Tell us if you’re changing your tertiary study load

Published: 17 August 2026

To keep getting Youth Allowance or Austudy as a tertiary student, you normally need to study full time.

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We know that life doesn’t always go to plan and sometimes you may need to change your study load.

We consider you a full-time student if you study 75% of your course’s full time study load.

If you’re studying less than 75% of your course’s full-time study load, we consider this part-time study.

It’s important to tell us within 14 days if your study load changes. When you do this, we may adjust your payment so you’re not overpaid. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide us with supporting evidence.

Read more about study loads and the evidence you may need to provide.

Page last updated: 17 August 2026.
QC 84450