For Austudy purposes, full-time study is generally defined as studying at least 75% of the full-time study load for a particular course or program. The specific number of hours considered full-time can vary depending on the educational institution and the requirements of the course or program.
People who are undertaking a substantial study load but who do NOT fit the normal definition of a full-time tertiary student as described in this topic can be considered full-time if they do at least 15 contact hours a week.
Explanation: As the full-time study is a minimum of 20 contact hours per week, a student needs to do only 15 contact hours per week, that is, 75% of a full-time workload, to qualify as a full-time student under Austudy.
In most cases, if you are studying at a university, a full-time study load is typically around 75 credit points per year or approximately 18-24 credit points per semester. However, it’s important to note that credit points and course loads can differ between universities and educational programs.
For vocational education and training (VET) courses, full-time study may be based on the number of hours required to complete the program within a specific timeframe. The specific requirements can vary depending on the duration and structure of the course or program.
To determine the full-time study load for your specific course or program, it’s best to consult with your educational institution. They will be able to provide you with the exact credit point or hour requirements for full-time study.
It’s important to meet the full-time study requirements to maintain your eligibility for Austudy payments. If you are unsure about whether your study load meets the criteria for full-time study, you can also contact Centrelink or visit the official Services Australia website for further clarification and guidance.