What Is Austudy?
Austudy is an Australian Government income support payment administered by Services Australia through Centrelink for eligible Australians aged 25 and over who are studying full-time at an approved institution or undertaking a full-time Australian Apprenticeship. It provides regular financial assistance to help cover living costs while you invest time in study or vocational training — recognising that returning to education as an adult often means reducing or eliminating paid employment income.
Austudy is managed and paid through the same Centrelink system used for other income support payments. Applications are submitted online through myGov, and ongoing obligations — including income reporting and study load confirmation — are managed through the same portal. Austudy payments are made fortnightly directly to your nominated bank account.
Austudy is means-tested — both your personal income and your assets are assessed. The payment rate you receive depends on your financial circumstances, living arrangements, and whether you have a partner. Unlike Youth Allowance (student), which is designed for those under 25, Austudy does not apply an independence test because recipients are by definition already adults. If you are under 25 and studying, see our Youth Allowance guide instead.
Adult Student Support
Financial assistance for Australians 25+ studying full-time at an approved institution or returning to education later in life
Apprenticeship Support
Austudy is also available to Australian Apprentices aged 25+ undertaking a full-time approved apprenticeship
Fortnightly Payments
Paid every two weeks to your nominated bank account — rate varies based on income, assets, and living arrangements
Managed via Centrelink
Applications and ongoing management are handled through myGov linked to your Centrelink account
Means-Tested
Both personal income and assets are assessed — the higher your income or assets, the lower your payment may be
Study Obligations
You must maintain a full-time study load and continue meeting your academic requirements to keep receiving Austudy
Who Can Get Austudy?
Austudy is specifically designed for adult learners — people who have chosen to pursue or return to study or vocational training at age 25 or older. This includes university students completing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, TAFE students undertaking vocational qualifications, and Australian Apprentices completing a registered trade or vocational training program.
To receive Austudy, you must be enrolled in and actively attending an approved course or apprenticeship, maintaining a full-time study load, be an Australian resident, and satisfy the income and assets means tests. All criteria must be met simultaneously — failing any one criterion means no payment is made for that period.
Use our free Austudy Eligibility Checker for an indicative assessment of your eligibility before submitting a formal claim. Results are educational — official eligibility is determined by Centrelink.
Austudy Eligibility Requirements
Seven eligibility criteria must all be met to qualify for Austudy. Read each requirement carefully to understand where your situation fits.
Age Requirement
You must be 25 years of age or older to be eligible for Austudy. There is no upper age limit — mature-age and senior students are equally eligible. If you are 24 or younger, apply for Youth Allowance (student) instead.
- Minimum age: 25 years
- No maximum age — seniors and mature-age students can apply
- Under 25? See Youth Allowance (student)
Study Requirements
You must be enrolled in and actively studying an approved course on a full-time basis. Full-time study is generally defined as at least 75% of the standard study load for your course. Dropping below 75% without an approved reason can result in payment being suspended or cancelled.
- Minimum 75% of the normal full-time study load
- Active enrolment at an approved institution required
- Study must be progressing satisfactorily
- Study breaks between semesters are generally covered
Apprenticeship Requirements
Australian Apprentices aged 25 and over may also be eligible for Austudy. The apprenticeship must be a full-time, approved Australian Apprenticeship registered with the relevant state or territory training authority. The employer must have a formal training contract in place.
- Must be a full-time Australian Apprenticeship
- Registered with the state or territory training authority
- A formal training contract must be in place
- Apprentice wages count as assessable income under the income test
Residency Requirements
You must be an Australian resident — meaning you normally live in Australia and hold an Australian citizen status, a permanent resident visa, or certain other eligible visa categories. Temporary visa holders are generally not eligible for Austudy.
- Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Must be physically present and normally residing in Australia
- Temporary visa holders are generally not eligible
- New permanent residents may have a waiting period
Income Test
Your gross personal income is assessed fortnightly. If your income falls below the income-free area threshold, your Austudy payment is not reduced. Above the threshold, your payment tapers at a set rate per dollar of income over the threshold. Your partner's income may also affect your payment above a separate partner income threshold.
