Below is some information on Rebate rates for the PACER program.
If you require assistance with your PACER application please click here to contact us with your questions.
The program operates as a rebate which is paid directly to schools after they have met the eligibility requirements for funding. The payment is a subsidy and is not meant to cover all costs. Distances are calculated by road to Canberra using the most favourable travelling routes which are not necessarily the shortest. Google Maps will be used to determine this. Funds are allocated on a per student basis at rates varying according to distance travelled.
New Zones and Additional Loadings for 2023
In 2023, the Australian Government announced they will continue with the 50% increased rebates that were introduced in response to COVID.
Also announced was a pilot program of additional loadings to rebate amounts to benefit outer regional, remote and very remote schools, as well as schools with an Index of Community and Socio-Economic Advantage (ICSEA) score at or under 1000 (excludes the new Zone 0 indicated below). Schools can check their ICSEA or Geolocation categories on the www.myschool.edu.au website.
New zones have been established, including a new Zone 0 for schools situated less than 150kms from Canberra. PACER Zone 0 receives $5 per student (without additional loadings) and has a requirement for Zone 0 schools to attend 2 mandatory institutions rather than the usual 3. More information
In addition, the combining of previous Zones 5 and 6 into a new Zone 5 (paid at the old Zone 6 rate), and Zones 7 and 8 into a new Zone 6 (paid at the old Zone 8 rate).
The additional loadings to the rebates are indicated in the table below. The new rates apply to all schools which travel in 2023.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are planning your school excursion for next year, 2024 rebate amounts are yet to be confirmed by the Education Department and the below additional rebates may not be applicable. View Potential Rebate Rates for 2024
Rebate amounts for schools travelling in 2023
| Additional loading for schools with ICSEA score of 1000 or less | Additional loading to attract participation from regional and remote schools | ||||||
| 50% | 150% | 200% | 250% | ||||
| Zone | Distance from Canberra | Current rates | 50% additional rebate | ICSEA of 1000 or Below | Outer Regional | Remote | Very Remote |
| Zone 0 | 0-149 kilometres | $5 (new) | n/a | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Zone 1 | 150-499 kilometres | $20 | $30 | $15.00 | $45.00 | $60.00 | $75.00 |
| Zone 2 | 500-999 kilometres | $30 | $45 | $22.50 | $67.50 | $90.00 | $112.50 |
| Zone 3 | 1,000-1,499 kilometres | $60 | $90 | $45.00 | $135.00 | $180.00 | $225.00 |
| Zone 4 | 1,500-1,999 kilometres | $100 | $150 | $75.00 | $225.00 | $300.00 | $375.00 |
| New Zone 5 | 2,000-2,999 kilometres | n/a | $300 | $150.00 | $450.00 | $600.00 | $750.00 |
| New Zone 6 | 3,000 kilometres and over | n/a | $510 | $255.00 | $765.00 | $1,020.00 | $1,275.00 |
Notes:
- * Zone 5 includes all students from Tasmania due to air/sea travel expenses
- Remote islands get an extra $120 – this will be maintained through this proposal as it recognises additional flight costs
- The additional 50% rebate amount still applies as shown in column 4 of the above table
Which schools on islands are eligible for the additional $120 payment?
Islands with schools eligible for the additional payment include Christmas and Cocos Islands, Kangaroo Island, Tiwi Islands, Torres Strait Island and Lord Howe Island. Contact the PACER team if you think you might be eligible.