Austudy Payment Rates 2026
Current Austudy payment rates from 20 March 2026, as set by Services Australia. Rates apply to full-time students and Australian Apprentices aged 25 or over.
✓ Updated 20 March 2026 — next indexation 20 September 2026
Single, no children
$778.00
per fortnight (max)
Couple (each)
$706.80
per fortnight (max)
Income free area
$480
per fortnight
Austudy Rates by Family Situation
| Situation | Max/fn | Max/year | Energy Supp. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no children, no dependent partner Most common rate for full-time students over 25 with no children | $778.00 | ~$20,228 | $27.90 |
| Single, with children Higher rate for single students with dependent children | $843.20 | ~$21,923 | $27.90 |
| Couple, no children Per person — both partners receive this amount if both eligible | $706.80 | ~$18,377 | $22.80 |
| Couple, with children Per person — higher Energy Supplement when children are present | $706.80 | ~$18,377 | $27.90 |
Austudy Income Test 2026
Income free area (fortnightly)$480/fn
Income free area (annual)$12,480/yr
Reduction rate above free area50 cents per $1
Partner income free area$1,256.00/fn
Partner income cutoff$2,699.60/fn
You must report your income to Centrelink every fortnight, even if you earned nothing. Failure to report can result in overpayment debts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Austudy payment rate for a single person with no children in 2026?
From 20 March 2026, the maximum Austudy rate for a single person with no children is $778.00 per fortnight. This includes the base rate of $750.10/fn plus the Energy Supplement of $27.90/fn. This rate applies to full-time students aged 25 or over who are single with no dependants.
How does the Austudy income test work?
You can earn up to $480 per fortnight before your Austudy reduces. Above $480/fn, your payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar earned. For example, if you earn $680/fn: ($680 − $480) × 0.50 = $100 reduction → you receive $778.00 − $100 = $678.00/fn. You must report your income to Centrelink every fortnight.
What is the Austudy payment rate for a couple in 2026?
From 20 March 2026, the maximum Austudy rate for each member of a couple is $706.80 per fortnight (plus Energy Supplement). If both partners are eligible for Austudy, they each receive this amount independently. The couples rate is lower than the single rate as households are expected to share costs.
Can I get Rent Assistance on top of Austudy?
Yes. If you are eligible for Austudy and you rent privately, you can also receive Rent Assistance. For a single person with no children, the maximum Rent Assistance is $211.20 per fortnight on top of your Austudy payment. You must report your rent to Centrelink.
When are Austudy rates indexed?
Austudy rates are indexed twice per year on 20 March and 20 September, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The rates shown above are effective from 20 March 2026. The next indexation is 20 September 2026.
What is the difference between Austudy and Youth Allowance (Student)?
Austudy is for students and Australian Apprentices aged 25 or over. Youth Allowance (Student) is for those under 25. The eligibility rules are similar but the age cutoff determines which payment applies. Both are means-tested and follow the same income free area of $480/fn.
Does my partner's income affect my Austudy?
Yes. If your partner earns more than $1,256.00 per fortnight, your Austudy starts to reduce. The payment cuts out entirely when your partner earns around $2,699.60 per fortnight. Your own income is also tested separately using the $480/fn free area.
Can I receive Austudy if I am doing an online or part-time course?
Austudy generally requires you to be enrolled as a full-time student. Part-time study may be approved if you have a permanent disability, illness or other exceptional circumstances recognised by Centrelink. Contact Services Australia to discuss your situation.