Free internet access is available to students who don’t have reliable internet at home. Families of eligible students can request internet access by following the steps on this page.

There are currently 2 options for eligible families:

• the department’s student home internet program
• the Australian Government’s School Student Broadband Initiative.

Reliable internet access supports online study at home, for the purpose of extended learning. It also allows teachers to design more learning experiences that use digital technology.

Student home internet program

Families without reliable home internet can request free wireless internet from the department at any time throughout the school year through the student home internet program.

Students must only use the internet access for learning and study at home.

Find translated flyers and the request form and user agreement (on this page) in 7 languages.

Who can get it

All SA government school students who don’t have adequate home internet access.

You don’t need a fixed line connection.

What you’ll get from the department

The department will supply you with:

• a dongle (small USB device), if you need one
• a mobile internet SIM card
• home internet access until the end of the school year.

You won’t need a dongle if your child will be using a laptop or tablet with a SIM card slot.

At the end of the school year the internet access will be deactivated. You can apply again for the following year if you still need the service.

How to apply for the student home internet program

You can submit an application for the student home internet program at any time during the school year.

To request home internet access:

1. complete the request form and user agreement (PDF 737 KB) – find translated forms below (on this page)
2. submit the form to your school via email, fax or in person.

You only need to submit 1 request form for your household. The internet access can support multiple students.

Your school will then request the internet service from the department. We’ll set up your access and send the devices to your school. Your school will let you know when you can pick them up (usually early term 1).

If you apply during the school year, allow 2 to 3 weeks for this process.

Setting up your student home internet

The student home internet user guide (PDF 435 KB) steps you through how to set up your home internet.

Contact your school if you need additional support.

Your home internet connection will be deactivated at the end of the school year. You can keep the internet devices if you’ll be requesting access again the following year.

Cancelling your student home internet

If you no longer need the home internet access, you need to:

1. let your school know
2. return the internet devices to your school.

This could be because:

• your child is leaving the school
• you’re getting your own stable internet service
• you’re accepting the free 1-year NBN offer under the School Student Broadband Initiative (see below on this page).

Monitoring data use

We’ll monitor student home internet data use. Your school will contact you if you’ve used more data than we think is reasonable for educational purposes.

Your internet service may be suspended or disabled if this continues.

School Student Broadband Initiative

Eligible families with school aged children can get a free internet connection until 31 December 2025 through the National Broadband Network (NBN) as part of the Australian Government’s School Student Broadband Initiative.

Who can get it

Families without a current NBN connection could be eligible to receive this offer.

How to check eligibility

Check eligibility by contacting the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm AEDT) or by visiting the National Referral Centre website.

You can also ask your school to do this on your behalf.

The Australian Government have extended the sign up period from 30 April 2024 to 31 December 2024. If you’re not eligible but don’t have reliable home internet, we invite you to apply for the student home internet program.

Changing from the student home internet program to the NBN offer

If you already have a wireless connection through the student home internet program in 2023 and receive an offer for the School Student Broadband Initiative, you can choose to accept the offer. You’ll get a fixed NBN connection at no cost and will need to cancel your student home internet wireless service until 31 December 2025.

To cancel your student home internet service, let your school know and return your devices.

What happens after the free year

After until 31 December 2025, your service will stop. You will not automatically be put onto a paid plan without your consent.

You can choose to reapply for the wireless student home internet program (above on this page).

More about the School Student Broadband Initiative

For more information on the School Student Broadband Initiative:

• see the fact sheet for families – School Student Broadband Initiative (PDF 225 KB)
• visit the Australian Government's School Student Broadband Initiative
• contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm AEDT) or visit the National Referral Centre website.