Dealing with student life in Australia is often costly, particularly with rising living costs, education, and juggling part-time jobs. Government assistance via Centrelink is essential for many students to help deal with these financial burdens.
One of the most talked-about payments is the $2,897 student support for 2025. This guide gives you all the information you need to know who qualifies, how it works, and how to get it.
What Is the $2,897 Centrelink Student Payment?
The $2,897 amount bandied about is the total aid a student might get in a short time frame (typically around 6 weeks) through Youth Allowance and other Centrelink education payments. It’s not a lump sum but a combined amount from several support schemes.
In certain situations, students relocating from the countryside to urban areas for higher education might be eligible for a lump sum of money under the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP), up to $5,000. The $2,897 payment is usually used as an example in the media of mid-level financial assistance, outlining what the average student can expect in these situations.
It should be mentioned that $2,897 is not a singular Centrelink payment. Rather, it is an amount of money received over time under various programs set up to assist students in paying their bills.
Centrelink’s Financial Support to Students in 2025
Centrelink has different support mechanisms for students. Listed below are the major schemes on offer:
1. Youth Allowance to Students and Apprentices
Youth Allowance is the first level of monetary support for 16-24 full-time students. It contributes towards basic cost of living needs such as rental accommodation, groceries, and travel.
Eligibility Criteria
- Aged 16 to 24 and learning full-time in a recognized place of education
- Australian citizen, resident or eligible visa holder
- Needs to satisfy residence conditions (typically living in Australia)
- Pass income and assets tests for the student and parents (if under age of 22 and dependent)
- Not in receipt of other payments such as Austudy or ABSTUDY
Payment Rates (from January 2025)
| Payment Type | Amount (per fortnight) |
|---|---|
| Single student living away from home | $663.30 |
| Single student aged 18+ living at home | $472.50 |
| Single parent | $836.60 |
| Couple with children | $718.10 |
Other assistance associated with Youth Allowance is:
- Rent Assistance for privately renting individuals
- Health Care Card to offset medical and transport expenses
- Student Start-up Loan for eligible students of higher education
2. Tertiary Access Payment (TAP)
The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is designed specifically to assist Year 12 graduates from remote or regional locations who must move for tertiary education.
Eligibility Criteria
- Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) last year
- Older than 22 years at the beginning of study
- From a remote or regional community
- Studied full-time at a university, TAFE, or other higher education institution
Payment Details
- Up to $5,000, paid in two instalments (initial and follow-up)
- The payment is for relocation costs, including travel, setting up accommodation, and essentials.
How to Apply for the Centrelink Payment
To receive Centrelink’s $2,897 payment for students, do the following:
- Create and Link Your myGov Account:
- Sign up on myGov and link your Centrelink account with your Customer Reference Number (CRN).
- Start a New Claim:
- Apply for Youth Allowance or Tertiary Access Payment and upload required documents such as proof of enrollment, identification, and parental income information (if applicable).
- Submit Your Claim:
- Review and lodge your claim. Keep checking for changes or further information requests.
- Receive Your Payments:
- If your claim is approved, fortnightly payments will be made automatically.
- Keep Your Information Up To Date:
- Inform Centrelink of any change of address, income, or course status.
Other benefits can be:
- Relocation Scholarship if moving to study and receiving Youth Allowance
- Living Away from Home Allowance
- Education Entry Payment
Real-Life Example: Jess, a Rural Student
Jess, 18, has just relocated from a rural town in Western Australia to Perth to study for a Bachelor of Nursing degree. She was eligible for:
- Youth Allowance: $663.30/fortnight
- TAP: $5,000 one-off payment
- Rent Support: Extra $100+/fortnight
Altogether, within a span of six weeks, Jess was paid about $2,897. This assisted in paying for her moving expenses, textbooks, and daily living needs.
Professional Gains of Centrelink Support for Students
Centrelink support not only relieves financial stress but also provides students with a number of long-term gains on the professional front:
1. Academic Concentration
Financial assistance enables students to work less and study more, leading to improved academic results.
2. Internship and Networking Opportunities
With economic independence, students are able to take unpaid internships and extracurricular activities, which open up career opportunities and give practical real-life experience.
3. Mental Well-being
Financial independence leads to much less strain and usual improved well-being, that is essential for instructional excellence.
4. Career Readiness
Having the potential to take part in volunteer schemes, leadership positions, and career guidance makes graduates more job-ready on graduation.
Final Thought
It can be overwhelming to navigate the financial issues of student life in Australia, but with the assistance of Centrelink’s $2,897 payment, students have a priceless tool to assist in paying for their living and educational expenses.
Knowing the Youth Allowance, Tertiary Access Payment, and related benefits helps students make the most of the schemes. Do not forget the application procedure and update your data to maximize financial assistance.
FAQ’s
What is the Centrelink $2,897 payment?
It’s a combination of payments from Youth Allowance style programs and Tertiary Access Payments, giving you up to $2,897 for 6 weeks, depending on your circumstances.
What are the programs made up of in the $2,897?
It encompasses Youth Allowance, Tertiary Access Payment, Rent Assistance, and other associated support benefits.
Who can get the Centrelink student payment?
Eligibility is generally for full-time students, apprentices, and 16-24 year olds who satisfy income, asset, and residence requirements.
Can I get $2,897 paid as a lump sum?
No