ABSTUDY Incidentals Allowance

A payment to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians with the cost of starting or continuing study or training.

An increase to the rate of ABSTUDY was announced in the Budget, starting from 20 September 2023. It’s subject to legislation. We’ll let you know more soon.

Incidentals Allowance is a one off payment. We pay it:

when you start a course, apprenticeship or traineeship
up to 4 weeks before you return to study in the new year, if you’re continuing a course
at the start of each year you do your apprenticeship or traineeship.

Who can get it

To get ABSTUDY Incidentals Allowance you must be a student or Australian Apprentice and eligible for ABSTUDY.

How much you can get

The amount of ABSTUDY Incidentals Allowance you can get depends on how long your course, apprenticeship or traineeship is each year.

How to claim

How you claim depends on your circumstances.

How to manage your allowance

Your options and obligations when getting ABSTUDY Incidentals Allowance.

How we pay it

You’ll get one payment for each course or for each year of a multi-year course.