Centrelink in 2025 has also launched a new Tertiary Access Payment of $5,000 which is designed to assist eligible students to overcome the financial barriers of accessing tertiary education. This payment is aimed at helping young Australians who are experiencing such barriers like relocation expenses, school fees, and other educational requirements. The Tertiary Access Payment is one of the initiatives by the government to support transition into higher education, which gives a big push to the disadvantaged and low-income students. This paper discusses the entire eligibility, application, and important information to access this beneficial payment.
Who Qualifies the Tertiary Access Payment?
The conditions of eligibility of the $5,000 payment are as follows:
– Coming from a course, or planning to come from a course, of approved tertiary education, such as university and TAFE courses.
– Carrying a valid current valid Centrelink Health Care card or Pensioner Concession card, or as a dependent of one of the cardholders.
– Able to meet a requirement to reside permanently as an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
– Showing financial need through income and assets tests.
– Rural or remote students can be given a priority as there are other barriers in terms of access and cost.
The grant is focused on students who need the assistance the most in terms of covering initial tertiary education expenses.
What Does the Payment Cover?
The Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment, which is expected to help in:
– Cost of courses and publications like books and machinery.
– The cost of relocating and accommodation costs of individuals moving out of their family house.
– Travel expenses such as commuting or journeys back home to remote places of study.
– Other study related items like internet and software and uniforms.
How to Apply for the Payment
The applications are made online through the myGov portal that is connected to Centrelink. Key steps include:
– Entering into the myGov account and choosing the Centrelink service.
– Completing the Tertiary Access Payment application form and submitting relevant documents including documents on evidence to enrolment, Health Care Card status, and financial documents.
– Making sure that the application is submitted in good time before the commencement of the course to prevent delays in receiving payment.
– Replying within a timeframe to any Centrelink requests on further details during assessment.
Important Notes
It is a non-renewable concessional support amount on a per-course basis on eligible course enrollments. To remain compliant, recipients are advised to report any changes in study status / personal circumstances to Centrelink. The payment does not influence the eligibility of other student income support payment; it is not aimed to substitute existing payment such as Youth allowance or Austudy.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $5,000 one-time |
| Eligibility | Full-time students with eligible concession cards |
| Application Method | Online via myGov |
| Coverage | Fees, relocation, travel, study materials |
FAQs
Q1: Are the payment options available to part-time students?
No, only full-time tertiary students, who are undertaking approved courses, can receive the payment.
Q2: Is this amount of payment taxable or recoverable?
No, Tertiary Access Payment is not taxable and it does not have to be repaid.
Q3: Will this payment affect my other Centrelink?
No, it is not aimed at reducing other payments like Youth Allowance.