Starting with an important date Monday June 30 2025 Youth Allowance and placement support changes were highlighted in national media which shows how support for students is evolving. Let us dive into the details.
What Is Student Allowance in Australia
Australian student allowances are payments given by the government to help young and adult students with living costs while they study. There are different programs depending on age study type and location.
Types of Allowances in 2025
Youth Allowance
This is for students under 25 including full time students and apprentices. Most must pass income or parental income tests. In 2025 eligibility dropped to about 162000 recipients from around 275000 in 2005 which shows rising financial pressure on regional and low income students.
Austudy
Austudy supports full time students aged 25 and over. It treats students as independent so no parental tests apply.
Tertiary Access Payment
This one off grant of up to 5000 dollars helps students who move from regional or remote areas to study. It is backdated to January 1 2025 so even students who started earlier this year can apply. Applications close December 31 2025.
Commonwealth Prac Payment
From July 1 2025 students doing mandatory placements in teaching nursing midwifery social work or Diploma of Nursing receive 331.65 dollars per week. This helps ease placement poverty but is limited to certain fields.
How Much Can You Get
According to Services Australia current maximum fortnightly Youth Allowance rates as of January 1 2025 are:
- Under 18 living at home 410.30 dollars
- Under 18 away from home 663.30 dollars
- 18 or older at home 472.50 dollars
- 18 or older away from home 663.30 dollars
- Single with children 836.60 dollars
- Couple no children 663.30 dollars
- Couple with children 718.10 dollars
Special rates for long term unemployed or migrant English students aged 22 or more may apply with rates up to 783.30 dollars.
Why the Changes Matter
- Rising cost of study makes allowances essential
- Declining uptake shows fewer students receiving Youth Allowance especially regional or low income ones
- New support types like Tertiary Access Payment and Commonwealth Prac Payment target specific needs such as moving for study or unpaid placements
- Budget boosts in early 2025 raised allowances by up to 30 dollars per fortnight and increased parental income threshold to 65189 dollars
Who Benefits Most
- Regional or remote students who must relocate
- Students in practical placements especially in health and education fields
- Older students aged 25 or more who qualify for Austudy without parental tests
- Low income and single parent families who gain from higher rates and new supports
Practical Tips for Applying
- Use the Payment Finder tool on Services Australia to estimate your rate
- Apply early and do not wait until you start moving or studying
- Check if you qualify for backdated payments like the Tertiary Access Payment
- Keep income information updated especially in September and October for parental income tests
- Talk to your university student services team for help with Commonwealth Prac Payment applications
FAQs Questions and Answers
Q. Can international students get these allowances
A. No. These are for domestic students who are citizens or permanent residents.
Q. Why did Youth Allowance numbers drop so much since 2005
A. Because income limits and parental tests cut off many low income and regional students. Some also choose work over study due to low support.
Q. What is the difference between Tertiary Access Payment and Commonwealth Prac Payment
A. Tertiary Access Payment helps with relocation costs up to 5000 dollars. Commonwealth Prac Payment gives about 331.65 dollars weekly during mandatory placements.
Q. Are these amounts taxable
A. Yes. Youth Allowance is taxable income.