The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is a one-off support for school-leavers from regional and remote Australia who must relocate to study.
It helps with up-front costs like rent, travel, tech and textbooks in your first year of tertiary education.
Below is a clear, up-to-date guide to the amount, eligibility, and payment dates for 2025—plus how to claim it quickly.
How much you can get in 2025
- Inner regional students: $3,000 (paid as a single lump sum).
- Outer regional, remote or very remote students: $5,000 total (paid in two instalments — $3,000 first, then $2,000 later in the year if you stay eligible).
- The payment is one-off (you can only receive it once).
- It’s designed to help when you move away from home to start full-time study.
Quick reference
| Feature | Inner Regional | Outer Regional / Remote / Very Remote |
|---|---|---|
| Total amount (2025) | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Instalments | 1 x $3,000 | $3,000 first + $2,000 second |
| Purpose | Help with relocation & setup costs | Help with relocation & ongoing costs |
| One-off? | Yes | Yes |
Who is eligible in 2025
You’ll generally qualify if you:
- Are 22 or younger on the day you start your course in 2025.
- Completed Year 12 (or equivalent) and are entering your first year of tertiary study (Certificate IV or higher) at an Australian university, TAFE or registered provider.
- Need to relocate from your family home in an inner regional, outer regional, remote or very remote area to your study location.
- Your study location is at least 90 minutes away by public transport from your family home (or you’re moving to study at a recognised university/study hub that meets the distance rule).
- Are enrolled full-time (normally at least 75% load or an approved concessional load).
- Meet residency rules and the combined parental income is within the current cap (with exemptions if you’re considered independent).
- Took a gap year (or more) after Year 12? As long as you’re still 22 or under when you start in 2025 and meet the other rules, you can still be eligible.
Payment dates & timeline in 2025
- Claim window: You can apply any time from 1 January to 31 December 2025 (it must be your first year of tertiary study).
- First instalment: Released after you confirm your enrolment and relocation with Centrelink (timing depends on when your provider confirms your study).
- Second instalment (outer regional/remote only): Usually paid later in the year if you remain enrolled full-time:
- If you start early in the year (Semester 1, 2025), expect the second instalment around September 2025.
- If you start mid-year (Semester 2, 2025), the second instalment generally falls around March 2026.
Tip: Make sure your term start date, current address, and bank details in myGov/Centrelink are up to date to avoid delays.
How to claim (step-by-step)
- Link Centrelink to myGov and ensure your identity is verified.
- Go to Payments & Claims → Claims → Tertiary Access Payment and start your claim.
- Upload documents: your offer/enrolment evidence, course load, and relocation details (new address, travel proof if asked).
- Submit the claim, then confirm study when your provider finalises enrolment.
- Keep an eye on Messages in myGov for any extra info Centrelink needs.
Key notes for 2025
- One-off: You can’t receive TAP more than once.
- Study load matters: Dropping below the accepted load may affect the second instalment.
- Relocation is essential: If you can reasonably commute under 90 minutes, you may not meet the relocation test.
- Parental income test applies unless you’re independent under Centrelink rules.
The Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment 2025 is targeted help for regional and remote school-leavers who must move to study.
Expect $3,000 if you’re inner regional, or $5,000 in two parts if you’re outer regional/remote.
Focus on the distance rule, age limit, first-year requirement and study load.
Apply between 1 January and 31 December 2025, confirm your enrolment, and keep your details current so your payment dates line up smoothly with your start of study.
FAQs
Is the Tertiary Access Payment taxable?
The TAP is a one-off support payment to help with relocation costs for study. It is not treated like regular income for tax purposes.
Can I get TAP if I study online?
You typically need to relocate to access TAP. Some study hub or blended arrangements can qualify if they meet the distance rule and you’re effectively moving to study.
What if my course load drops below full-time?
If your load falls below the accepted level, you may lose eligibility for the second instalment (for the $5,000 rate). Always tell Centrelink if your enrolment changes.
