Australian students from regional and rural areas have a short time to apply for the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP). This is a one-time $5,000 Centrelink cash boost to help them start higher education. The Country Education Foundation says students from rural areas are 20% less likely to go to university or TAFE than city students.
The TAP is designed to help more rural and regional Aussies go to university or TAFE. The deadline for 2024 students is December 31, 2024. So, it’s very important for eligible students to apply quickly to get this valuable Centrelink payment increase.
Major Highlights
- The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) offers a one-time $5,000 Centrelink cash boost for regional and rural Aussie students
- Students must have completed Year 12 in 2023 or earlier and moved at least 90 minutes away from home to attend a tertiary institution in 2024
- Eligibility includes being an Australian citizen, 22 years old or younger, and having a combined parental income under $250,000
- The TAP can be claimed alongside other Centrelink financial assistance like Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY
- Application for the 2024 TAP closes on December 31, 2024, so time is running out for eligible students to apply
What’s the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) and $5,000 Centrelink boost
The Australian government is giving a financial boost to students from regional and remote areas. The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) offers up to $5,000 to help with moving and settling into studies.
What is the Tertiary Access Payment?
The TAP is a government-funded program to help close the education gap between cities and rural areas. It’s for students who finished Year 12 in the last year, live in a rural area, and moved far for their studies.
Eligibility Requirements for Students
- Completed Year 12 in 2023 or earlier
- From a regional or remote area
- Moved at least 90 minutes away for tertiary study
- Enrolled in a Certificate IV level or higher course
- Aged 22 or younger when starting their course
- Parents’ or guardians’ combined income not exceeding $250,000
Important Deadlines and Application Process
The application for the TAP starts on January 1, 2024, and ends on February 28, 2024. Students must apply online through the Services Australia website. Their enrollment will be checked before the payment is made.
The TAP is given in two parts. $3,000 is given in March 2024, and $2,000 in September 2024. This help covers moving costs, rent, travel, study materials, and living expenses in the first year of study.
The Tertiary Access Payment is a big help from the government. It’s a budget boost for Australians from rural areas. It encourages them to go to university and helps close the education gap. Don’t miss out on applying for this additional Centrelink payment before the deadline.
Payment Structure and Regional Student Benefits
The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is a special financial help for students in regional and remote Australia. It aims to close the education gap between city and country areas. This support is vital for students facing high living costs.
The TAP payment changes based on where the student is from. Inner regional students get $3,000 in the first half of the year. But, outer regional and remote students get $5,000 – $3,000 in the first half and another $2,000 in the second half.
This system helps students from remote areas, who face extra costs for moving and living away from home. The TAP covers these expenses. This way, students from everywhere in Australia can get quality education.
The TAP also matches the United Nations’ goals for quality education for all. It helps reduce education gaps and supports Australia’s growth.
The TAP’s financial aid is key in helping students from different backgrounds. It ensures all Australians can reach their academic and career goals.
How the TAP Works with Other Centrelink Payments
The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) can be claimed with other centrelink benefits. This includes Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, and the Relocation Scholarship. It’s seen as an equity or merit-based scholarship. This means it usually doesn’t change your eligibility for other payments.
But, if you get more than $9,724 from these scholarships in a year, it might affect your centrelink payments.
The TAP helps students in rural areas get to university. It gives extra money to help with the move and study costs. This way, more young people from rural areas can go to university without worrying about money.
By combining the TAP with other centrelink payments, students can get more help. This includes the $5,000 TAP and possible increases in 2024. It’s key to know how each payment works together to get the most help.
