For Australian students juggling study, bills, and everyday living costs, the financial struggle is all too real. But there’s some good news for 2025 — eligible students can now receive up to $700 per fortnight through Austudy, a government payment designed to support mature-age students and apprentices.
This increase aims to make life a little easier for students over 25 who are committed to full-time study or training and need help managing the rising cost of living. Let’s look at how this updated payment works, who can apply, how to qualify, and what to expect once you’re on it.
What Is Austudy?
Austudy is a payment provided by Services Australia for Australians aged 25 and over who study or train full-time. It’s meant to help cover basic living expenses, like rent, bills, groceries, and transport, so students can focus more on their studies instead of financial stress.
If you’re under 25, you’ll likely qualify for Youth Allowance, which offers similar support on different terms. But if you’re 25 or older, Austudy is the program that applies to you.
For 2025, the rates have been adjusted upward in recognition of higher living costs, allowing single students to receive around $700 every two weeks, or roughly $1,400 a month.
Who Can Get Austudy in 2025?
Not every student or apprentice qualifies automatically, but the criteria are straightforward. You may be eligible if you meet all of the following conditions:
- You are 25 years or older at the time of application.
- You are enrolled in or undertaking a full-time approved course or full-time apprenticeship.
- You are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a qualifying visa.
- You meet the income and assets test (your personal and family income must fall below certain limits).
- You actively participate in your study or training — attendance and academic progress are reviewed occasionally by Services Australia.
These requirements ensure the support reaches those who genuinely need financial help to continue their education.
Austudy Payment Rates for 2025
The updated Austudy payment rates for 2025 depend on your living situation.
| Situation | Fortnightly Payment | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Single with no children | $700 | $1,400 |
| Partnered (combined income considered) | $650 | $1,300 |
| With children | $770+ | $1,540+ |
While the payment won’t completely cover all living expenses in cities with higher rents, it does provide substantial relief for food, transport, and essential costs.
If you’re raising children, you might also be eligible for additional Family Tax Benefits or supplements on top of your Austudy payment.
How to Apply for Austudy
Applying for Austudy in 2025 is simpler than many expect, though having the right documents ready can save time.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Create or log in to your myGov account.
Link it to Centrelink if you haven’t already. - Fill out the Austudy claim form online.
This includes questions about your study, living situation, and income. - Upload your documents.
Services Australia typically needs proof of identity, your course enrolment letter, bank details, and recent income information. - Wait for your application to be processed.
Processing time varies. Applying early — before your course starts — helps ensure your first payment arrives on time. - Check your myGov inbox for updates.
If Services Australia requests more information, respond quickly to avoid delays.
Once approved, your payments will be made directly into your bank account every two weeks.
Can You Still Work While Receiving Austudy?
Yes, you can work part-time or casually while receiving Austudy, but there’s a limit to how much you can earn before your payment begins to reduce.
In 2025, the income threshold sits at around $288 per fortnight. Once your earnings exceed that, your Austudy payment will gradually decrease based on how much extra income you receive.
This system allows students to keep working without immediately losing benefits, though regular income reporting through your Centrelink account is required to avoid overpayments or debt.
Why the Austudy Boost Matters
Let’s face it — living as a student in 2025 isn’t cheap. Rents have soared, grocery prices keep climbing, and fuel costs continue to rise. For mature-age students, many of whom are retraining after job loss or career changes, every dollar helps.
The updated Austudy rate gives students over 25 some breathing space to get through full-time study with less pressure to work excessive hours. While some argue that even this increase doesn’t fully cover living costs, particularly in major cities, it’s still a step in the right direction.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Austudy Payment
- Apply early. Don’t wait until classes start. Submitting before semester begins ensures payments arrive when you need them.
- Keep income updates regular. Always report work earnings on time to avoid overpayment issues.
- Explore other payments. If you have dependents or face special circumstances, you may be eligible for rent assistance or additional supplements.
- Track your spending. Using mobile apps to budget makes it easier to stretch your payment further.
- Use student discounts. Whether for transport, groceries, or tech, every saving counts when living on a set income.
The Bigger Picture
Government support through programs like Austudy shows a growing recognition that adult learners face unique challenges. Many are juggling family, rent, and bills while studying full-time. Increasing the Austudy rate to $700 fortnightly is a signal that policymakers acknowledge these pressures and want to make education more accessible for everyone — not just school leavers.
For people retraining or pursuing in-demand qualifications, this relief can mean the difference between staying in education or dropping out early.