Abstudy

Abstudy is the Aboriginal Study Assistance Scheme delivered by Centrelink. To receive Abstudy you must be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and studying an approved program (such as a university course). Abstudy is means tested, so you can only receive it if you have earnings and assets valued at under a certain amount.

Abstudy mainly consists of a fortnightly Living Allowance as well as an Incidentals Allowance. Living Allowance is an income support payment for full-time students. The amount of your payment varies depending on whether ABSTUDY considers you to be a dependant or independent student. Incidentals Allowance helps you to pay for books and student union fees and other costs associated with undertaking your education or training.

Students on Abstudy may also be eligible to receive Rent Assistance to help with the cost of accommodation when studying, and Fares Allowance if you are living away from home to undertake their studies. Students receiving Abstudy may also be eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card, Remote Area Allowance, and/or Pharmaceutical Allowance.

Contact Centrelink for details.