- Personal income is the primary assessment
- Partner income assessed above a separate higher threshold
- Part-time work income is included and must be reported
- Student income bank can accumulate unused free area amounts
Assets Test
The value of most financial assets you own is assessed. Savings, investments, shares, and property other than your primary home are all counted. If your assessable assets exceed the threshold for your situation, your payment may be reduced or cancelled.
- Savings, shares, and investments are assessed
- Primary home is generally exempt
- Thresholds differ by homeowner status and relationship
- Verify current thresholds with Services Australia
Course Approval Requirements
Not every course or institution qualifies for Austudy. Your course must be at an institution approved by the Australian Government and must meet the study load requirements. Generally, this includes university courses and TAFE programs (Certificate III and above), but not all short courses, online courses from international providers, or courses at unapproved institutions. See our full Approved Courses for Austudy Guide.
- Course must be at an Australian Government-approved institution
- Generally includes university degrees and TAFE Certificate III and above
- Course must qualify as full-time under Austudy rules
- Confirm your specific course with Services Australia before applying
Approved Courses for Austudy
Austudy covers a range of approved study types across higher education and vocational training. The course must be at an approved institution, meet the full-time study load requirement, and be on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) or an equivalent approved Australian qualification framework. For a complete list, see our Approved Courses for Austudy Guide.
University Degrees
Bachelor, honours, graduate diploma, graduate certificate, master's, and doctoral degrees at approved Australian universities
TAFE Programs
Diploma, advanced diploma, certificate IV, and certificate III programs at TAFE institutes and registered training organisations (RTOs)
Vocational Education
Approved vocational education and training (VET) courses that meet the full-time study load and are delivered by an approved provider
Approved Training
Other approved training programs listed on the National Course Approvals sub-site maintained by Services Australia
Apprenticeships
Full-time Australian Apprenticeships registered with the state or territory training authority — not casual or part-time apprenticeships
Not all courses qualify. Online courses from international providers, short courses, hobby courses, and courses from unapproved providers do not qualify for Austudy. Always confirm your specific course with Services Australia before applying — do not assume a course qualifies based on the institution's reputation alone.
Austudy Income Test Explained
The income test assesses your gross fortnightly income from all sources. Understanding how personal income, partner income, and the student income bank work helps you plan your part-time work around your Austudy payment. See our full Austudy Income Test Guide for detailed worked examples.
How the Austudy Income Test Works
Personal income, partner income, and the student income bank
The Austudy income test operates in three bands. In the first band, your personal income is below the income-free area — your payment is unaffected. In the second band, your income exceeds the free area but is below the cut-off — your payment reduces at a set taper rate for every dollar over the threshold. In the third band, income has reached the cut-off point and no payment is made for that fortnight.
A key feature of the Austudy income test is the student income bank. Any fortnight in which your income is below the income-free area, the unused amount accumulates in your student income bank up to a maximum cap. When your income exceeds the free area in a later fortnight, the student income bank is drawn down first — meaning you may not immediately lose pension entitlement when you have a higher-earning fortnight. This is particularly useful for students who work intensively during holiday periods and lightly during semester.
Assessable Personal Income Includes:
- Employment wages and salary: All gross employment income including casual, part-time, and full-time work must be reported and is assessed against the income-free area.
- Self-employment income: Business income, freelance work, and gig economy earnings are assessed as personal income in the fortnight they are earned.
- Investment income: Interest on savings accounts, dividends from shares, and distributions from managed funds count as assessable income. Centrelink may also apply deeming rules to some financial assets.
- Apprentice wages: If you are receiving Austudy as an apprentice, your apprentice wages are fully assessable under the income test.
Partner Income Assessment:
If you have a partner, their income is also assessed — but at a higher separate threshold than your personal income threshold. Below the partner income free area, their income has no impact on your Austudy payment. Above that threshold, your payment reduces at a set rate. The partner income threshold is generally substantially higher than the personal income threshold, recognising that your partner is not the primary Austudy recipient.
