ABSTUDY is a government program in Australia that provides financial assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and apprentices to help them with the costs of study or training. Eligibility for ABSTUDY is determined based on certain criteria. The following groups of people may be eligible for ABSTUDY:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are studying or undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship may be eligible for ABSTUDY. This includes primary, secondary, and tertiary students as well as those studying full-time or part-time.
- Secondary students away from home: Secondary students who need to live away from their family home to attend school may be eligible for ABSTUDY. This applies to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and non-Indigenous students.
- Australian Apprentices: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who are undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship may be eligible for ABSTUDY to assist with their living costs.
- Masters or Doctorate students: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking a Masters or Doctorate degree may be eligible for ABSTUDY to support their studies.
- Secondary school students attending an isolated boarding school: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students who need to attend an isolated boarding school due to geographic distance may be eligible for ABSTUDY.
Eligibility for ABSTUDY is also subject to income and asset tests. The specific requirements and eligibility criteria can change over time, so it’s important to check the official Services Australia website or contact Centrelink directly for the most up-to-date information and to determine your eligibility for ABSTUDY.