What are Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy?

Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy are Federal Government allowances that help to cover living expenses.

They have different criteria for eligibility and rates of payment. You need to go to the Centrelink website to check these (see below).

Youth Allowance

Youth Allowance is available to full-time students between the ages of 16-24 years. You also need to be considered independent. Check the website below to see whether you are eligible

Centrelink Youth Allowance Website

Austudy

Austudy is available to full-time students over the age of 25 years. There is no independence test.

Centrelink Austudy Website

Abstudy

Abstudy is available to students who are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Centrelink Abstudy Website