Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is a type of one-time financial aid aimed at helping students from remote and rural areas of Australia to enrol in university or other higher education institutions.
This payment can be up to $5,000, and can be used to cover the expenses of students relocating to study. If you are starting your higher education in 2025, you must apply before 31 December 2025 to receive this payment.
This initiative is specifically designed to reduce the education gap between urban and rural students, so that access to higher education is not hindered due to financial constraints.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for TAP, students must meet the following requirements:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Recent Year 12 Completion | Must have completed Year 12 or equivalent in the last 12 months. |
| Regional or Remote Residency | Must be from a regional or remote area and relocate 90+ minutes by public transport to study. |
| First-Year Tertiary Student | Must be enrolled in a Certificate IV or higher and in their first year of study. |
| Age Requirement | Must be 22 years or younger when starting tertiary education. |
| Parental Income Limit | Combined parental/guardian income must be below $250,000. |
Payment Amount
The amount students receive depends on their home location:
| Home Location | Payment Amount | Disbursement |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Regional Areas | $3,000 | One-time lump sum in the first half of the study year. |
| Outer Regional/Remote | $5,000 | Two installments: $3,000 initially, $2,000 later. |
Before payment is processed, the government verifies enrollment status. If a student is no longer enrolled, the payment will not be issued.
Receiving TAP
Students can receive TAP alongside other government payment schemes such as:
- Youth Allowance
- ABSTUDY
- Relocation Scholarship
However, if a student’s total amount, including any equity or merit-based scholarships, exceeds $9,724, it may affect other payments.
Application Process
Students eligible for this payment must apply for TAP through Services Australia before 31 December 2025. The application process is simple, but students should prepare the following documents in advance for the application:
- Proof of income (parent/guardian)
- Proof of residence
- Enrolment details
Preparing in advance will help ease the application process and receive funding on time.
Regional Students
Statistics show that participation in higher education in rural areas is much lower than in urban areas. Around 50% of 25-34 year old in urban areas are degree holders, while in rural areas this number is just over 20%.
TAP bridges this gap and opens up higher education to more students in the rural areas.
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Encouraging Higher Education in Regional Areas
TAP reduces relocation costs
- It encourages rural students to pursue higher education
- It offers instant relief from financial burdens
- It shows that the government is interested in the educational ambitions of the students
Eligible students should apply early to benefit from this crucial financial aid.
FAQs:-
What is the Centrelink $5,000 cash payment?
The Centrelink $5,000 cash payment is a financial aid available to eligible Australians, designed to provide support in 2025 for various needs.
Who is eligible for the Centrelink $5,000 payment?
Australians who meet certain income, residency, and other criteria set by Centrelink can apply for this cash payment.
What is the deadline to apply for the Centrelink $5,000 payment?
The last date to apply for the Centrelink $5,000 cash payment in 2025 is December 31.