Primary and secondary school students

If you’re staying at a boarding school or hostel

To claim before your trip, your parents or guardians must tell your boarding school or hostel about your travel needs.

You’ll also need a Safe Travel Plan if you’re under 18. Ask your school about putting a plan in place. There’s guidelines and a template on the Department of Social Services website.

Your boarding school or hostel will then tell us about your travel needs. We’ll:

1. confirm you have a Safe Travel Plan if you’re under 18
2. book the trip for you
3. give your boarding school or hostel a copy of your itinerary to give to you.

You must give us at least 6 weeks notice before your trip. If you’re applying for compassionate travel less than 6 weeks away, please give as much notice as possible.

If you’re staying in a private boarding arrangement

If you want to claim before your trip, you or your parent or guardian must call the ABSTUDY line. You must give us at least 7 days notice.

If you’re applying for compassionate travel less than 7 days away, please give as much notice as possible.

We’ll give a copy of the itinerary to whoever requests the travel.