Invest in your child's education.

The Defence Families Academic Program: 8 months of 1-on-1 tuition, fully funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

Check eligibility →
$3,500Worth of tuition, no cost to you
8 monthsAcademic program
1-on-1Tailored tuition
OnlineAvailable Australia wide
Student working through his schoolwork
8-month tutoring program

Defence Families Academic Program

$3,500

$0

out of pocket for eligible veterans

$437.50 per month, GST inclusive.
Fully funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

  • 32 lessons: up to 4 lesson credits a month
  • The same tutor every week
  • Maths, English and Science to Year 12
  • Assignment and exam help
  • Weekly homework sheets up to Year 9
  • Lesson reports for parents
  • Online, available Australia wide
  • Tutors meet all DVA requirements and Working With Children Checks
Check eligibility

Invoiced to DVA. No lock-in contract, month-to-month, cancel anytime.

ADF helicopter flying the Australian flag

Getting started

  1. Eligibility and enrolment

    We confirm your veteran family's eligibility and get your child enrolled.

  2. DVA paperwork assistance

    We assist and guide you through the DVA paperwork, making it as simple as possible. No admin nightmare, guaranteed.

  3. Start the 8-month program

    Your child begins a structured, tutor-led program tailored to their year level and goals.

Check eligibility

Does this sound like your child?

DVA funds Additional Tuition for students whose academic potential has been held back by circumstances beyond their control. For many veteran families, that's everyday life.

If any of these apply, your child may qualify.

  • Moved schools with Defence postingsChanging schools, states or curriculums has left gaps in their learning.
  • Missed school through illness or a medical conditionTime away from class has set them back.
  • Has a learning difficulty, ADHD or ASDThey need more support than the classroom can give.
  • Not reaching their potentialTheir marks don't reflect what they're capable of.
  • School support hasn't been enoughThey've tried the school's learning support, or it isn't available to them.
Check eligibility

Your child also needs to be approved for the DVA Education Scheme. If you're not already on the scheme, we'll check this with you and assist with applying.

What your family could receive

  • DVA Education Scheme: an education allowance paid by DVA, with the amount depending on your child's year level. We help you apply.
  • Additional Tuition: $3,500 of tuition a year, fully funded.
  • Need more than 32 lessons? DVA may approve up to an additional $2,000, $5,500 in total for the year, in some circumstances.
  • Other avenues of support: such as DVA special assistance and Shield Health Support.

Check Your Child’s Eligibility

Already approved for DVA Additional Tuition?

If your child is approved for the current school year, contact us to begin enrolment.

Contact us

What 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.

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.

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.

Steven T. · Verified Google review

Questions.

Tuition

Is the tutoring in person or online?

All sessions are online, so families anywhere in Australia can access our best tutors, even through postings and relocations. Our tutors keep sessions engaging and interactive, with the same social benefits as in-person learning.

Is it the same tutor each session?

Yes. Your child works with the same tutor every session, building a consistent and supportive learning relationship. Every tutor holds a current Working With Children Check.

How long is each session?

Each session is a minimum of one hour. Shorter sessions are fine if your child prefers, but each session is billed as one hour.

How many sessions per week?

Most students have one session per week, which keeps a steady routine without overwhelming them.

Which days and times are available?

We offer flexible scheduling across the week, including weekends. We'll match you with a tutor who suits your preferred days and times, so it's best to consider your schedule before we lock in a regular time.

What IT is required?

A laptop, desktop or tablet with a camera and microphone, plus a stable internet connection. Sessions run on our dedicated online learning platform.

Program and tutors

What's included in the tuition package?
  • Weekly 1-on-1 sessions with a dedicated tutor
  • Weekly homework content sheets to support learning between sessions
  • Lesson reports to keep you updated on your child's progress
  • Tutor help with assignments and assessment preparation
  • Access to a bank of educational resources, including A+ assignment examples
  • Liaison with DVA: we handle the billing, admin, communication and reporting
Do tutors have experience with ASD/ADHD?

Yes. Our tutors adapt their teaching to each student's needs, including students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Where extra support is needed, Shield Health Support offers ADHD and ASD assessments and counselling.

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 and eligibility

What is the Additional Tuition scheme?

Additional Tuition is part of the Education Schemes administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) under the Veterans' Children Education Scheme (VCES) and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS). It funds private tutoring for eligible children of veterans, helping level the playing field for students whose education may have been affected by a parent's service, such as service-related injury, illness or death. Once funding is approved, DVA pays invoices directly, so there's no cost to your family.

You can read more on the DVA Education Schemes page.

How much funding will I receive?

DVA can currently approve $3,500 for Additional Tuition, plus a further $2,000 where required, so 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?

DVA requires Working With Children Checks for all tutors and may request reports on your child's progress. We provide everything DVA needs directly, so you don't have to do a thing.

About Shield Group

Are you veteran run?

