting or service-related change results in a school change or disruption to learning. Eligibility depends on the student’s situation, the education scheme that applies, and confirmation from the relevant school or authority.
Rethinking Mindsets delivers teacher-led, one-on-one tutoring that meets the requirements of these schemes. Our rates sit within current government funding caps, which means many families are able to access tutoring without additional out-of-pocket costs. Funding approvals, limits, and conditions are determined by Defence or DVA.
Two funded pathways support Defence and veteran families across Australia. The pathway that applies depends on family circumstances, service history, and how learning disruption has been identified.
Which Defence Tutoring Pathway Applies?
ADF Education Assistance Scheme (EAS)
The ADF Education Assistance Scheme (EAS) supports students when a Defence posting results in a school change and additional tutoring is required because the school cannot provide the support a child needs.
This pathway is designed to help maintain learning continuity during transition. Families select a qualified tutoring provider that meets EAS requirements and submit applications and claims in line with Defence processes.
Rethinking Mindsets delivers teacher-led, one-on-one tutoring aligned with EAS requirements. Eligibility, funding approvals, limits, and conditions are determined by Defence.
DVA Tutoring Schemes: VCES and MRCAETS
The Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES) and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS) provide funded tutoring for eligible veteran families when a school or education authority confirms a documented gap between a student’s potential and current achievement.
Funding is approved for defined periods and subject to annual tuition caps, with additional tuition available where required based on supporting evidence.
Under DVA schemes, tutors are not arranged by DVA. Families or schools engage tutors directly. Rethinking Mindsets provides one-on-one tutoring aligned with scheme requirements, while eligibility and funding decisions are managed by DVA.
At a Glance: Defence-Funded Tutoring Pathways
ADF Tutoring – Education Assistance Scheme (EAS)
When support applies
When a Defence posting leads to a school change and the school cannot provide the required educational support.
Funding structure
Hour-based support with capped reimbursement limits.
Funding limit
Up to $131 per hour for one-on-one tutoring, for each subject.
Maximum hours you can claim for one-on-one tutoring
14 hours if the student has studied the subject before and it is offered at the new school
26 hours if the student has never studied the subject before and it is offered at the new school
40 hours if the student is in Years 10–12 and is studying a career-related subject not offered at the new school
Web-based tutoring subscriptions
A subscription to a web-based tutoring service may be claimable where recommended by the child’s teacher or principal. If one-on-one tutoring is also used, that cost is deducted from the web-based tutoring amount.
Claim window
Tutoring must be delivered within 18 months of the child starting at the new school.
Evidence required
Supporting documents showing why education assistance is required. This may include school reports or written confirmation from the new school.
How to apply
Submit AD301 via ServiceConnect. A myID is required when accessing ServiceConnect outside the Defence Protected Network.
How to claim
Email education.supportprograms@defence.gov.au with receipt and invoice, including all required details.
Extensions
If maximum hours are reached and further support is required, apply using AD301-1 via ServiceConnect with supporting school documentation.
Web-based tutoring subscriptions
Under the ADF Education Assistance Scheme, families may be eligible to claim the cost of a web-based tutoring subscription where this is recommended by the child’s teacher or principal. This option sits alongside one-on-one tutoring and is managed directly through Defence. Rethinking Mindsets provides live, one-on-one tutoring delivered by qualified educators. We do not provide web-based tutoring subscriptions. Families who are eligible for a subscription may choose to use that option separately where it is appropriate for their child’s needs.
Official scheme information: ADF Education Assistance Scheme (EAS)
DVA Tutoring – VCES and MRCAETS
When support applies
When a documented gap exists between a student’s potential and current achievement, confirmed by a school or education authority.
Funding structure
Annual tuition caps with defined approval periods.
Maximum support
Up to $3,500 per child per year under additional tuition.
Further support
A further $2,000 per year may be approved where required.
Evidence required
Assessment or confirmation from the relevant education authority.
How to apply
Submit the relevant DVA form depending on age and eligibility (D2697, D2566, or D9212).
Who arranges tutoring
Families or schools engage tutors directly.
Who invoices
Tutors may invoice DVA directly, with parent or guardian sign-off.
Official scheme information: DVA Education Schemes – VCES and MRCAETS
Quick Eligibility Check
You may be eligible for funded tutoring if:
Eligibility and approval are determined by Defence or DVA, not by tutoring providers.
Important Information
Funding is subject to eligibility and approval under the relevant Defence or DVA education scheme. Families are responsible for submitting applications and required documentation in line with scheme guidelines. Rethinking Mindsets provides tutoring services and general guidance only and does not manage applications or make funding decisions.
A Considered Next Step for Defence Families
A Considered Next Step for Defence Families
Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is to get in touch so we can understand your child’s situation and outline appropriate support. Families use this conversation to clarify which Defence or DVA pathway applies, ask questions about eligibility, documentation, and process, and discuss whether one-on-one tutoring is an appropriate fit at this stage.
There is no expectation to enrol or commit at this point. Eligibility decisions, funding approvals, reimbursement limits, and scheme conditions are managed by Defence or DVA. Rethinking Mindsets provides tutoring services and general guidance only.
Eligibility
Relocations and service-related changes can disrupt learning, confidence, and routine. To provide stability, two government schemes fund one-on-one tutoring for eligible Defence and veteran families. Because our rates sit within funding caps, many families are able to access tutoring without additional out-of-pocket costs. Unlike large-scale providers, Rethinking Mindsets delivers personalised, teacher-led tutoring that focuses on confidence, continuity, and stable learning support.
Two funded pathways support Defence and veteran families across Australia. The pathway that applies depends on family circumstances and how learning disruption has been identified.
Eligibility, funding approvals, limits, and conditions are determined by Defence or DVA.
ADF Education Assistance Scheme (EAS)
The ADF Education Assistance Scheme (EAS) supports students when a Defence posting leads to a school change and the new school cannot meet learning needs.
Eligibility criteria include:
Under the scheme, tutoring support includes 14 hours for an existing subject and 26 hours for a new subject.
Official scheme information: ADF Education Assistance Scheme
DVA Tutoring (VCES & MRCAETS)
The Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES) and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS) provide funded tutoring for eligible veteran families when a school confirms a gap between a student’s potential and current achievement.
Eligibility criteria include:
Funding support may include:
- Up to $3,500 per child each year for Additional Tuition.
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A further $2,000 per year may be approved where required.
Official scheme information: DVA Education Schemes – VCES and MRCAETS
Still have questions or want to check next steps?
Understanding eligibility is only one part of the process. If you’re unsure which pathway applies, are waiting on paperwork, or want to confirm whether tutoring would be a good fit for your child, we’re happy to help.
A short enquiry allows us to review your situation and guide you on the most appropriate next step, without any obligation.
