Here’s What Financial Support Exists as a Uni/TAFE Student in 2026

Your bank account wants you to read this

If you finished high school last year and you’re going into uni, TAFE or work experience, chances are you have a bunch of things you’re trying to get sorted.

Textbooks? You haven’t looked at one in months.

Laptop? Does it even turn on?

Enrolment? How do you do that again? One thing you may have forgotten about or not considered is financial support.

If you’re an Aussie student, here are some of the financial services you could be eligible for.

Youth Allowance.

A fortnightly payment for Aussies aged 16-24 years old who are studying, training or working in full-time apprenticeships or traineeships. Which means you could be eligible for this if you’re under 18 too.

However, you will need to be an Australian resident and meet income and assets test, including a parental means test if you are considered dependent.

ABSTUDY.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student or apprentice, ABSTUDY offers different payments or allowances.

For example if you are a uni or TAFE student this can go towards living costs, textbooks, rent (lodging) and even travel costs.

Apprentices can also get support for living costs while they complete their training.

Tertiary Access Payment.

If you’re moving out of a regional or remote area to study, this payment is for you. It’s a one-off payment of up to $5000 to help you with your move.

In order to qualify, you must move from a regional/remote area for tertiary study. It also has to be for tertiary study after you’ve finished Year 12 or equivalent.

There’s also a Relocation Scholarship you can apply for.You can still claim TAP if you get ABSTUDY, Youth Allowance or Relocation Scholarship in your first year of study.

What other support is available?

These are other support payments which you might qualify for:

Additionally, some universities do offer scholarships or financial assistance if you’re a student taking on a placement.

How do I check my eligibility or claim these payments?

You can do so by checking Centrelink via myGov. You can link your Centrelink to myGov and lodge different claims.

Keep in mind, you might need to provide supporting documents in order to apply for any of these.

This article does not constitute personal financial advice. Before acting on any information in this article, you should consider your money goals and financial situation to ensure it’s appropriate to you.

Here’s What Financial Support Exists as a Uni/TAFE Student in 2026