Australia $639 Centrelink Austudy Payment 2025 – Who Qualifies and When Will It Be Paid?

Published On: February 10, 2025

For Australian students and apprentices over 25, managing education and living expenses can be challenging. That’s where the Austudy Payment comes in. This financial assistance program, administered by Services Australia, provides a much-needed boost to eligible individuals pursuing full-time study or apprenticeships. In 2025, the Austudy Payment starts at $639 per fortnight, helping recipients cover essential costs while they focus on their education or training.

Knowing the eligibility criteria, income and asset tests, and how to apply is essential for maximizing this benefit. Let’s break it down step by step.

Eligibility

To qualify for Austudy in 2025, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Age requirement – You must be at least 25 years old.
Residency status – Only Australian citizens or permanent residents can apply.
Study or training status – You must be enrolled in a full-time government-approved course or apprenticeship.
Income and assets test – Your earnings and assets must fall within certain limits.
Study progress – You need to maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet attendance requirements.

If you meet these conditions, you could receive fortnightly payments to help cover your study and living expenses.

Payment rates

The amount you receive depends on your circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of the Austudy rates in 2025:

Recipient Type	Fortnightly Payment
Single, no children	$639
Single, with children	$806
Couple, no children	$639 each
Couple, with children	$691.80 each
Long-term income support recipient	$754.60

These payments help ensure students and apprentices can focus on their education without overwhelming financial stress.

Income and asset tests

Your income and assets determine how much you can receive.

Income test – You can earn up to $509 per fortnight before your Austudy payment is reduced. If your income exceeds this, the payment decreases by 50 cents for every extra dollar up to $610. Beyond that, the reduction rate increases to 60 cents per dollar. Once your earnings reach around $1,602.50 per fortnight, your Austudy payment stops.
Asset test – If you own a home, your asset limit is $314,000. If you don’t own a home, your limit is higher at $566,000. Assets include savings, vehicles, property, and some superannuation.

Additional support

Apart from Austudy, eligible recipients may qualify for additional financial support:

Rent assistance – If you live in private accommodation, you could receive up to $204 per fortnight in rent assistance.
Education entry payment – A one-time payment of $208 to help with the costs of starting a course or training program.

These extra benefits can significantly improve financial stability while studying or training.

Tips for maximizing Austudy

To get the most out of Austudy, consider these strategies:

Keep track of your income – Earning too much can reduce your payments, so plan work hours carefully.
Apply for rent assistance – If you’re renting, this can provide extra financial relief.
Update Centrelink – Report any changes in income, study status, or living arrangements to avoid payment issues.
Claim education entry payment – If eligible, don’t miss out on this one-time support to help with study costs.

How to apply

Applying for Austudy is simple and can be done online. Here’s how:

Check your eligibility – Ensure you meet the criteria.
Create a myGov account – If you don’t have one, sign up and link it to Centrelink.
Gather documents – You’ll need proof of identity, enrollment in a full-time course, and financial records like bank statements.
Submit your claim – Log into myGov, go to Centrelink, and start your Austudy application. You can apply up to 13 weeks before your course begins.

Austudy can be a game-changer for students and apprentices over 25. By knowing the eligibility rules, income limits, and application process, you can make the most of this financial assistance and focus on achieving your education and career goals.