Invest in Your Child's Education
Tuition Funding for Eligible
Veteran Families

Shield Tuition's Defence Families Academic Program — a structured 8-month tuition program exclusively for students of veteran families, fully supported through DVA.

$3.5k
No Cost to You
8 Months
Academic Program
1-on-1
Tailored Tuition
Online
Available Aus Wide

Defence
Families
Academic
Program

Exclusively for students of veteran families — supporting your child's academic journey through DVA.

01
Eligibility & Enrolment
We confirm your veteran family's eligibility and get your child enrolled — at no cost to you.
02
DVA Paperwork Assistance
We guide and assist you through the DVA paperwork process, making it as straightforward as possible.
03
Commence Our 8-Month Academic Tuition Program
Your child begins a structured, tutor-led academic program tailored to their year level and learning goals.
8 Months
Weekly Tuition Lessons
1-on-1
Maths, English, Science — Up to Grade 12
Online
Available Australia Wide
Qualified Tutors
Tutors Meet All DVA Requirements & Working With Children Checks

Check Your Child’s Eligibility

What Our Veteran Families Say

★★★★★

As a military veteran, I know how complicated it can be to navigate the educational benefits for my children. That's where Shield Tuition has been a huge help. They made dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) so much easier.

MG
Michael G.
✓ Verified Google Review
★★★★★

An absolutely wonderful company that goes above and beyond for veterans and their families. Couldn't be happier that we found Shield! My kids look forward to their lessons each week.

SB
Samara B.
✓ Verified Google Review
★★★★★

From the moment the team promptly replied to our inquiry to the allocation of our tutor, the experience & professionalism is second to none. They made the DVA process easier & stress free.

S
Steven T.
✓ Verified Google Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Tuition
Is the tutoring in person or online?
All sessions are conducted online. This approach offers flexibility and leverages technology to provide engaging and effective tutoring experiences. Shield Tuition's tutors are experienced in ensuring that online sessions are engaging and carry the same social benefits as in-person sessions.
Is it the same tutor each session?
Yes. Shield Tuition ensures students work with the same tutor for each session, fostering a consistent and supportive learning environment. Each tutor holds a current Working With Children Check.
How long is each session?
Each session is a minimum of one hour.
How many sessions per week?
The standard is one session per week, maintaining a consistent routine without overwhelming the student. Where additional support is needed, more sessions can be arranged.
What IT is required?
You'll need a device (laptop, desktop, or tablet) with a camera and microphone, along with a stable internet connection. Sessions are conducted on our dedicated online tutoring platform.
Program & Tutors
What's included in the tuition package?
  • Weekly 1-on-1 sessions with a dedicated tutor
  • Weekly homework content sheets (up to Grade 9) to support learning between sessions
  • Lesson reports to keep you informed of progress and content covered
  • Tutor assistance with assignments and assessment preparation
  • Access to a bank of educational resources including A+ assignment examples
  • Liaison with the DVA including backend billing, administration and reporting
Do tutors have experience with ASD/ADHD?
Yes. Shield Tuition is well-equipped to support students with learning difficulties including those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD. Our tutors adapt their teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring a supportive and effective learning environment.
Who does the tutoring?
Shield Tuition tutors are highly accomplished university students who completed Australian schooling with leading ATARs. Tutors are allocated based on subject suitability and parent/student preferences. All tutors hold Working With Children Cards and undergo a selective interview process with specific academic requirements.
DVA Funding & Eligibility
What is the Additional Tuition scheme?
Additional Tuition is a Federal Government scheme administered by the DVA. Eligible children are entitled to government-funded private tutoring to level the playing field for those whose studies may have been affected by a parent's service. Once approved, invoices are paid directly by DVA — no cost to your family.
How much funding will I receive?
The DVA can currently approve $3,500 for additional tuition. A further $2,000 can be approved where required — up to $5,500 in total.
Which veterans are eligible?
Under MRCAETS:
  • Child of a member eligible for the Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP)
  • Child of a member with 80+ impairment points
  • Child of a member whose death was related to service

Under VCES (VEA):
  • Child of a current/former ADF member receiving Disability Compensation Payment at special rate (T&PI), EDA rate, or multiple amputations rate
  • Child of an ADF member whose death was war or defence caused
  • Child of a veteran who was an Australian prisoner-of-war (now deceased)
Are step children eligible?
Yes. For a child to be eligible they must be fully or partially dependent on the veteran. For example, paying for school fees would be considered a financial dependency and therefore make a step child eligible.
What happens after DVA approves funding?
The DVA requires Working With Children Cards for all tutors and may request reports on how tutoring is improving the student's outcomes. We provide all required reports to the DVA directly — you don't have to do a thing.
About Shield Tuition
Are you veteran run?
Yes. Our co-founder Jesse is a veteran who enlisted in the Australian Army as a cavalry soldier at 19, deploying domestically and overseas. Jesse co-founded Shield Tuition after seeing first-hand how postings and deployments impacted the education of defence children.

Our other co-founder Kye has 6 years in the tutoring industry and is a full-time Medical student who placed in the top 99% of school graduates in 2020, with aspirations to specialise in veteran medicine. Together, they built Shield Tuition to provide the extra educational support that defence families deserve.