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 7 weeks notice before your trip. If you’re applying for compassionate travel less than 7 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 10 days notice.

If you’re applying for compassionate travel less than 10 days away, please give as much notice as possible.

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