The purpose of this note is to simplify it for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who will benefit from the September 2025 increase on the ABSTUDY Living Allowance by receiving $793.60 every sixteen days. This is how to apply and maximize your payments.
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, there is ABSTUDY Living Allowance which is designed to save you from financial distress. Beginning September 20, 2025, recipients of ABSTUDY under the annual indexation process will have increase payments. Currently, the payment rate maximum for an independent single student 22 years and older in the month of September is $793.60.
What is ABSTUDY Living Allowance?
Payments under ABSTUDY in the amount of $793 do aid Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander citizens in attending schools or training. It is fund from the government in the attempt to eradicate some of the financial hardships that might prevent students from attending an education or skills training.
You are ABSTUDY students aids which allow students s to live and study by paying for the rent, meals, transport and other school necessities. Unlike other student payments, ABSTUDY understands that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have unique challenges, especially those who have to relocate for education.Who’s Eligible for ABSTUDY?
To qualify for the ABSTUDY living allowance, one must:
Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Be enrolled in approved full-time study or Australian Apprenticeship. Hold the required residency status (must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident). Under Australian law, endure the income and asset tests deemed appropriate for the situation. ABSTUDY living allowance is meant to assist in covering the day-to-day living costs and is paid every fortnight which is conditional to the income and assets test. These days, the payment system is fairly complicated and relies on age, the living situation, and dependency status (whether one is dependent, or independent).
Student Payment Rates – September 2025
| Student Category | Payment Rate | Weekly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Independent students (22+) | $793.60 fortnightly | ~$396.80 weekly |
| Dependent students | Varies by family circumstances and living arrangements | – |
Additional Support Available
- Rent Assistance
- Remote Area Allowance
- Travel Assistance
Internet Submission
If you are claiming ABSTUDY Living Allowance or ABSTUDY Incidentals Allowance, you can make your claim online. You will need to link Centrelink to your myGov account, if this has not already been done.
Set up myGov: Create your myGov and link it to Centrelink
Complete your claim: Fill the online ABSTUDY claim form
Upload documents: Prove your identity, study enrollment, and Indigenous status
Submit and wait: Processing usually takes a up to six weeks
Other application methods
Phone: Call the ABSTUDY line to 1800 132 317
In person: Go to your nearest Centrelink office
Via Post: Fill form SY019 and send it to Centrelink
Usage of ABSTUDY
In addition to the basic Living Allowance, ABSTUDY offer the following additional supports:
One time yearly payment for the ABSTUDY Incidentals Allowance for costs incurred for the purchase of textbooks and equipment for study. Funds for travel support for travel between home and the study area. Away from home rate which pays more if you live away from home for study.
Remote area students will also get additional supports from the stduents in the students in the stduents in the stduents in the students in the students in the stduents in the stduents in the stduents in the students in the stduents in the stduents in the stduents in the stduents.
When will you see the increase
The uplift will be effective 20th September 2025. Since ABSTUDY is paid is paid in fornightly, it will be paid in the first ABSTUDY payment post uplift. Check myGov from 20th September to confirm the increase and the payment has been processed. If your payment date is before the 20th, you will be paid the decreased payment until the next payment cycle.
Guidelines to Ensure Success with ABSTUDY
Updating Details: ABSTUDY recipients must report any changes to their residential address, any changes to their study load, and any changes in income to Centrelink straight away. Payment Management: Recipients must make use of the myGov account to check the payment accuracy. Understanding Income Limits: Payments will be lowered to the receiver when income exceeds the income free area. Compliance with Study Restrictions: Students must maintain full-time enrollment with continuing attendance.
ABSTUDY students and the general population in Australia are experiencing the effects of the government’s reform to the ABSTUDY system and the increasing cost of living. ABDSTUDY uplift payments can make a difference in whether an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student persists through their studies or abandons them based on financial constraints.
ABSTUDY Living Allowance acts as a safety net to students at all levels, whether in Year 12, commencing university, or starting an apprenticeship. Students are protected from the anxiety of financial responsibilities such as accommodation and food.
