Nearly 220,000 students will receive their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) this week, bringing with it some big decisions about study and work after completing secondary school.
Community Information Officer Justin Bott says it’s a busy time, and both students and their parents are looking for information to understand the Centrelink rules.
“Completing schooling is a huge achievement, no matter your ATAR. Getting final results can be an exciting but nerve-wracking time for year 12s and their families. Parents are understandably very proud of their children’s efforts and want to understand how they can support them moving forward,” Mr Bott said.
“The key to success is knowledge. Families need to understand what support Services Australia might be able to provide in their circumstances, and that’s where we can help.
“Do they need to move away from home to study? Do they have savings, or are they considering a gap year to work and earn money to support their university degree? What do the income limits look like for parental income? These are the types of questions we help people with at this time of year.”
Mr Bott said last year Services Australia processed hundreds of thousands of student payments from across the country, usually flooding in close to the start of semester 1.
“Even though most students won’t yet have their university offer, if you plan to study in 2024, you can still claim now, and that’s what we encourage. Jump on the Services Australia website to see what might suit your circumstances,” he said.
“But it’s really important if you plan to study in semester 1 next year, claim now.
“School leavers who are moving to study from a rural, remote or regional area can access up to $5,000 with the Tertiary Access Payment. Some may also be eligible for the Relocation Scholarship and Fares Allowance, if they can get Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY.
Mr Bott understands that there are some school leavers who might still be deciding on what to do next year, but if families arm themselves with the knowledge of what support might be available, they’ll be very well placed.
Read more about student payments you can get at servicesaustralia.gov.au/leavingschool