Vic aims to become education state

The Victorian government has committed almost $3.3 billion in an attempt to become the education state.

The 2015-16 budget includes the single biggest investment of additional education funding in the state's history, Education Minister James Merlino says.

Gonski funding levels will be met until 2017 but funding for 2018 and 2019 is uncertain because of the federal government's failure to commit to its share of funding, the state government says.

The education budget includes $730 million to upgrade, build and maintain schools across Victoria, with $610 million for government schools and $120 million for Catholic and Independent Schools.

Targeting the youth unemployment crisis, the government has set aside $350 million to invest in the state's TAFE system including re-opening closed campuses, upgrading workshops and classrooms and creating new training courses.

Families struggling with extra costs will benefit from $180 million for things like free eye tests and glasses for prep to grade three students at 250 disadvantaged schools, and Breakfast Clubs for 25,000 students.

"This is about fairness. Breaking the cycle of disadvantage starts in the schoolyard. All kids deserve the best start, no matter their background," Mr Merlino said.