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.
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Senator the Hon 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. Eligible students will be able to access between $3000 to $5000 to assist them with moving,” Minister McKenzie said.
“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.”
Minister for Government Services Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC 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,” Minister 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. Applications will open from 1 January 2022.
