The Tertiary Access Payment can help with relocation costs for students starting study in 2026 who need to move away from home.
The Tertiary Access Payment is a non-indexed, means-tested, one-off payment of either $3,000 or $5,000 depending on location. The payment helps eligible students cover essential costs if they must relocate from a regional or remote area to study a Certificate IV or higher-level qualification. These costs may include rent, travel, food and study supplies.
To be eligible they must:
- have finished Year 12 or an equivalent qualification
- be aged 22 or younger
- move to undertake full-time study at an education provider at least 90 minutes from your family home by public transport
- be moving/have moved away from an inner regional, outer regional, remote or very remote area (as defined by the Australian Statistical Geography Standard - Remoteness Area classification).
Students who apply for the Tertiary Access Payment may also be eligible for other payments to support their study. Visit the Payment and Service Finder to check eligibility.
Applications for the 2026 payment close on 31 December 2026. To check eligibility and apply, visit the Services Australia website.