Benalla Ensign

Tertiary access pay eligibilit­y extended

-

More regional and rural students will be able to access funding to help with relocation costs for higher-level tertiary study, following expansion of the Tertiary Access Payment’s (TAP) eligibilit­y to include students in inner regional areas.

The TAP is a one-off payment for school leavers from remote, regional and now inner-regional areas who need to relocate to study at a higher-level tertiary institutio­n, helping more students access further education.

Federal Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the TAP was introduced as a result of the Napthine Review to encourage regional and remote students to undertake higher-level tertiary education.

“This payment will encourage more students to continue their education beyond Year 12, by providing eligible students with the financial boost to help them relocate so they can commence their studies,” Ms McKenzie said.

“Eligible students will be able to access between $3000 to $5000 to assist them with moving. Regional students typically face higher relocation costs than those from the city.

“The TAP gives eligible students the leg up they need to overcome this obstacle.

“The time leading up to finishing high school and beyond can be a stressful period.

“This funding provides students with the reassuranc­e that support is available to make the decision to continue their tertiary education and the cost to do so easier.”

Government Services Minister Linda Reynolds welcomed the announceme­nt that the role of Services Australia would expand to include delivery of TAP to eligible university students.

“Since its initial introducti­on in the 2021 academic year, payments to university students were managed by nominated universiti­es,” Ms Reynolds said.

“Transition­ing the full delivery of this payment over to Services Australia will bring consistenc­y in applicatio­n and better outcomes for prospectiv­e students exploring relocation support.”

Regional students can check their eligibilit­y for TAP through the Services Australia website. ● For more informatio­n, visit www.servicesau­stralia.gov. au/tertiary-access-payment

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia