From 20 September 2026 Aged 25 and over
Austudy Rates
Austudy is the study payment for people 25 and over. Having dependent children adds about $177 a fortnight to the single rate — and there is a higher rate for people who start studying after a long spell on income support.
Current maximum rates
| Your situation | Maximum rate (a fortnight) |
|---|---|
| Single, no dependent children | $677.20 |
| Single, with dependent children | $854.20 |
| Partnered, no dependent children (each) | $677.20 |
| Partnered, with dependent children (each) | $733.20 |
| Special rate — long-term unemployed starting full-time study (single) | $799.70 |
| Special rate — partnered, with or without dependent children | $733.20 |
These are maximum rates before the income and assets tests. Austudy recipients may also qualify for the energy supplement.
What changes your rate
- Austudy is for students aged 25 or over. If you are under 25 you are generally on Youth Allowance instead.
- The special rate applies where you start full-time study after at least six months on an income support payment.
- Austudy recipients may also qualify for the energy supplement.
Austudy or Youth Allowance?
Age decides it. Under 25 and studying: Youth Allowance. 25 or over and studying: Austudy. Both are means tested, but Youth Allowance also tests your parents’ income while you are dependent — Austudy does not.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Austudy?
A single student with no dependent children gets $677.20 a fortnight. With dependent children it is $854.20. A partnered student gets $677.20 each without children and $733.20 each with them.
When do I get the special rate?
If you start full-time study or an Australian Apprenticeship after receiving an income support payment for at least six of the last nine months since turning 22. A single person on that rate gets $799.70 a fortnight.
Why is Austudy lower than JobSeeker?
It is not, always. A single Austudy student gets $677.20 against $824.90 for a single JobSeeker recipient aged 22 or over — but the special rate for long-term unemployed people starting study closes most of that gap, and it exists specifically to make studying worthwhile.
Does my parents’ income matter?
No. That test applies to Youth Allowance while you are dependent, not to Austudy — which is one of the reasons the cut-off is at 25.
Can I get Rent Assistance as well?
Yes. Rent Assistance is added on top where you rent and qualify — see the Rent Assistance calculator.
Rates from the Department of Social Services — Social Security Guide (1.342 (21 September 2026)), checked 12 October 2026. General information only — your actual entitlement is assessed by Services Australia.