Read the full Income Test Guide →Austudy Assets Test Explained
The assets test assesses the total value of most financial assets you own. For most student applicants, the assets test has less day-to-day relevance than the income test — but it becomes more significant for mature-age students who may have accumulated savings, investments, or property. See our full Austudy Assets Test Guide.
How the Austudy Assets Test Works
Financial assets, savings, and property
Centrelink calculates the total value of your assessable assets. If your total falls below the assets threshold for your situation, your payment is not affected by the assets test. Above the threshold, your payment is reduced at a set rate per dollar of excess assets until the cut-off point, above which no payment is made.
Thresholds differ based on whether you are a homeowner or non-homeowner, and whether you are single or a couple. Non-homeowners have higher thresholds because they do not have the benefit of the primary home exemption. Assets thresholds for Austudy are updated periodically — always verify current amounts with Services Australia before applying.
What Assets Are Assessed?
- Cash savings and bank accounts: All savings, transaction, and offset accounts are counted at their current balance.
- Shares and managed funds: The current market value of any shares, ETFs, or managed fund units you hold.
- Investment property: The net market value of any real estate you own other than your primary home.
- Superannuation: Super held in accumulation phase is generally not assessed for Austudy recipients under Age Pension age.
- Vehicles: The current market value of cars, motorcycles, boats, and caravans.
- Partner's assets: If you have a partner, their assessable assets are also included in the combined assessment.
Generally Exempt Assets:
- Your primary home (the one you live in)
- Superannuation in accumulation phase (for those below Age Pension age)
- Certain compensation payments
How to Apply for Austudy
Austudy applications are submitted online through your myGov account linked to Centrelink. Services Australia recommends submitting your claim as early as possible — ideally before or on the day your course commences — as your payment start date is generally the later of the date you submit your claim or the date you become eligible.
Create or Access Your myGov Account
Visit my.gov.au and log in or create a free myGov account if you do not have one. Your myGov account is the central portal for all Australian Government online services. See our myGov setup guide if you need help creating or accessing your account. Have your email address and identity documents ready.
Link Centrelink to myGov
Once logged in to myGov, go to Services and select Link a service, then choose Centrelink. Follow the prompts to either enter an existing Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) or create a new Centrelink record. Identity verification is required and can be completed online using a combination of documents or in person at a Services Australia service centre. See our Centrelink guide for detailed instructions on linking.
Prepare Your Study and Supporting Documents
Before beginning your online claim, gather all required documents. You will need your enrolment confirmation or letter of offer from your institution, student ID details, identity documents, income and asset information, and banking details for payment. For apprentices, you will also need your training contract details and employer information. Preparing all documents before starting the online form makes the process faster and reduces the risk of incomplete submission.
Submit Your Austudy Claim Online
In myGov, access your Centrelink account, navigate to Payments and Claims, select Make a Claim, and choose Austudy from the payment list. The online claim form will guide you through each section — personal details, study information, course details, income and assets, and banking. Upload your supporting documents directly through the portal. Once submitted you will receive a receipt number — save this as proof of lodgement.
Track Your Application Progress
After submitting, check your myGov Centrelink inbox regularly for updates. All communication from Services Australia — including requests for additional information and decision notifications — goes to your myGov inbox, not your personal email. Respond to any information requests promptly to avoid unnecessary delays. See our Austudy Processing Time Guide for expected timeframes. Once approved, set up income reporting for your fortnightly reporting dates.
Documents Required for Austudy
Having all required documents ready before you start your Austudy claim reduces processing time and avoids the most common cause of delays — missing documentation. Gather everything below before opening the online claim form.
