Regional kids are 20% less likely to pursue uni or TAFE than city kids. Only 20% of 25-34-year-olds in regional areas hold degrees, compared to 48% in cities. The government offers the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) to help regional students with relocation costs.
TAP provides $5,000 to support students moving from regional areas for higher education. Inner regional students get $3,000 upfront. Outer regional and remote students receive $3,000 first, then $2,000 later.
Services Australia says eligible students can still claim TAP for 2024. The deadline is December 31, 2024, for those who started tertiary education this year. Students who got the relocation scholarship can also apply for TAP.
TAP is a crucial welfare payment for regional and rural students. It aims to bridge the educational gap between city and country. The $5,000 boost helps all students pursue their academic goals, regardless of location.
Summary at a Glance
- Regional and rural kids are 20% less likely to pursue higher education than city kids.
- The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) offers a $5,000 Centrelink boost for uni or TAFE, helping cover relocation costs for tertiary studies.
- Eligible students can still claim the TAP for 2024 until December 31, 2024.
- Inner regional students receive a $3,000 payment, while outer regional and remote students get $5,000 in two parts.
- The TAP serves as a crucial government assistance and cost of living relief measure for regional students.
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Offers Crucial Financial Support for Regional Students
The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) helps bridge the education gap between city and country areas in Australia. It provides a budget boost for rural students, offering up to $5,000 to support their move to tertiary education.
What is the Tertiary Access Payment?
TAP is a low-income support measure for rural students relocating for tertiary studies. Eligible students can receive between $3,000 and $5,000, based on their location and circumstances.
This additional income can cover moving costs, accommodation, travel, textbooks, technology, and living expenses. It aims to ease the financial strain during their first year of study.
Payment Structure and Regional Student Benefits
The TAP is typically paid in two installments:
- $3,000 at the start of the academic year
- $2,000 later in the year
This structure ensures students have funds when they need them most. The household payment supports remote students facing extra costs of moving and living away from home.
It aims to give all Australians equal access to quality education, regardless of where they live. This helps level the playing field for rural students.
To qualify for TAP, students must be 16-22 years old when applying. They need to have finished Year 12 or equivalent in 2023 and start tertiary education in 2024.
Students must move at least 90 minutes by public transport from their family home. They should attend a registered tertiary education institution to be eligible.
TAP applications open on January 1, 2024, and close on February 28, 2024. The first payment comes in March 2024, with the second in September 2024.
This family tax benefit is for Australian citizens, permanent residents, and permanent humanitarian visa holders. It provides crucial support for regional students starting their tertiary journey.
Eligibility Requirements for the $5,000 Centrelink Cash Boost
The Australian government offers crucial financial supplement to eligible students through the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP). This government assistance helps cover relocation costs for tertiary education. It provides low-income support to students in need.
To qualify for the TAP, students must meet specific criteria. These include:
Year 12 Completion and Tertiary Enrollment Criteria
Applicants must have completed Year 12 in 2023 or earlier. They need to enrol in a Certificate IV or higher program at a tertiary institution. Students must maintain a minimum 75% study load to stay eligible.
Age and Parental Income Limitations
Students must be 22 years old or younger when starting tertiary studies. Their parents’ or guardians’ combined annual income can’t exceed $250,000. This family tax benefit helps those from lower-income backgrounds.
Citizenship and Residency Requirements
Students must be Australian citizens or hold a qualifying visa. Non-protected Special Category Visa holders need 10 years of Australian residency. New migrants may qualify after living in Australia for 208 weeks.
| Student Category | Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Outer Regional Students | $5,000 (paid in two installments) |
| Inner Regional Students | $3,000 (additional benefit) |
The TAP offers vital government assistance to students from low-income families. It provides a crucial financial supplement for tertiary education expenses. This support helps students pursue their studies away from home.
How the TAP Works with Other Centrelink Payments
The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) offers up to $5,000 for regional students relocating for higher education. This payment can be claimed alongside other Centrelink benefits like Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, and the Relocation Scholarship. Together, these form a comprehensive welfare package for students.
TAP doesn’t usually affect eligibility for other Centrelink payments. It’s considered an equity or merit-based scholarship. However, if TAP and other scholarships exceed $9,724 annually, it may impact additional income support rates.
This combination of payments helps regional students manage relocation costs effectively. It provides a strong financial foundation, allowing them to focus on their studies. The approach aims to reduce educational gaps between metropolitan and non-metropolitan students.
