Financial assistance
Centrelink payments
Centrelink provides financial assistance for students studying full-time and part-time. Visit the Centrelink website, or phone Centrelink on 13 24 90 for the most up-to-date information.
Youth Allowance
Youth Allowance provides assistance for people aged 16 to 24 who are studying full-time in an approved course.
Students are usually considered dependents of their parents and the rate of Youth Allowance paid is based on the application of the parental means test. It is possible for a student to be classified as independent, which means that their parent's financial situation is not taken into account.
Austudy
Austudy provides assistance to full-time students aged 25 and older who are undertaking an approved full-time course. All such students are automatically considered independent, therefore the application of the Parental Income Test is not necessary. There is a partner and personal income and asset test.
If you receive Youth Allowance or Austudy you may also be eligible for:
- Fares Allowance for travelling between your home and education institution (please note that Fares Allowance is not paid for daily travel)
- Rent Assistance if you live away from home to study
- a Low Income Health Care Card to assist with medical costs
- Pharmaceutical Allowance to assist with the cost of certain prescriptions
- Remote Area Allowance if you live in a remote part of Australia
- an interest-free Advance Payment of up to $500.
How to apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy
Information about Youth Allowance or Austudy, including payment rates, and claim forms can be found at www.centrelink.gov.au. You can also register for online services and claim online if you are planning to study full-time. For more information, phone Centrelink on 13 24 90. There are lots of things that can affect your payments so let Centrelink know when your situation changes.
Pensioner Education Supplement
The Pensioner Education Supplement is designed to help people undertake full-time or part-time study. To receive the Pensioner Education Supplement you must be enrolled in an approved course and receive specific Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs payments. Visit the Centrelink website, or phone Centrelink on 13 24 90 for the most up-to-date information.
ABSTUDY
ABSTUDY helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to stay at school or go on to further studies, as well as offering assistance to eligible apprentices and trainees.
ABSTUDY is available if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who undertakes approved full-time or part-time study.
ABSTUDY consists of a fortnightly means tested living allowance as well as additional components to help you with costs associated with study.
There are lots of things that can affect your payments so let Centrelink know when your situation changes. Visit the Centrelink website, or phone Centrelink on 13 24 90 for the most up-to-date information.
Other scholarships
Institutions offer a range of merit scholarships. For details, including how to apply, contact the institutions.
Other financial assistance
Travel concessions
A travel concession of half the normal adult fare is available to full-time university students. Ask whether you are eligible for concessions and how to apply when you enrol.
Employers
Some employers provide financial or study leave assistance by means of cadetships or other forms of support and sponsorship. These sources of assistance are sometimes advertised in the media. Some participating institutions may also provide further information. Contact the institution for more information.
