Secondary students not at a secondary school and tertiary students

You can claim ABSTUDY Fares Allowance before your trip. This is if you’re a secondary student at TAFE or a private provider or you’re tertiary student.

If you want to claim before your trip, you 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 you a copy of the itinerary.

What information we need

If you claim before your trip, we’ll need some information including:

  • your personal details, such as your name and address
  • your supervisor's details, if they’re travelling with you
  • the purpose of the travel
  • where you’re travelling to and from
  • preferred travel dates
  • accommodation transfer and excess baggage needs.

Example of a student not at secondary school

Danzel completed Year 10 at a secondary school. He left his secondary school and is now completing his Year 11 and 12 studies at TAFE. This makes Danzel a secondary student not at a secondary school.

Contact numbers available on this page.

Centrelink ABSTUDY line

Use this line if you get or are claiming ABSTUDY – help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and apprentices.

Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm

If your payment has stopped, it may be because we need your parents’ or guardians’ income information. Read more about how they can update their income details online.

If you need help with another student payment call the Youth and Students line.

There are other ways you may want to contact us.

Page last updated: 6 January 2025.
QC 53261