Financial Assistance

If you are seeking financial assistance to help you while you study, you may be eligible under a range of government programs.

Austudy and Abstudy

Austudy and Abstudy are forms of government financial assistance that provide fortnightly payments to eligible students enrolled to study in approved courses.

Many Open Colleges (formerly Cengage Education) courses are Austudy- and Abstudy-approved. You will need to apply directly to your Centrelink or Job Service Agency office to receive these benefits. They'll also be able to provide you with details on eligibility requirements.

Education Entry Payment

The Education Entry Payment is a taxable payment of $208 that is available to students enrolling in an approved education course.

Those eligible for the Education Entry Payment include anyone receiving income support for 12 months, such as Newstart Allowance, Parenting Payment, Partner Allowance, Widow Allowance or Youth Allowance, who has not already received the Education Entry Payment in the last 12 months.

For further information, visit the Centrelink website, or call one of our course advisors on 1300 853 033.

Pensioner Education Supplement

The Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) is a tax-free payment of up to $62.40 per fortnight to help you with the costs of full-time or part-time study.

You may be eligible for assistance if you are enrolled in an approved course and currently receive a Youth Allowance, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment or Newstart Allowance.

For further information, visit the Centrelink website, or call one of our course advisors on 1300 853 033.

For further information regarding available courses, eligibility and how to obtain a Parents Returning to Earning grant, contact one of our course and careers advisors on 1300 853 033 or send us an email. You can also learn more about the program by visiting the Parents Returning to Earning website at www.returningtoearning.com.au.

More grants for this program will be made available later in the year. Please check back regularly for further information.

Aged Care Education & Training Incentive Program

Under the Aged Care Education & Training Incentive Program, aged care workers may be eligible for a $500 incentive payment upon enrolling in an eligible course and a further $500 upon successful completion. Eligible courses include the Certificate III in Aged Care, Certificate IV in Aged Care, Certificate III in Home & Community Care, Certificate IV in Home & Community Care and Certificate IV in Frontline Management. For further information about the program, visit www.health.gov.au/aceti.

More Help for Mature Age Workers

If you have mature age employees (50+) with trade experience but no formal qualifications, you may be able to have their skills assessed and training for any gaps to help them get their skills formally recognised. This program provides up to $4400 (GST inclusive) per eligible worker for skills assessments and gap training (if needed), leading to a nationally recognised qualification. To register your interest, please email your contact information to experience@deewr.gov.au. For more information and assistance, call 13 17 64 or visit www.deewr.gov.au/experienceplus.