Changes to study

You must tell us if the student doesn’t start school, leaves school or changes school when getting School Fees Allowance at home rate. There may be penalties.

You can tell us about any changes to study by calling the ABSTUDY line.

If the student doesn’t start school

If we pay School Fees Allowance at home rate but a student doesn’t go to school, you may need to repay the money.

We’ll ask for the money back from either:

  • the school, if we paid the allowance to them
  • you, if we paid the allowance to you.

If the student leaves school

If a student starts studying and then doesn’t finish the year, you don’t need to pay us back.

If the student changes school

If a student changes school during the year, we won’t pay the allowance for the new school.

Schools in some states can transfer unused School Fees Allowance at home rate. This is a voluntary agreement between the schools. You’ll need to discuss this with the school.

Page last updated: 19 May 2023.
QC 52616