🪪 Identity Documents
- ✓Australian passport or Australian birth certificate
- ✓Driver's licence or state-issued photo ID
- ✓Medicare card
- ✓Tax File Number (TFN)
📚 Study Enrolment Evidence
- ✓Letter of offer or enrolment confirmation from institution
- ✓Student ID number and institution name
- ✓Course name, commencement date, and expected completion date
- ✓Study load evidence (full-time enrolment confirmation)
🔨 Apprenticeship Documentation
- ✓Training contract or apprenticeship agreement
- ✓Employer details and employer ABN
- ✓Registered Training Organisation (RTO) details
- ✓Apprenticeship registration confirmation from training authority
💵 Income & Financial Information
- ✓Recent bank account statements (all accounts)
- ✓Payslips or income records if currently working
- ✓Investment and share portfolio valuations
- ✓Partner income and asset information (if applicable)
🏧 Banking Details
- ✓BSB and account number for payment
- ✓Account must be in your own name
- ✓Australian bank account required for Centrelink payments
Austudy Payment Rates
Austudy payment rates vary depending on your personal circumstances, living arrangements, relationship status, and the results of the income and assets tests. Rates are indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and reviewed in March and September each year.
📋 About Austudy Payment Rates
PublicAccess.au does not publish specific dollar amounts for Austudy payment rates because these figures are updated twice yearly by the government. A rate published today may be outdated in six months. Quoting a specific amount that has since changed — even by a few dollars per fortnight — can mislead students who are relying on accurate figures for budgeting. For the current official rates, always check directly with Services Australia.
What we can explain is how the rate structure works, so you understand what factors affect how much you receive:
Single — No Children
A base rate applies to single recipients with no dependants — this is the standard Austudy rate for most single adult students
Single — With Children
Single recipients with dependent children in their care receive a higher rate recognising additional living costs
Partnered
Recipients who have a partner receive a different rate — whether higher or lower than single rates depends on the specific payment component
Away from Home
Students who must live away from their family home to study may be eligible for a higher rate to cover the additional accommodation cost
Rent Assistance
Eligible Austudy recipients who rent privately may also receive Rent Assistance on top of their base payment
Pharmaceutical Allowance
Some Austudy recipients may be eligible for the Pharmaceutical Allowance — a supplement to help with medication costs
Can You Work While Receiving Austudy?
Yes — you can work part-time while receiving Austudy. Many Austudy recipients supplement their payments with part-time or casual employment, particularly in retail, hospitality, or their field of study. Any employment income you earn is assessed under the income test and may reduce your Austudy payment if it exceeds your personal income-free area. For a detailed guide to managing work and study together, see /working-while-on-austudy/.
Part-Time Work Permitted
You can work any number of hours — the income test applies to earnings, not the number of hours worked. Lower earnings mean less impact on your payment.
Income Reporting Required
You must report all employment income to Centrelink on your fortnightly reporting date — even if you earned nothing in that period. Failure to report can result in overpayment debts.
Study Obligations Come First
You must maintain your full-time study load (at least 75% of the normal load) regardless of how many hours you work. Dropping below full-time study will affect your Austudy eligibility.
Student Income Bank
Unused income-free area amounts accumulate in a student income bank — drawing down this bank first when you have a higher-earning fortnight can reduce the immediate impact on your payment.
Report income on time — every fortnight. Even if you earned nothing, you must complete your income report on your scheduled reporting date. Late or missing reports can result in payment suspension and overpayment debts that you will need to repay. Set a reminder for your fortnightly reporting date in your calendar.
Austudy vs Youth Allowance
Austudy and Youth Allowance (student) serve the same broad purpose — income support for students — but they apply to different age groups and have different eligibility rules. Understanding the difference helps you apply for the correct payment from the start. See our full Youth Allowance guide if you are under 25.
Austudy
Age: 25 years or older. No upper age limit.
Independence test: Not required — all applicants are considered independent by virtue of age.
Income test: Personal income and partner income assessed. Student income bank applies.
Study requirement: Full-time study (at least 75% standard load) at an approved institution.
Apprentices: Full-time Australian Apprentices aged 25+ are eligible.
