If you or someone you know is about to take the leap from a regional or remote Australian town to the bright lights of university or TAFE, there’s some good news on the Centrelink front that could make the transition a whole lot easier—and a fair bit richer.
Centrelink has just expanded the eligibility rules for its Tertiary Access Payment, a one-off cash boost of up to $5,000 designed to help students from regional and remote areas cover the costs of moving away from home to pursue further study.
And thanks to a recent rule change, more young Australians than ever before can now get their hands on this valuable support.
What’s changed?
Previously, the Tertiary Access Payment was only available to students who went straight from high school into tertiary study, meaning if you took a gap year (or two), you missed out.
But not anymore! The rule has been scrapped, so if you’re 22 or younger and meet the other eligibility criteria, you can still claim the payment even if you took some time off after Year 12.
As Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen puts it, ‘We want to make sure students who take a gap year don’t miss out on this support.’
And with the cost of living and moving only going up, every little bit helps.
How much can you get?
- If you’re moving from an outer regional or remote area, you could receive up to $5,000, paid in two instalments.
- If you’re from an inner regional area, you’re eligible for a $3,000 lump sum.
This payment is separate from Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, or the Relocation Scholarship, so you can claim it even if you’re already receiving those supports.
In fact, you might be eligible for the Tertiary Access Payment even if you don’t qualify for Youth Allowance.
Why does this matter?
The number of students from regional and remote areas starting tertiary study dropped by 1.1 per cent in 2023, according to the Department of Education.
The rising cost of living, rent, and travel can make moving away from home a daunting—and expensive—prospect.
This payment is designed to help level the playing field, so that where you grow up doesn’t limit your educational opportunities.
Who can claim?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be an Australian resident.
- Have completed Year 12 (or equivalent).
- Be 22 or younger on the day you start your tertiary course.
- Be moving from an inner regional, outer regional, or remote area to study at a university or TAFE at least 90 minutes away from your family home by public transport.
- Be studying a Certificate IV or higher.
- Have parents or guardians with a combined income under $250,000 (if you’re a dependant).
Not sure if your home counts as regional or remote? Services Australia has a handy online tool to check your eligibility.
How do you claim?
If you tick all the boxes, you’ll need to submit your claim by 31 December in your first year of study.
The process is straightforward, but don’t leave it to the last minute—you don’t want to miss out on thousands of dollars that could make your move and studies much smoother.
For more information and to start your claim, head to the Services Australia website.
Credit: Services Australia / Facebook
A helping hand for regional students
Moving away from home for study is a big step, especially if you’re coming from a small town or remote community.
The Tertiary Access Payment is a practical way to help with the costs of setting up in a new city—from paying a bond on a rental, to buying textbooks, or even just covering the cost of a few home-cooked meals when you’re missing Mum’s roast.
If you’re a parent or grandparent, this could be a great time to check in with the young people in your life and make sure they know about this support.
For mature-age students under 22, you might be eligible too.
Have your say
Have you or someone in your family benefited from the Tertiary Access Payment? Do you think the changes go far enough to support regional and remote students?
Or are there other barriers you think need to be addressed? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s help each other navigate the world of study, Centrelink, and all the opportunities out there!
Also read: Don’t miss out on a Centrelink lump sum payment? Deadline approaching!
My son got this payment a couple of years ago but it took Centrelink about six months to process his claim. This may still be the waiting period so get your claim in ASAP.