August 2025 – The Australian Government has confirmed that students receiving Austudy will now be eligible for payments of $663 per fortnight in 2025. For students moving out of home for tertiary education, the financial support will certainly help mitigate the cost-of-living pressures.
What is Austudy?
Austudy is a payment issued by Centrelink for students and apprentices over the age of 25. It helps to cover living expenses for those studying full time, undertaking a recognized course, or undergoing an apprenticeship. Unlike Youth Allowance, which supports younger students, Austudy takes into consideration the living costs of a mature student.
New Payment Rates for 2025
Without children, single students will have their maximum payment of Austudy raised to $663 per fortnight starting January 1 2025. Partners and children also have a scope of claiming higher amounts depending upon the household conditions. The increase falls under annual indexation, which marks social security payments in relevance to inflation and wage increases. The increase is a much needed relief for students in Australia facing the burden of rent, grocery, and transport costs.
Here’s a clean and professional eligibility table for Austudy in 2025 based on your points:
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age Requirement | Applicants must be 25 years or older |
| Study/Training Requirement | Must be enrolled in an approved full-time study or apprenticeship recognised by Centrelink |
| Residency Requirement | Must be an Australian citizen or a permanent visa holder |
| Financial Requirement | Must satisfy income and assets tests within Austudy’s financial thresholds |
Meeting the asset tests as a part-time student is a rare exception, but may only be granted in circumstances where the study component is reduced due to disability, or caring responsibilities and not study age.
Payment Dates and Application
Similar to other Centrelink services, Austudy is a biweekly payment made directly to recipients’ bank accounts. For students enrolled in part-time work, payment will be granted throughout the study period, assuming the student’s enrolment is maintained, and income earned while part-time work is reported. Supporting documents of enrolment, ID, and income statements will be needed.
Student Support Services
Austudy is a crucial payment for those without familial financial aid and unable to work full-time while enrolled in classes, which is why increasing the payment has received support from student unions and welfare organizations. Juggling studying and living alone in the city comes with high living costs, especially for older students attending university. Even with the payment increase, groups continue to advocate for the payment adjustment arguing that it does not even begin to meet the living expenses in Australia’s larger cities, such as Sydney or Melbourne.