Maybe you’re thinking about switching courses. Maybe you want to hit pause, work a few extra shifts, or help out in the family business. Or maybe you just need a breather to figure out what’s next.
Well, I’ve got two words for you Kim: census date.
It might not sound exciting, but trust me, it’s one of the most important deadlines in the university calendar. Think of it as the “no‑going‑back” moment of the semester.
It’s the last day you can withdraw from a subject without academic or financial penalties.
Miss it, and you could end up with fees you never meant to take on, or a HELP debt that quietly grows each year with indexation. Not exactly the type of surprise anyone wants.
Most universities set their census date around week four, which means the deadline is creeping closer. So do yourself a favour and double‑check yours now. A simple calendar reminder could save you a hefty bill later.
Remember, if you’re getting a payment from Services Australia, you need tell us if you’ve stopped studying, changed your course, or reduced your study load to avoid an overpayment.
But if you are continuing to study and could use some extra support, we’ve got payments and services that might help.
Most students already know about Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY — and plenty are already receiving them. What many don’t realise is that there’s also a lesser‑known perk that can help you work a bit more, earn a bit more, and still keep more of your payment. More on that in a moment.
Think about Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY
The two main student payments we offer are Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY. Together, they supported more than 158,000 students each month on average (based on figures from 2023–24*).
Youth Allowance helps eligible young Australians aged 16-24 who are studying, training, or working in a full‑time apprenticeship or traineeship.
You’ll need to be an Australian resident and meet income and asset rules, and if you’re considered dependent, that includes a parental means test too.
Depending on your circumstances, students can receive:
- up to $677.20 per fortnight if you live away from home
- up to $482.40 per fortnight if you live at home.
If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student or apprentice, ABSTUDY offers a range of payments and allowances to help cover living expenses, high‑cost course essentials like lab fees or textbooks, as well as travel and accommodation.
It’s designed to make study more accessible, because cost shouldn’t be the barrier that gets in your way.
Earn more, keep more with Income Bank
Income Bank is one of those lesser‑known perks I suspect many students may miss.
If you’re receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY and you’re working, Income Bank helps you keep more of your payment.
Each fortnight you earn less than $539, you build up credits in your Income Bank. Think of it like a buffer.
For example, if you earn $350 in a fortnight, you’ll get 189 credits added to your Income Bank.
That’s because: 539 - 350 = 189.
If you then earn more than $539 in a later fortnight, we’ll reduce your Income Bank balance before reducing your payment, which means you may still receive your regular rate.
It’s a handy tool that lets you take on extra shifts when you need to, while keeping more money in your hip pocket.
Make the rent boost: Rent Assistance
If you’re renting and getting a payment from us, you might also be eligible for Rent Assistance.
This is an extra boost that’s automatically added to your payment if you pay rent.
We check if you’re eligible when you apply for a payment, but if you start renting after this, you’ll need to tell us.
Some students could receive up to $215.40 per fortnight if you’re single and paying more than $152.00 a fortnight in rent.
Depending on your situation, you might need to provide a Rent Certificate or a formal tenancy agreement, but only if we ask for it.
How to claim
Unlike Rent Assistance, which is added automatically if you’re eligible, you’ll need to apply for Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY.
The first step is to make sure you have a myGov account linked to Centrelink. If you don’t have a myGov account yet, you’ll just need to create one.
Once you’re set up, you can lodge your claim online. You’ll be guided through what to provide, but it helps to have your course details, your residential address, and, if you’re considered dependent, information about your parents’ income ready to go.
And here’s where it gets easier: if you’re approved for Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY, Income Bank is automatically included with your payment. There’s nothing extra you need to sign up for. It simply works in the background to help you keep more of your support when you earn money from part‑time or casual work.
For more information about higher‑education payments, head to the Services Australia website.
*Department of Social Services annual report 2023-24