Centrelink · Student pathway

Youth Allowance vs Austudy Payment Finder

Choose the likely first student-payment pathway before working through income, assets, course and residence tests.

Youth AllowanceAustudyABSTUDY
01 —SITUATION

This is a pathway screen, not an eligibility decision. Residence, course, independence, income and assets tests still apply.

02 —START HERE
Likely first checkCheck Youth Allowance

Students and Australian Apprentices aged 16 to 24 generally start with Youth Allowance, subject to study, independence, residence and means tests.

Check Youth Allowance

Services Australia makes the final eligibility decision. This tool deliberately does not estimate ABSTUDY because rates and components depend on course, residence and personal circumstances.

What this estimate includes

  • Screens the usual age and study pathway without pretending to make an eligibility decision.
  • Includes a dedicated ABSTUDY branch.
  • Links directly to the relevant calculator or Services Australia page.
  • Leaves residence, independence, means and course tests to the official assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Is Youth Allowance or Austudy based only on age?
No. Age selects the usual starting pathway, but study load, course, apprenticeship, independence, residence, income and assets rules also apply.
What happens at age 25?
A new full-time student or apprentice claim generally moves from the Youth Allowance pathway to Austudy. If you already receive Youth Allowance, you may stay on it after turning 25 until you finish the same course or apprenticeship.
Should Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students check ABSTUDY?
Yes. Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and apprentices should check ABSTUDY first because it has dedicated components and rules.
Does the finder estimate a payment rate?
No. It selects the first payment pathway to investigate. Use the linked calculator or Services Australia claim process for the means-tested estimate.

Tax Accuracy & Sources

Reviewed: 28 July 2026 · Tax year: Current Services Australia pathways, checked 28 July 2026

Pathway screening only. Services Australia decides eligibility after applying residence, age, course, study-load, apprenticeship, independence, income, assets and waiting-period rules.

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