Parental income: Not assessed — only personal and partner income counts.
Youth Allowance (Student)
Age: 16 to 24 years old. You must transition to Austudy at 25.
Independence test: Most applicants must demonstrate independence or have their parental income assessed.
Income test: Personal income assessed. Parental income may also reduce payment for dependant students.
Study requirement: Full-time study or approved apprenticeship. Specific rules for school leavers.
Apprentices: Australian Apprentices aged 16–24 may be eligible.
Parental income: Assessed for most applicants under 22 who have not met independence criteria.
Common Austudy Problems
These are the most frequently encountered issues with Austudy claims and ongoing payments — with practical guidance on each situation.
Austudy Processing Times
Austudy claims are generally processed faster than more complex Centrelink payments like the Age Pension, but the start of semester periods can create longer queues. For personalised estimates, see our Austudy Processing Time Guide.
Log in to your myGov Centrelink inbox regularly after submitting your claim. Any requests for further information are posted to your inbox — not your personal email — and will have a response deadline. Missing that deadline can cause your claim to be held or rejected. Respond promptly to any request to keep your claim moving.
Austudy Tools
Use these free tools to check your potential Austudy eligibility, estimate your payment, and understand your broader student support options — before submitting a formal claim.
Austudy Eligibility Checker
Check whether your age, study situation, income and assets suggest you may be eligible for Austudy
Benefits Calculator
See which Centrelink payments you may be eligible for alongside or instead of Austudy
Student Support Estimator
Estimate your potential Austudy payment rate based on income, assets, and living situation
All PublicAccess.au tools provide estimates only — they are not official Centrelink assessments and do not constitute financial advice. For a formal eligibility determination, submit a claim through myGov.
Related Austudy Guides
Explore our full library of Austudy and student support guides for detailed information on specific topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the twelve most common Austudy questions — based on Services Australia official guidance, updated 2025.
Related Services & Guides
Explore other relevant areas of PublicAccess.au for student support, Centrelink, and government service information.
Official Resources
PublicAccess.au is an independent guide. For official Austudy eligibility rules, current payment rates, and to submit your claim, always use Services Australia's official channels below.
✅ Official Australian Government Resources
Austudy rates, income test thresholds, and assets test thresholds are updated in March and September each year. Always verify current figures at servicesaustralia.gov.au before making financial decisions based on this guide.
Why Use PublicAccess.au?
Government information about Austudy is authoritative but can be fragmented and difficult to navigate — particularly for adult students returning to study for the first time in years. PublicAccess.au brings together everything you need to understand Austudy in one place, written in plain English.
Independent Information
Not affiliated with Services Australia or any government body. We have no commercial interest in your study decisions and do not provide financial advice.
Plain-English Guides
We translate Centrelink rules — income tests, assets tests, study load requirements, student income bank — into clear, readable explanations for everyday Australians.
Updated Content
Austudy payment rates and means test thresholds change twice a year. Our team reviews and updates guides when Services Australia announces changes.
Helpful Calculators
Free eligibility checkers and payment estimators let you model your Austudy situation before committing to a formal application.
Step-by-Step Guides
Every process — from creating a myGov account to managing income reporting — is broken into numbered steps anyone can follow.
Official Source References
Every guide links directly to the relevant Services Australia page so you can verify information and take action through the correct official channel.
Austudy — Support for Australians Investing in Education
Austudy plays an important role in Australia's education system by providing financial support to adult students and apprentices who might otherwise be unable to study full-time due to the loss of employment income. Whether you are completing a university degree, upgrading your skills through TAFE, or undertaking a trade apprenticeship, Austudy can provide the financial foundation that makes full-time study possible.
Use the guides and tools on PublicAccess.au to understand your eligibility, prepare your documentation, and get familiar with the income reporting obligations before you apply. Then submit your claim through myGov as early as possible — ideally before or on the day your course starts — to ensure your payment begins promptly. For questions about specific circumstances, contact Services Australia directly on 132 490.