Most useful information for Higher education

How we test partner income for ABSTUDY Living Allowance and School Fees Allowance higher rate

If you’re independent and you have a partner, we’ll assess their gross income. This is the income they get before any deduction, like tax.

What the parental means test for ABSTUDY Living Allowance and School Fees Allowance higher rate is

We use the parental means test to assess your parents or guardians income to work out if you can get ABSTUDY.

1. Income and assets tests
2. What the parental means test is

Parental income test for ABSTUDY Living Allowance and School Fees Allowance higher rate

The parental income test is part of the parental means test. We use it to assess your parents or guardians income to work out if you can get ABSTUDY.

1. Income and assets tests
2. What the parental means test is

Changes to income for ABSTUDY Living Allowance and School Fees Allowance higher rate

Changes to your parents’ or guardians’ income can change your payment rate. Your payment may also change if your siblings' situations change.

1. Income and assets tests
2. What the parental means test is

Maintenance income test for ABSTUDY Living Allowance and School Fees Allowance higher rate

Your parents or guardians may get maintenance income to support you or your siblings. If they do, this income may affect your payment.

1. Meeting participation requirements if you’re under 35
2. How to manage your participation requirements

Getting a medical certificate for Disability Support Pension

You may be exempt from meeting your participation requirements for a short time if you’re sick or injured. You’ll need to give us a medical certificate.

1. Austudy
2. Who can get it

Getting a medical certificate for Austudy

You may be able to get an exemption from your Austudy requirements if you give us a medical certificate.

1. Youth Allowance for students and Australian Apprentices
2. Who can get it

Getting a medical certificate for Youth Allowance for students and apprentices

You may be able to get an exemption from your Youth Allowance study or apprenticeship requirements with a medical certificate.

1. Who can get it
2. Getting a medical certificate

What happens when you give us a medical certificate for Austudy

We use your medical certificate to work out if you can get an exemption from your study requirements for a certain time. This is so you can keep getting Austudy.

1. How much you can get
2. Income and assets tests

What the personal assets test is for Youth Allowance students and Australian Apprentices

We use assets tests to help work out if you can get Youth Allowance and how much you’ll get.