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)
As of 2024, the official entrance age to pre-primary education is 3, with 2 years of free pre-primary education granted in legal frameworks. The net enrolment rate for both sexes is 86.1%.
Governance
The Ministry of Education is in charge of financing, regulation, and oversight of both public and private pre-primary schools, including setting standards through the 2012 Education Act.
Tuition-free status
2 years of free pre-primary education granted in legal frameworks.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
The Cook Islands has no formal subnational governments, and all education financing, including pre-primary sector funding, is administered centrally through the national budget.
2. Education resources to institutions
Government subsidies for pre-primary institutions are allocated for operational costs and teacher salariesbased on enrolment numbers, regardless of public or private status.
Although private schools operate independently of the government, they receive annual government grants to assist with their operational costs. Despite this financial support, each school’s Board of Trustees retains full authority to determine staff pay scales and employment conditions.
3. Education resources to students and families
No information is found.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
The universal child benefit provides regular cash support to all eligible children aged 0–16 who are Cook Islands citizens or children of permanent residents living in the country. The benefit assists parents or guardians in meeting the costs of raising and educating a child. As of 2021, it provided $100 per month until the child reached 16 years of age.
From 1 July 2026, the child benefit will rise to $125 per month, with a further $25 annual increase each July until it reaches $200 per month in 2029. Eligibility will also expand to include school-going 16-year-olds from 2026 and 17-year-olds from 2027.
