Tertiary Access Payment (TAP)

Did you finish Year 12 in 2022, and are you considering a move from regional or remote Australia to continue your studies? You might be eligible for a payment starting from $3,000 up to $5,000 from the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP).

About the TAP

Moving away from home can be expensive and the TAP helps ease the costs for eligible school leavers moving to study. The TAP can help pay for things like rent or bond for accommodation, household bills, groceries, textbooks, or other study supplies.

The Tertiary Access Payment is a payment of $3,000 or $5,000. How much you can get depends on where your family home is located.

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 a full-time study load with a minimum duration of one academic year, in the year 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.

Visit Services Australia to read the full list of eligibility criteria and read the program guidelines.

Students apply through Services Australia from 1 January 2023 at Services Australia.

Students apply through Services Australia from 1 January 2022 at Services Australia.

Visit Services Australia to read the full list of eligibility criteria and read the program guidelines.