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 four. Two years of free pre-primary education are granted in legal frameworks. Two years of compulsory pre-primary education are granted in legal frameworks. The net enrolment rate for pre-primary for both sexes was 87.13 in 2025.
Governance
Nauru operates four public infant schools that serve children at the pre-primary level. The Department of Education oversees planning, administration, and direct funding for all school levels, including infant schools. The Ministry of Finance oversees budget approval, fiscal strategy, allocations, and expenditure monitoring across government sectors.
Tuition-free status
Two years of free pre-primary education are granted in legal frameworks.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Nauru allocates public funding for pre-primary education entirely through a centralized system, managed by the Department of Education and overseen by the Ministry of Finance.
2. Education resources to institutions
The four infant schools receive funding directly from the central budget based on a per-student allocation for operating and personnel expenses. No further detailed information on mechanisms for allocating resources to schools was found.
3. Education resources to students and families
The Government of Nauru launched the Back-to-School Scheme in 2020 to increase school attendance by removing financial barriers. The programme is funded by the Department of Education and administered jointly by the Department of Education and Social Welfare Services. It operates under the 2011 Education Act, the 2016 Child Protection and Welfare Act, and the 2017 Inclusive Education Policy and Guidelines. The programme provides a yearly cash transfer to enrolled Nauruan students aged 4–18, contingent on maintaining at least 80% attendance in the previous term. Payments are made directly to parents or guardians upon verification of enrollment and attendance by the Department of Education and Social Welfare Services. The programme is designed to support parents in purchasing uniforms, shoes, and other school-related items.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
The Back-to-School Scheme, outlined in the previous section of this profile, is funded by the Department of Education and administered jointly with the Department of Social Welfare Services.
