For the year 2025, the Australian Government has confirmed payment of Austudy in the amount of \$699.50 per fortnight to eligible students and apprentices. This payment is to assist those aged 25 and over who are involved in full-time study or approved training programs. With inflation striking hard, any financial assistance is a great boon for an individual who is trying to juggle full-time study with limited income.
Eligibility Criteria for the Austudy Payment
Typically, an applicant becomes eligible for the Austudy payment if he/she is 25 or older, enrolled in a full-time course with Services Australia, and may be attending a university, a TAFE, or an accredited vocational education and training. Citizenship or permanent residency and a qualifying visa may also be required as part of the other criteria of the application in addition to the age and course requirements.
Applicants are all subject to income and asset tests for eligibility purposes. If you have income or savings above the permissible limit, payments may be reduced or denied. Applicants also need to meet residency requirements and be residing in Australia while studying, except for certain circumstances where applicants are overseas temporarily for study.
Procedures for Applying for Austudy
Applying for Austudy goes through the processes handled by Centrelink. Application for Austudy can be done either online or on the phone by linking Centrelink through one’s MyGov, followed by the completion of required forms and submission of supporting documents, including verification of enrolment, identification, and bank details.
Usually, applications take around 21 days from filing before payment is approved. Upon acceptance, payments are issued fortnightly, and the \$699.50 amount may differ slightly, depending on partner income or being a parent or not.
Being Approved and What to Expect
Once approved, recipients were bound to report any changes in their situation, income, course load, or personal status. If not done, it could lead to overpayments that would have to be repaid. The Austudy is taxable income and must therefore be declared in your annual return.
The guaranteed 2025 Austudy amount provides much-needed assistance for adult students. If applied for and obtained appropriately, this payment of \$699.50 per fortnight can keep the financial pressures of studying at bay and serve as a stepping stone toward a more secure future.