Austudy Rates 2026
Austudy is the main income support payment for full-time students and Australian Apprentices aged 25 and over. It is similar to Youth Allowance for students, but without the parental income test. From 20 March 2026, the single rate is $808.70 per fortnight.
Current Austudy Rates
| Situation | Per Fortnight | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
Single, no children From 20 March 2026. Indexed in March and September. | $808.70 | $21,026 |
Partnered, no children (each) Rate for each member of a couple. | $740.60 | $19,256 |
Single, with dependent children Higher rate for recipients with dependent children. | $866.00 | $22,516 |
Rates effective 20 March 2026. Next indexation: 20 September 2026.
Eligibility
You must be aged 25 or over, studying full-time at an approved institution or doing an Australian Apprenticeship, be an Australian resident, and meet the income test.
Income Test
Taper rate: 50 cents per dollar above free area
Payment reduces by 50c per dollar earned above $480/fn. No parental income test.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: 25 or over
- Must be studying full-time at an approved institution OR doing an Australian Apprenticeship
- Must be enrolled in an approved course
- Must be an Australian resident
- Must meet the personal income test
- No parental income test (unlike Youth Allowance for non-independent students)
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
Key Facts at a Glance
About Austudy
Austudy is for full-time students and Australian Apprentices who are 25 or older. Unlike Youth Allowance, Austudy has no parental income test — because recipients are presumed to be financially independent from their parents. Around 50,000 Australians receive Austudy at any given time.
Who is Austudy for? Austudy is for people aged 25 or over who are: • Studying full-time at an approved institution (university, TAFE, etc.) in an approved course • Doing an Australian Apprenticeship (trade apprenticeship or traineeship)
Austudy vs Youth Allowance The main difference between Austudy and Youth Allowance (student) is age: • Youth Allowance is for students aged 16–24 (up to 25) • Austudy is for students aged 25 and over
Austudy has no parental income test (unlike Youth Allowance for non-independent students) and no distinction between "at home" and "away from home" rates.
Austudy and work You can work while receiving Austudy. Your payment reduces if you earn more than $480 per fortnight. Above $480, your payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar earned.
Satisfactory progress requirements To continue receiving Austudy, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress in your course. If you fail too many units or withdraw from your course without a good reason, your Austudy may be cancelled. You should notify Centrelink immediately if you are having academic difficulties.
How to Apply
Apply through myGov. You will need your student enrolment details. Apply before your course starts to avoid delays. You will need to confirm your enrolment each semester.
- Log in to myGov and link Centrelink
- Select "Make a claim" and choose "Austudy Payment"
- Provide details of your course and institution
- Provide your income details
- Provide your bank account details
- Apply before your course starts — payments are not generally backdated
- Confirm your enrolment at the start of each study period
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Austudy in 2026?
From 20 March 2026, Austudy is $808.70 per fortnight for a single person with no children. For couples, the rate is $740.60 per fortnight each. Single recipients with dependent children receive $866.00 per fortnight.
What is the age limit for Austudy?
Austudy is for students and apprentices aged 25 or over. If you are under 25, you should apply for Youth Allowance instead. There is no maximum age limit for Austudy.
Can I receive Austudy if I am studying part-time?
No. Austudy is only available to full-time students. If you are studying part-time, you may be able to receive JobSeeker Payment (if you are looking for work) or another income support payment depending on your circumstances.
What is the difference between Austudy and Youth Allowance?
Austudy is for students aged 25 or over. Youth Allowance is for students aged 16 to 24. Austudy has no parental income test and no distinction between at-home and away-from-home rates. Youth Allowance has a parental income test for non-independent students and different rates depending on whether you live at home or away from home.
Can I work while receiving Austudy?
Yes. You can earn up to $480 per fortnight before your Austudy reduces. Above $480, your payment reduces by 50 cents for every dollar earned. You must report all income to Centrelink every fortnight.
What are the satisfactory progress requirements for Austudy?
You must be making satisfactory academic progress in your course to continue receiving Austudy. This generally means passing your subjects and completing your course within the allowable time. If you fail too many subjects or withdraw from your course without a valid reason, Centrelink may stop your Austudy.
Related Payments
Always verify current rates at the official Services Australia website.
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