Tertiary Access Payment

It’s a payment of up to $5,000 that we pay in your first year of study.

If you’re from an inner regional area, you’ll get $3,000 in one instalment shortly after you start your course.

If you’re from an outer regional or remote area, you’ll get $5,000 paid in 2 instalments. We pay $3,000 shortly after you start your course, and $2,000 in your next semester.

You can only get the payment once, even if you change your study.

The TAP will be available for Year 12 school-leavers who:

• meet Australian citizenship or residency requirements
• are from an inner regional, outer-regional, remote or very remote area (defined using the Australian Statistical Geography Standard - Remoteness Area classification)
• are undertaking a Certificate IV or above, at least 75 per cent of fulltime study load with a minimum duration of a year, within 12 months following completion of Year 12 (or equivalent).
• are studying face to face, or in dual delivery method, for at least part of the course
• are 22 years of age or under at the time they commence their course
• relocate to study at an education provider or Regional University Centre at least 90 minutes by public transport from their family home
• parent(s) or guardian(s) have a combined income of $250,000 or below (or be exempt from meeting this requirement).

The TAP is unavailable to students who leave school before the end of Year 12 to pursue an apprenticeship.

TAP is not considered ‘income for social security purposes’ and, where relevant, would not affect your eligibility for other income support.