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:
- Identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person (Services Australia accepts a Letter of Confirmation from an Aboriginal corporation or the equivalent).
- Be enrolled in an approved course or apprenticeship.
- Meet the Australian residence rules.
There is no upper age limit on ABSTUDY, unlike Youth Allowance, which cuts off at 24.
Means testing
Under 22 and not independent, the parental income test applies, similar to Youth Allowance. The thresholds are equivalent but the personal-income test is more generous for students with dependent children or part-time work.
Above the independence threshold the parental test drops off and only personal income reduces 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.
- Additional Incidentals Allowance for high-cost items linked to study, such as a placement uniform or text-heavy course materials.
- School-term hostel allowance for secondary students who board.
The Tertiary Access Payment for some regional and remote students also runs in parallel with ABSTUDY.
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.