Purpose
The Accommodation Allowance for Tertiary Students (AATS) scheme provides financial support to students who must live away from their usual Tasmanian home in order to study at a tertiary institution. The allowance is generally only available to students who are studying full-time at approved tertiary institutions within Tasmania but may also, in particular circumstances, be paid to students studying interstate and overseas. A new application form is required each year.
Eligibility
An accommodation allowance is payable to students enrolled at a tertiary institution undertaking full-time undergraduate studies (including Honours) at a University who, because of the distance between their normal residence in Tasmania and the closest tertiary establishment offering their chosen course of study, are required to utilise closer alternative accommodation. The distance used in determining eligibility is 40 kilometres. Students who are living at or near their normal home are not eligible for the allowance. Other conditions apply and these are included in the ‘Guidelines and Eligibility Conditions’ for the scheme which is attached to the application form.
The scheme is extended to cover Tasmanian students enrolled in interstate institutions if the course is not available in Tasmania.
This allowance is only available for students whose parents/guardians are permanent residents of Tasmania.
A means test applies for all applicants.
Recipient(s)
The student.
Benefits
For all eligible students the allowance is $1,050. Pro-rata grants apply for students who become eligible for Centrelink after the start of their course.
Means Test
The means test is based on a student’s eligibility to receive Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY or another equivalent Commonwealth Government allowance or education supplement.
Applicants who are not able to meet the means test may be eligible under the special family provisions of the scheme if the family has three or more dependent students living away from home to undertake tertiary education.
Payment Frequency
Four times a year: 26 March, 7 May, 6 August and 1 October.
Further Information
Please see the application form [PDF 192 KB] for the Accommodation Allowance for Tertiary Students (AATS) Scheme which includes the ‘Eligibility Conditions’ for the scheme.
Application forms are available from all senior secondary schools and colleges, tertiary institutions, the Department of Education, Service Tasmania shops and Centrelink Offices within Tasmania.
Enquiries
For further information contact:
BSS Service Centre
Department of Education
GPO Box 169
HOBART 7001
Telephone: 1800 816 057
Facsimile: (03) 6233 6520
Email: FAU@education.tas.gov.au
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Student Financial Assistance