Abstudy
Abstudy is the Aboriginal Study Assistance Scheme.
Abstudy payment consists of a fortnightly living allowance as well as additional components to help with the costs associated with attending university.
Eligibility
You must meet three main conditions to receive Abstudy:
1) Aboriginality
You must be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. For ABSTUDY, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is someone who is of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; and identifies as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; and is accepted as such by the community in which she/he lives or has lived.
2) Studying an approved program
You must be enrolled in and studying an approved program to receive ABSTUDY. All Wilto Yerlo, CASM and the University of Adelaide programs are approved ABSTUDY programs.
3) Not receiving any other government assistance to study
You cannot receive other government payments while you receive ABSTUDY, except if you are a pensioner. There are exceptions for some scholarships so see a Wilto Yerlo Student Support Officer for details.
If you are proposing to receive other assistance for training and education and need advice about ABSTUDY entitlements, contact Centrelink. They can help you decide which payment will benefit you the most.
ABSTUDY Services
Living Allowance is for full-time students. The living allowance rate varies depending on whether ABSTUDY considers you to be a dependant or independent student.
Incidentals Allowance helps pay for books and student union fees at the beginning of the year.
Fares Allowance may be paid to help students travel between their permanent home and place of study.
Rent Assistance is to help with the cost of accommodation when studying.
Further Information
More information about ABSTUDY can be found at
Wilto Yerlo Student Support:
Phone: (08) 8303 3623; Fax: (08) 83034396
Freecall Wilto Yerlo:
Phone: 1800 651 763; Fax: 1800 359 573
