Austudy Australia — Eligibility, Rates and How to Claim
This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed financial adviser. Learn more.
Contents
Austudy is an income support payment for Australians aged 25 and over who are studying full-time or completing an Australian Apprenticeship. It is the equivalent of Youth Allowance for older students and is administered by Services Australia.
Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 25 or over |
| Rate (single, no children) | ~$693/fortnight |
| Rate (partnered) | ~$625/fortnight each |
| Taxable? | Yes |
| Income test | Yes (your own income) |
| Parental income test | No (you are automatically independent) |
| Study requirement | Full-time approved study or Australian Apprenticeship |
Who Is Austudy For?
Austudy supports people aged 25 and over who are studying full-time at an approved institution (TAFE, university, or other accredited provider) or completing an Australian Apprenticeship.
Unlike Youth Allowance, there is no parental income test for Austudy — all Austudy recipients are treated as independent.
Austudy Rates (FY2025–26)
| Situation | Fortnightly rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | ~$693 |
| Partnered | ~$625 each |
| With dependent children | Higher rates apply |
Rates are indexed in January each year. Verify at servicesaustralia.gov.au.
Income Test
Your own income reduces Austudy:
| Your fortnightly income | Effect |
|---|---|
| Under ~$437 (income free area) | No reduction |
| Above ~$437 | Reduces by $0.50 per dollar |
Student Income Bank: Like Youth Allowance, Austudy students can accumulate up to $12,000 in a student income bank — unused income free area from low-earning fortnights offsets higher-earning fortnights. This is helpful for students who work during semester breaks.
Partner’s Income
If you have a partner, their income also affects your Austudy payment. The partner income free area is approximately $1,248/fortnight. Above this, your Austudy reduces.
Full-Time Study Requirement
To receive Austudy, you must be studying at least 75% of the normal full-time study load at an approved institution. Studying at a reduced load due to a disability or medical condition may still qualify with an approved study load concession.
What Counts as an Approved Course?
Approved courses for Austudy include:
- Undergraduate degrees
- Postgraduate degrees (Masters, PhD — some restrictions apply)
- Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas at TAFE or private RTO
- Certificates III and IV (in some cases)
- Australian Apprenticeships (apprenticeships and traineeships)
Not all courses qualify. Check with Centrelink or your institution’s student services team.
Impact on Centrelink Concession Cards
Austudy recipients receive a Health Care Card, which provides:
- Cheaper prescription medicines under the PBS
- Some GPs bulk bill Health Care Card holders
- State and territory concessions (varies by state)
How to Apply
- Log in to myGov → Centrelink → Apply for payment → Austudy
- Provide your enrolment details (your institution will need to confirm your enrolment)
- Provide income and banking information
- Centrelink assesses your eligibility and begins payments
You should apply as soon as possible — payments generally cannot be backdated before your application date.
FAQ
Can I get Austudy for a postgraduate degree? Yes, in many cases. Masters degrees (coursework or research) and PhDs can qualify for Austudy. However, Masters degrees that follow an undergraduate degree in the same field may face restrictions. Check with Centrelink.
Can I do part-time study and receive Austudy? Generally no — you must study at least 75% of a full-time load. Exceptions apply for people with a disability or medical condition who have an approved study load concession.
Can I work while receiving Austudy? Yes — the student income bank allows you to earn more during breaks without losing your payment during semester. Fortnightly income up to ~$437 does not reduce your payment.
What is the difference between Austudy and Youth Allowance? The main difference is age: Youth Allowance is for people under 25, Austudy is for 25 and over. Youth Allowance also includes a parental income test for dependent students; Austudy does not.
See also: Youth Allowance | ABSTUDY | Centrelink Payments Guide