University life at La Trobe can be an incredible experience, but we also know that studying can come with its own set of financial pressures.
Whether it’s covering tuition fees, rent, or daily living expenses, managing your finances as a student can be challenging.
Fortunately, the Australian government offers a range of financial support through Centrelink to help ease this burden. This guide provides an overview of key payments, how to apply and where to find support, both from Centrelink and right here at La Trobe.
Centrelink provides several different payments specifically for students. It’s crucial to understand which one may apply to you, as eligibility criteria differ based on your age, course and personal circumstances.
- Youth Allowance (Student): This is the most common payment for full-time students and apprentices aged 24 and under. Eligibility is assessed based on your or your parents’ income and assets. If you are considered “independent” (e.g., you are over 22, married, or have worked enough to meet the independence criteria), your parents’ income is not included in the assessment.
- Austudy: Designed for students aged 25 or older, Austudy supports you while you study or undertake a full-time apprenticeship. Like Youth Allowance, it is subject to an income and assets test.
- ABSTUDY: This is a comprehensive payment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and apprentices of any age. ABSTUDY can cover a wide range of costs, including a living allowance, help with course fees and assistance with travel and relocation for study.
Beyond the main payments, Centrelink offers additional support that can make a significant difference to your budget.
- Rent Assistance: If you are a student paying rent and receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy, or ABSTUDY, you may be eligible for Rent Assistance. This is a non-taxable supplement to help with your rental costs. Services Australia will automatically assess your eligibility when you claim an eligible payment and update your accommodation details.
- Health Care Card: Having a Health Care Card can be a huge help. It provides access to cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and various concessions on public transport, utilities, car registration, and other services. You may be automatically issued a Health Care Card if you are receiving an eligible Centrelink payment.
Applying for a Centrelink payment can seem daunting, but following these steps will make the process smoother.
- Create a myGov account: If you don’t have one, your first step is to create a myGov account. This is your portal for all government services, including Centrelink.
- Link services: Once your myGov account is set up, link it to Centrelink. This will allow you to make a claim online.
- Start your claim: From your Centrelink online account, navigate to “Make a claim.” Under the “Students, Trainees and Apprentices” category, select the payment you wish to apply for.
- Gather your documents: The online claim form will tell you what documents you need to provide. Be prepared to submit various documents to prove your identity, income, assets and study details. This may include your tax file number (TFN), proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate) and proof of enrolment. Having these ready will significantly speed up your application.
- Submit and await outcome: Complete the online form and submit the required documents. You can track the progress of your claim through your myGov account.
La Trobe University support
La Trobe University is committed to supporting its students. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the university’s support services if you need help navigating your finances.
The university offers a free and confidential financial counselling service. A financial counsellor can help you with budgeting, fines, managing debts, understanding your Centrelink entitlements and more.
If you are experiencing financial challenges or would like to discuss your situation, please visit the Financial Counselling at La Trobe page to schedule an appointment.
Resources
For further information and to access services, please refer to the following webpages:
- Services Australia: Youth Allowance
- Services Australia: Austudy
- Services Australia: ABSTUDY
- Services Australia: Rent Assistance
- Services Australia: Health Care Card
- La Trobe University: Financial support