Financing for equity in pre-primary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
The official entrance age to pre-primary education is four. One year of free pre-primary education is granted in legal frameworks. Compulsory pre-primary education is not granted in legal frameworks. The net enrolment rate for pre-primary for both sexes was 25 in 2025.
Governance
Niue is home to a single government-run early childhood education facility housed within Niue Primary School, operated by the Department of Education. The facility offers tuition-free early childhood education starting at age four, in accordance with the 1989 Education Act.
Tuition-free status
One year of free pre-primary education is granted in legal frameworks.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
The government provides funding directly to the Early Childhood Education facility through the annual state budget. Funds are allocated to Niue Primary School.
2. Education resources to institutions
As noted above, the government provides funding directly to the Early Childhood Education facility through the annual state budget. Given Niue’s small size, there is no equity-targeted funding in place.
3. Education resources to students and families
Attendance at the Early Childhood Education centre is tuition-free for all students, in accordance with the 1989 Education Act. No information was found on other Department of Education-funded initiatives to support incidental costs associated with pre-primary education.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
The government provides a bi-weekly universal child allowance to all Niuean children from birth to age 18. Families receive a per-child payment through a bank transfer every three months, regardless of household income. The benefit aims to reduce the financial burden on families with children and ensure the well-being of each child. The programme is monitored by the Department of Community Affairs in collaboration with the schools to confirm attendance, and by the Department of Immigration to confirm residence in Niue.
