Commonwealth Scholarships
The current Commonwealth Scholarships scheme, including Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships and Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships, will be replaced in 2010 with two new scholarships.
No application is required for either new scholarship - the allowance will be paid directly to all eligible students through Centrelink.
Please note: the delivery of Commonwealth Scholarships to indigenous students will continue to be administered by the University.
Student Start-Up Scholarship
From 1 January 2010, all university students receiving income support will be entitled to an annual Student Start-up Scholarship of $2254 in 2010 and indexed thereafter. This will include university students who are assisted under veterans’ schemes.
Student Income Support-Relocation Scholarship
From 1 January 2010, university students receiving Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY who have to live away from the family home for study will be assisted by a Relocation Scholarship. This will be available to dependent students living away from home as well as independent students who are disadvantaged by personal circumstances. The Relocation Scholarship will provide $4000 for students in their first year at university and $1000 in each year thereafter and will be indexed. It will replace the Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship (CAS) for new students.
Fact sheets for students on both Scholarships are available at: www.deewr.gov.au/youthallowance The site contains basic eligibility information and access to a Student Assistance Estimator which will help students to test their eligibility for Youth Allowance. The site will be updated subject to the passage of legislation. Students may also contact Centrelink by phone on 13 24 90.