defence services
MRCA Education and Training Scheme
Supporting the Education of Eligible Veteran Families
The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS) provides education support to eligible children and young people whose parent has passed away or has been seriously impaired as a result of Australian Defence Force (ADF) service.
The scheme is administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and aims to reduce financial barriers to education while helping eligible students achieve their educational and career goals.
From 1 July 2026, MRCAETS became the single education scheme for eligible dependant children, following the harmonisation of veterans’ legislation. This means eligible children previously supported through the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES), and some eligible dependants of DRCA veterans, may now access MRCAETS, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements.
What is the MRCA Education and Training Scheme?
The MRCA Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS) provides financial assistance and educational support to eligible young people whose parent is an eligible veteran or whose death is related to eligible military service.
The scheme is designed to help eligible students complete their education by providing assistance throughout their schooling and, where eligible, approved tertiary study or training.
Support available through MRCAETS may include:
- Education allowances
- Financial assistance during study
- Guidance and counselling services
- Additional educational support where required
The level of assistance depends on the student’s age, study circumstances and individual eligibility.
What's Changed From 1 July 2026?
As part of the Veterans’ Legislation Reform, important changes to education assistance took effect on 1 July 2026.
Key changes include:
- One education scheme: MRCAETS is now the single education scheme for eligible dependant children, replacing the former Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES)
- Expanded eligibility: Eligible children of veterans covered under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and some veterans covered under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) may now access MRCAETS if they meet the legislative eligibility requirements.
- Automatic transition: Eligible students receiving support through VCES before 1 July 2026 automatically transferred to MRCAETS without needing to submit a new application for their current study year.
- Simpler legislation: Bringing education assistance into a single scheme helps create a more consistent experience for veteran families while maintaining support for eligible students
Who Is Eligible for MRCAETS?
Eligibility is determined by DVA under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
Generally, MRCAETS is available to eligible young people whose parent:
- Has an accepted service-related condition that meets the legislative eligibility requirements; or
- Passed away as a result of eligible military service.
From 1 July 2026, eligibility has expanded so that some dependant children of veterans previously covered under the VEA and DRCA may also qualify, provided they meet the requirements of the MRCA.
What Assistance Can MRCAETS Provide?
Depending on eligibility, MRCAETS may provide support throughout primary school, secondary school and approved tertiary education.
Support can include:
- Annual or fortnightly education allowances
- Assistance for students living away from home
- Student guidance and counselling
- Additional educational support services
- Access to other eligible education-related assistance administered by DVA
Payment rates are reviewed and updated by DVA periodically.
Current MRCAETS Payment Rates
Education allowance rates vary depending on factors such as:
- Student age
- Education level
- Whether the student lives at home or away from home
- Individual eligibility
As payment rates are indexed and updated regularly, it’s important to check the latest DVA.
The allowances provided for students living at home are as follows.
Education Level
Age
Allowance
Primary Student
Secondary Student
All Primary Students
Under 16
16-17
18 & over
$345.90 p.a.
$71.50 p/f
$422.80 p/f
$487.00 p/f
How Do You Apply for MRCAETS?
Applications are managed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Eligible families can apply by:
- Completing an Education Scheme claim form
- Lodging an application through MyService
- Posting the completed application to DVA
- Emailing the completed claim to DVA’s Education Schemes team
If you were already receiving assistance under the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme before 1 July 2026, you did not need to submit a new application for your current study year, as eligible students automatically transferred to MRCAETS.
How MRCAETS Fits Into Your Family's Financial Plan
While MRCAETS is designed to support eligible students with education costs, it can also form an important part of a family’s broader financial position. Understanding how education assistance interacts with DVA compensation payments, superannuation, family budgeting and long-term financial planning can help veteran families make informed financial decisions.
How Apex Financial Services Can Help
While Apex Financial Services does not determine eligibility or process MRCAETS applications, education assistance can form an important part of a veteran family’s overall financial position.
Understanding how DVA benefits work alongside your:
- Superannuation
- Compensation payments
- Family finances
- Retirement planning
- Estate planning
can help you make informed financial decisions for the future.
Our advisers work with veterans and Defence families across Australia to help them understand how government entitlements fit within their broader financial strategy. Contact us today via our below form or our contact us page to discuss your DVA position and ensure your compensation strategy supports your long-term financial future.
FAQs: MRCAETS
Can MRCAETS be received while attending university or TAFE?
Yes. Depending on your eligibility, MRCAETS may provide support for approved tertiary education and vocational training, including some university and TAFE courses. The level of assistance available will depend on your individual circumstances and the type of study being undertaken.
Do I need to reapply for MRCAETS every year?
Not necessarily. Once you are approved, DVA may contact you throughout your studies to confirm your ongoing eligibility or request updated information. It’s important to notify DVA if your study or personal circumstances change.
What happens if my child changes schools or study providers?
In some cases, eligible students may receive MRCAETS alongside other government assistance. However, eligibility for one payment may affect another depending on the type of support being received. DVA can advise how different education payments interact.
Does MRCAETS cover all education costs?
MRCAETS is designed to help eligible students with the costs associated with education, but it is not intended to cover every expense. The type and amount of assistance available will depend on the student’s circumstances and the support they are eligible to receive.
What should I do if my family circumstances change?
Changes such as a new home address, changes to care arrangements, or a change in study status may affect your MRCAETS entitlement. It’s important to let DVA know as soon as possible so your eligibility and payments can be reviewed if required.
Can separated or blended families access MRCAETS?
Eligibility is based on the individual circumstances of the veteran and the dependant child, rather than family structure alone. If care arrangements or family circumstances are complex, DVA will assess eligibility in accordance with the relevant legislation.