The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is a one-time financial aid designed to support students from regional and remote areas in Australia as they transition to tertiary education. Worth up to $5,000, this payment helps cover the costs of relocating for study purposes. Students who commenced their tertiary education in 2025 must apply before December 31, 2025, to receive the payment.
This initiative aims to bridge the education gap between urban and regional students by reducing financial barriers to higher education.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for TAP, students must meet the following requirements:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Recent Year 12 Completion | Must have completed Year 12 or equivalent in the last 12 months. |
| Regional or Remote Residency | Must be from a regional or remote area and relocate 90+ minutes by public transport to study. |
| First-Year Tertiary Student | Must be enrolled in a Certificate IV or higher and in their first year of study. |
| Age Requirement | Must be 22 years or younger when starting tertiary education. |
| Parental Income Limit | Combined parental/guardian income must be below $250,000. |
Payment Amount
The amount students receive depends on their home location:
| Home Location | Payment Amount | Disbursement |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Regional Areas | $3,000 | One-time lump sum in the first half of the study year. |
| Outer Regional/Remote | $5,000 | Two installments: $3,000 initially, $2,000 later. |
Before payment is processed, the government verifies enrollment status. If a student is no longer enrolled, the payment will not be issued.
Receiving TAP
Students can receive TAP along with other government payments, including:
- Youth Allowance
- ABSTUDY
- Relocation Scholarship
However, if a student’s total amount from equity or merit-based scholarships exceeds $9,724, it may affect their other payments.
Application Process
Eligible students must apply for TAP through Services Australia before December 31, 2025. The process is straightforward, but students should prepare the following documents in advance:
- Proof of income (parental/guardian)
- Residency confirmation
- Enrollment details
Early preparation ensures a smooth application process and timely disbursement of funds.
Regional Students
Statistics show that higher education participation is significantly lower in regional areas. In cities, nearly 50% of individuals aged 25-34 hold a degree, whereas in regional areas, this number drops to just over 20%.
TAP addresses this gap by making higher education more accessible for regional students.
Encouraging Higher Education in Regional Areas
By reducing relocation costs, TAP:
✔ Encourages more rural students to pursue tertiary education
✔ Provides immediate financial relief
✔ Shows government support for educational aspirations
Students who meet the eligibility criteria should apply early to secure this valuable financial assistance.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Tertiary Access Payment?
Students from regional/remote areas starting their first year of tertiary education.
How much can I receive from TAP?
Eligible students can receive up to $5,000, depending on their location.
Can I receive TAP with other Centrelink payments?
Yes, TAP can be received alongside Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, and other support.
When is the application deadline for TAP 2025?
Applications close on December 31, 2025.
How do I apply for the Tertiary Access Payment?
Apply through Services Australia with proof of income, residency, and enrollment.
