If you’re planning to study in 2025 and are from a regional or remote area, the Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment 2025 could offer you up to $5,000 to help with the cost of relocating for full-time tertiary education.
This financial support is designed to ease the financial burden of starting university or TAFE, particularly for students moving away from home.
What is the Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment 2025?
The Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment 2025 is a one-off payment of up to $5,000, aimed at assisting eligible students with the costs associated with relocating for their studies.
It specifically helps school leavers from regional, remote, and outer regional areas who need to move to attend university or TAFE.
This payment can be used for expenses such as rent, travel, textbooks, and other costs associated with setting up your new student life.
Key Changes for 2025
In a significant update for 2025, Centrelink has removed the previous requirement for students to begin studying immediately after completing Year 12. Now, you can take a gap year or even multiple gap years and still be eligible for this financial support.
Here’s a summary of what’s new for 2025:
- Gap year flexibility: You can now take one or more gap years after finishing Year 12 and still claim the payment.
- Age requirement: You must be 22 years old or younger when you start your course in 2025.
- Other eligibility criteria: All other eligibility rules remain the same.
These updates allow more students from regional and remote areas to access support, even if they’ve chosen to take time off before beginning their higher education.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount of Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment 2025 you receive depends on where you’re moving from:
- $5,000: If you’re relocating from an outer regional, remote, or very remote area (paid in two parts).
- $3,000: If you’re from an inner regional area (paid as a single lump sum).
To confirm if your location qualifies, you can use the Services Australia postcode tool.
Can You Receive Other Payments?
Yes, this is an important aspect of the Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment 2025. It is separate from Youth Allowance, meaning:
- You can receive it even if you don’t qualify for Youth Allowance.
- If you’re already receiving Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, or the Relocation Scholarship, you can still claim this payment in your first year of study.
This ensures that students receive the necessary support during their transition to tertiary education, even if they’re already benefiting from other forms of assistance.
Eligibility Criteria for 2025
You may be eligible for the Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment 2025 if you meet the following conditions:
- Under 22 years of age when you start full-time tertiary education in 2025.
- You have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) in Australia.
- You’re moving from a regional or remote area to undertake full-time study in an accredited tertiary course.
- This is your first-ever tertiary qualification (whether at TAFE, university, or a similar institution).
- You apply within the same calendar year your course begins.
How to Apply for the Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment 2025
Follow these steps to apply for the Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment 2025:
- Log in to your myGov account and link it with Centrelink.
- Go to: Payments and Claims > Make a Claim > Students and Trainees.
- Select Tertiary Access Payment from the list of payments.
- Upload the required documents (e.g., proof of enrolment and residential address).
- Submit your claim and wait for Centrelink’s response.
Why is This Payment Important for Regional Youth?
For students from regional and remote areas, the cost of relocating to pursue education can be overwhelming. The Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment 2025 provides essential financial support, helping students bridge the gap between their home and their educational destination, whether it’s a major city or a regional campus.
With this payment, young Australians can start their higher education without worrying about the high costs of relocation, setting up their new lives, and settling into student life.
The Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment 2025 is a valuable financial aid designed to support regional and remote students who need to relocate for their studies. With up to $5,000 available, this one-off payment helps reduce the financial strain of moving away from home and pursuing tertiary education.
If you’re eligible, especially if you’re under 22 and planning to start your studies in 2025, don’t forget to check your postcode and submit your claim via myGov.
FAQs
Can I claim the Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment if I took a gap year?
Yes, the 2025 update allows you to take a gap year or multiple years after finishing Year 12 and still be eligible for the payment.
How do I know if my area qualifies for the $5,000 payment?
Use the Services Australia postcode tool to check if your area qualifies for the full $5,000 payment.
Can I receive this payment alongside other financial support?
Yes, you can receive the Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment even if you’re getting other payments like Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, or the Relocation Scholarship.