As of September 20, 2025, the Australian Government plans to extend the ABSTUDY Living Allowance payments. Qualified students belonging to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who are eligible and currently in training will have an additional boost to their fortnightly payments. This boost to payments aims to meet the indexation of provisions by the Government in relation to the cost of living and the regularly adjusted payments.
What is the ABSTUDY Boost
ABSTUDY is a living cost assistance payment available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and apprentices. It is paid for the duration of a fortnight. Since September 20, 2025, the base rate of payment for students who are 22 years old and who are classified as independent will receive an upward peg of $11.40 from $715.10 to $726.50. This increase is designed to boost the payment toward fortnightly payments for students and apprentices on every other payday as part of the payment indexation to social security payments.
Eligibility criteria
Obtainable by applicants of direct Aboriginal or Torres Strait descent, the ABSTUDY Living Allowance, is confined to those holding the status of citizens or permanent residents of Australia while residing on its territory. Furthermore, the apprentice or student is required to actively engage in full-time study or concessional study and training that is recognized by Centrelink, as well as any approved Australian Apprenticeships.
Breakdown of Payment Amounts
The student’s age and living conditions determine the payment rates. For instance, independent singles aged 22 or over are paid 726.50 fortnightly, in addition to the Energy Supplement and the boost. Other rates apply to those living at home, living independently with children, or who are partnered. These amounts are intended to help with the increased expenses Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students encounter during their studies.
When and How the Boost Applies
From 20 September 2025, the increase will be administered automatically with no further action required from the recipient’s end, provided they are recipients of the ABSTUDY Living Allowance. Boost applicants who are existing recipients are in most cases the focus of Centrelink’s payment upgrades and their bank account will be administered accordingly. This system avoids the need to process applications, granting seamless aid to qualified recipients.
Why This Matters for Indigenous Students
This financial support is indeed important. By providing living support, financial assistance increases access to education. Indigenous students, particularly those in remote areas, have to manage more challenges which include higher costs of living. This increament will ease studen’s financial burdens thereby increases their focus to studies.
ABSTUDY Additional Support and Repayment Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Support Review | Increase requests reviewed case-by-case |
| Advance Payments | Available to assist with upfront costs |
| Repayment | Advances recovered over 13 fortnights by withholding ABSTUDY payments |
| Managing Advances | Students can increase payments to manage advances |
| Additional Assistance | Students needing more help can contact Centrelink |
| Eligibility & Updates | Keep personal details and myGov information current to determine best repayment rates |
| Information Source | Visit Centrelink on Services Australia for detailed payment info and eligibility updates |
| Government Intent | Payment boost from September 2025 reflects support for Indigenous students’ education and social security rights |
