ABSTUDY for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
ABSTUDY is the Services Australia payment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and apprentices. Eligibility, the means tests, and the additional supplements that go beyond Youth Allowance.
ABSTUDY supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who are full-time students or full-time Australian Apprentices. It runs as a separate payment from Youth Allowance and includes some supplements that Youth Allowance does not.
Eligibility basics
To qualify for ABSTUDY you must:
- Be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, identify as such and be accepted as such by your community (Services Australia may ask for evidence, such as a letter from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander incorporated organisation).
- Be enrolled in an approved course or apprenticeship.
- Meet the Australian residence rules.
ABSTUDY Living Allowance starts at age 16 and has no general upper age limit, unlike Youth Allowance for students, which is for people aged 16 to 24.
Means testing
Unless you are assessed as independent, a parental income test applies, as it does for Youth Allowance. Once you are independent the parental test drops off and your own income and assets are what reduce the payment.
What is different from Youth Allowance
ABSTUDY pays a similar fortnightly amount to Youth Allowance, plus some additional supports:
- Living Allowance as the main fortnightly payment.
- Pensioner Education Supplement for older students who also receive a pension payment.
- Away From Base assistance to cover travel, accommodation and meals when you have to travel for required course activities such as residential schools.
- Incidentals Allowance and Additional Incidentals Allowance towards course costs.
- School Fees Allowance to help with school fees, including for students who board.
- Fares Allowance for approved travel, for example between home and a boarding school or institution.
The Tertiary Access Payment ($3,000 or $5,000, paid by Services Australia) is a separate one-off payment for eligible regional and remote school leavers who relocate for study.
How to apply
Apply through your Centrelink online account linked through myGov. The first claim usually requires:
- A confirmation of Aboriginality from an Aboriginal corporation.
- Proof of enrolment from your institution.
- Tax File Number.
- Bank account details.
Once approved, the payment continues for the duration of your studies as long as you remain enrolled and meet the means tests.
This is general explanatory information. For tailored advice, contact Services Australia's ABSTUDY line.