The Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment 2025 is a one-time payment aimed at supporting students from regional or remote areas of Australia who are relocating to pursue full-time tertiary education. This payment helps cover the cost of moving out, settling in, and starting life as a student away from home.
If you’ve just completed Year 12 and are planning to move at least 90 minutes from your family home to start university or TAFE, this benefit could offer a much-needed financial cushion during a critical transition.
Overview
This payment was introduced to reduce the barriers students face when moving to study. It targets young people who often struggle with the costs of relocating, including securing housing, buying essentials, and setting up in a new city.
It’s a one-time payment offered through Centrelink via the Services Australia platform. If you’re eligible, you can claim it online using your MyGov account linked to Centrelink.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Payment Name | Tertiary Access Payment |
| Year | 2025 |
| Country | Australia |
| Authority | Services Australia |
| Payment Frequency | One-time |
| Amount | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Application Platform | MyGov linked to Centrelink |
| Income Limit | Parental income under $250,000 |
| Eligibility | Regional/remote students starting full-time study |
Amount
The total amount you receive depends on where you live and how far you are relocating for your studies. Here’s how the Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment works:
| Region Type | Total Payment | Installments |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Regional | $3,000 | One-time payment |
| Outer Regional | Up to $5,000 | First payment, plus $2,000 later |
For those receiving the $5,000 payment, the second installment of $2,000 is made only if the student continues full-time attendance throughout the year. This ensures the support goes to students who are actively participating in their studies.
Eligibility
To qualify for the 2025 Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment, you must meet these criteria:
- Be a permanent resident or citizen of Australia.
- Be 22 years or younger when starting the course.
- Have completed Year 12 or equivalent in the previous year.
- Be enrolled full-time in an approved course (Certificate IV or higher).
- Be relocating for study to a place that is at least 90 minutes away from your family home by public transport.
- Live in an inner regional, outer regional, remote or very remote area.
- Have parental income of less than $250,000 per year.
This payment is focused on equity—giving regional students the same opportunity to attend university or higher education without the financial stress of moving.
Apply
Applying is straightforward, but you’ll need to prepare some documentation:
- Create or log into your MyGov account and make sure it is linked to Centrelink.
- Gather documents such as proof of identity, residency status, educational enrolment, and relocation details.
- Start a claim for the Tertiary Access Payment on the Services Australia portal.
- Fill in your details including your family income, relocation information, and personal background.
- Upload supporting documents as required.
- Submit your application and monitor the claim status through MyGov.
Approved students typically receive the first payment within weeks of approval, depending on processing times.
Insight
Centrelink’s Tertiary Access Payment is a small but powerful step towards creating fairer educational access for rural and regional students in Australia. By helping cover the high cost of relocating, it allows more young people to make the leap into higher education without delay or financial struggle.
But don’t forget—this is a one-time offer, and eligibility depends heavily on timing, location, and your family’s financial situation. If you’re eligible and planning to move for studies in 2025, don’t miss out on this opportunity.
FAQs
Who can get the tertiary access payment?
Regional students under 22 starting full-time tertiary study.
How much is the payment in 2025?
Between $3,000 and $5,000, depending on your region.
Do I have to move away to qualify?
Yes, at least 90 minutes from your family home.
Is the payment made monthly?
No, it’s a one-time payment, possibly in two parts.
Where do I apply for the payment?
Through MyGov, linked to Centrelink’s official site.