Yes. Shield Group is a veteran-founded organisation started by brothers Kye and Jesse Shield. Jesse is an ex-Army veteran who enlisted at 19 as a cavalry soldier and served on multiple deployments, both overseas and in Australia. Jesse understands first-hand what Defence families go through with postings, deployments and the move to civilian life. Kye has 8 years' experience in the tuition industry and graduates as a Doctor of Medicine in 2026, with an ongoing interest in veteran medicine and healthcare.

Together, combining military service experience with a shared commitment to personalised education and healthcare, they built Shield Group with a mission of improving the educational outcomes and wellbeing of Defence and veteran families. Shield Group does this through two closely connected services: Shield Tuition, which provides educational support programs, and Shield Health Support, which provides psychology and allied health for children. Both are DVA-funded for eligible veteran families. Our team helps families access the funding they're entitled to and takes care of the DVA admin, so families and students can focus on the support first and foremost.

Are there other supports available?

Yes. Through Shield Health Support, families can access support from our team of psychologists, including:

  • Assessments: learning disability, ADHD and ASD assessments
  • Counselling: telehealth counselling for children and young people

Learning and wellbeing go hand in hand. An assessment can explain why a child is finding school hard, and our tutors can then shape their teaching around those needs. Counselling builds the confidence and resilience that help students get the most out of every session. Both services are DVA-funded for eligible veteran families, so your child is supported by one connected team. Visit the Shield Health Support website to learn more.

Ready to see if your child qualifies?

Check eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Tuition
Is the tutoring in person or online?
All sessions are online, so families anywhere in Australia can access our best tutors, even through postings and relocations. Our tutors keep sessions engaging and interactive, with the same social benefits as in-person learning.
Is it the same tutor each session?
Yes. Your child works with the same tutor every session, building a consistent and supportive learning relationship. Every tutor holds a current Working With Children Check.
How long is each session?
Each session is a minimum of one hour. Shorter sessions are fine if your child prefers, but each session is billed as one hour.
How many sessions per week?
Most students have one session per week, which keeps a steady routine without overwhelming them.
Which days and times are available?
We offer flexible scheduling across the week, including weekends. We'll match you with a tutor who suits your preferred days and times, so it's best to consider your schedule before we lock in a regular time.
What IT is required?
A laptop, desktop or tablet with a camera and microphone, plus a stable internet connection. Sessions run on our dedicated online learning platform.
Program & Tutors
What's included in the tuition package?
  • Weekly 1-on-1 sessions with a dedicated tutor
  • Weekly homework content sheets to support learning between sessions
  • Lesson reports to keep you updated on your child's progress
  • Tutor help with assignments and assessment preparation
  • Access to a bank of educational resources, including A+ assignment examples
  • Liaison with DVA: we handle the billing, admin, communication and reporting
Do tutors have experience with ASD/ADHD?
Yes. Our tutors adapt their teaching to each student's needs, including students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Where extra support is needed, our sister service, Shield Health Support, offers ADHD and ASD assessments and counselling.
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 part of the Education Schemes administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) under the Veterans' Children Education Scheme (VCES) and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS). It funds private tutoring for eligible children of veterans, helping level the playing field for students whose education may have been affected by a parent's service, such as service-related injury, illness or death. Once funding is approved, DVA pays invoices directly, so there's no cost to your family.

You can read more on the DVA Education Schemes page.
How much funding will I receive?
DVA can currently approve $3,500 for Additional Tuition, plus a further $2,000 where required, so 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?
DVA requires Working With Children Checks for all tutors and may request reports on your child's progress. We provide everything DVA needs directly, so you don't have to do a thing.
About Shield Group
Are you veteran run?
Yes. Shield Group is a veteran-founded organisation started by brothers Kye and Jesse Shield. Jesse is an ex-Army veteran who enlisted at 19 as a cavalry soldier and served on multiple deployments, both overseas and in Australia. Jesse understands first-hand what Defence families go through with postings, deployments and the move to civilian life. Kye has 8 years' experience in the tuition industry and graduates as a Doctor of Medicine in 2026, with an ongoing interest in veteran medicine and healthcare.

Together, combining military service experience with a shared commitment to personalised education and healthcare, they built Shield Group with a mission of improving the educational outcomes and wellbeing of Defence and veteran families. Shield Group does this through two closely connected services: Shield Tuition, which provides educational support programs, and Shield Health Support, which provides psychology and allied health for children. Both are DVA-funded for eligible veteran families. Our team helps families access the funding they're entitled to and takes care of the DVA admin, so families and students can focus on the support first and foremost.
Are there other supports available?
Yes. Through our sister service, Shield Health Support, families can access support from our team of psychologists, including:
  • Assessments: learning disability, ADHD and ASD assessments
  • Counselling: telehealth counselling for children and young people
Learning and wellbeing go hand in hand. An assessment can explain why a child is finding school hard, and our tutors can then shape their teaching around those needs. Counselling builds the confidence and resilience that help students get the most out of every session. Both services are DVA-funded for eligible veteran families, so your child is supported by one connected team. Visit the Shield Health Support website to learn more.