As the uni year creeps closer, students are sorting timetables, housing, and what’s left of their summer. But many don’t realise Centrelink might owe them money—real money. It’s easy to miss, and even easier to overlook when there’s already so much going on.
Centrelink Payments That Students Overlook
Thousands of young Australians may be eligible for up to $5,000 in financial support from Centrelink through the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP), designed to help students from regional or remote areas who need to move for study. It’s not a loan and doesn’t need to be paid back—but many don’t even know it exists.
The idea is pretty straightforward: cover some of the upfront costs that come with relocating—think rent, transport, and groceries in the first few months of uni or TAFE. The payment is usually delivered in two instalments and, for eligible students from inner regional areas, a $3,000 one-off payment may apply instead.
Who Can Apply (It’s Not As Narrow As It Sounds)
Students who finished Year 12 last year—or even the year before—can still apply. The recent rule changes now allow those who’ve taken a gap year to access the payment too. That’s opened the door for more students, especially those who needed time to work or travel before jumping into study.
There’s a bit of confusion about timing, though. Many people think they have to wait until they’re actually sitting in a lecture theatre to claim support. But according to Services Australia, applications can be made up to 13 weeks before classes start, explains Yahoo Finance.
That early window is helpful—not just for planning, but also for easing some of the financial pressure before moving. And let’s face it: nobody wants to sort out paperwork while adjusting to a new city and new routine.
A Lot Of Help Still Goes Unclaimed
Centrelink offers other student support payments too—like Youth Allowance, Austudy, and Relocation Scholarships—but these are often overlooked. Whether that’s due to confusion, hesitation, or just assuming “I won’t qualify,” it means real support is left sitting on the table.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are checklists and eligibility tools on the Services Australia website. And while government forms can be a bit of a headache, this one could be well worth the effort.
A Reminder To Look Ahead
Starting uni is stressful enough. If there’s financial help available—especially one that doesn’t come with strings—it makes sense to find out early. Sometimes, the first smart move of the semester isn’t opening a textbook, but checking what support’s already waiting for you.
