How much is Austudy in 2026?
Austudy · Single, no children
Basic rate per fortnight · $17,607.20 ≈ per year (×26 fortnights)
- Maximum basic rate
- $677.20
- Total per fortnight
- $677.20
Effective 1 January 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia
The current Austudy rate for your situation is shown in the data block and table above. It is paid every two weeks.
That figure is the maximum before the income test. If you earn income over the free area, your payment is lower, though the student Income Bank can soften the effect. The next increase is on 1 January 2027.
Austudy rates in full
| Variant | Base rate | Supplements | Total /fortnight | ≈ per year (×26) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | — | $677.20 | $677.20 | $17,607.20 |
| Single, with children | — | $854.20 | $854.20 | $22,209.20 |
| Partnered, with children | — | $733.20 | $733.20 | $19,063.20 |
| Partnered, no children | — | $677.20 | $677.20 | $17,607.20 |
| Special rate — Single, no children | — | $799.70 | $799.70 | $20,792.20 |
| Special rate — Partnered, no children | — | $733.20 | $733.20 | $19,063.20 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — Austudy — Maximum basic rate · DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026 — Austudy — Maximum basic rate (special rate)
More on Austudy
- Austudy overviewRate, tests and calculator
- Full rate tableEvery variant
- CalculatorEstimate your payment
How much is Austudy: common questions
- How much is Austudy per fortnight?
- The maximum Austudy rate for a single student with no children is $677.20 a fortnight. Students with children and partnered students have their own rates, shown in the table at the top of this page. Your payment can be lower once the income test is applied, though the Income Bank can help if you earn more during a study break.
- What is the difference between Austudy and Youth Allowance?
- Austudy is for students aged 25 or older; Youth Allowance is for those aged 16 to 24. Austudy has no at-home or away-from-home rates and no parental means test, because it is for people who claim as adults. See our Austudy versus Youth Allowance comparison for the detail.
- When does Austudy go up next?
- Austudy is indexed once a year, on 1 January. The next increase is on 1 January 2027. New rates are published just before that date, and this page updates to match.
- Does Austudy have an Income Bank?
- Yes. When you earn less than the income free area, the unused part builds up as an Income Bank credit. You can draw on it later to offset income above the free area, which helps students who work more during holidays. Services Australia tracks your Income Bank balance.
- Is Austudy taxable?
- Yes, Austudy is taxable income and goes in your tax return. Whether you actually pay tax depends on your total income for the year. You can ask Services Australia to take tax out of your payments if you prefer.
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates current as of 1 January 2026. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 17 July 2026.