Changing study load from full-time to part-time or concessional study load for Youth Allowance (YA), Austudy or PES 102-07020020

YA, Austudy and PES students must be undertaking a full-time or concessional study load in an approved course.

If a student reduces their study load from full-time to a part-time or concessional study load, they may no longer be eligible for payment as a student. PES students may still be eligible, but there may be a change to their rate, depending on their study load and qualifying payment.

If the student is unsure whether they are full-time or part-time after their reduction in study load, the student must provide enrolment details for their course so the study load can be assessed.

When a student reduces their study load to less than 75% of the normal amount of full-time study, a Service Officer must assess whether the student remains eligible for Austudy or PES, or for YA (student). Recipients under 22 years of age no longer eligible for YA (student) who still require assistance may remain on YA but will need to register as a job seeker.

If a YA (student) ceases full-time study and wants to receive payment as a job seeker, they must register as a job seeker within 14 days of ceasing study. Failure to notify cessation of study within 14 days will result in cancellation of YA from Student End Date plus one day. If the student does not notify cessation of study within 14 days, payment of YA (job seeker) may only commence from the date the student makes contact with Services Australia to claim for a payment. A debt may be generated for students who fail to notify cessation of studies.

If a YA (student) ceases full-time study to become an Australian Apprentice, refer to Existing customer starts an Australian Apprenticeship.

Due to COVID-19, some students were temporarily unable to study or reduced their study load below full-time. Impacts for students include:

• a sudden transition away from face-to-face learning to online learning
• closure of student accommodation
• cancellation of some units of study
• delays in commencing practical placements

Some students will contact to advise a delay in their practical placement. These students may not know when their placement will begin or end. Service Officers:

• can use estimated dates provided by the customer in these circumstances
• do not have to request documentation from an education provider to confirm placement dates. See below for other evidence requirements
• should tell customers to update their course details when they know more specific details
• are to escalate to level 2 if practical placement will be completed after the course has ceased. See the Resources page for details

Study Requirements

YA and PES students who are unable to study, or with a reduced study load, are still able to meet their study load requirements for Austudy if they:

• had an approved reason, and
• remained enrolled in their course (this includes taking an approved leave of absence), and
• returned, or intended to return to full-time studies or an approved concessional study load in the:
• next available study period, or
• earliest possibility of full-time study
• cannot return to full-time study as they are in the final study period of their course

Approved reasons for reduction in study load

Approved reasons include:

• the student moved from face-to-face to online study and had a lack of available resources. For example, internet access, PC/laptop or specialist equipment
• the student dropped units of study because they failed or would have failed because of transitioning away from face-to-face learning
• education provider cancelled subjects or units, or
• rescheduling of compulsory practical placement

Do not update the Customer Study Details (EDC) screen in Process Direct or the Education Course Details (EDC) in Customer First screen unless the student needs to extend their course and study end dates.

For a student with study circumstances impacted by COVID-19, record details in a DOC. Include:

• why the customer is temporarily unable to study or reduced their study load
• if the student has the intention to return to full-time study or approved concessional study load:
• in the next available study period, or
• the earliest possible instance full-time study becomes available to them again
• if the student cannot return to full-time study, as they are in the final study period of their course

A student does not have an approved reason if they decided to:

• end their study, or
• reduce their study load because their education provider waived a financial or academic penalty

Evidence requirements

Students with a reduced study load due to COVID-19, need to provide evidence from their education provider. This evidence must state they have a reduced study load as a direct result of COVID-19.

Do not request evidence from an education provider if practical placement is delayed due to COVID-19 and the start or end date for placement is unknown.

Update the EDC screen with estimated dates provided by the student.

If a YA (student) or Austudy student reduces their study load due to a temporary incapacity, they may remain on their student payment for the period of their incapacity. See Youth Allowance (YA) student or Australian Apprentice becomes incapacitated or impacted by unforeseen or extreme circumstances or Austudy student or Australian Apprentice becomes incapacitated or impacted by unforeseen or extreme circumstances.

YA (student) partner dies

A YA student whose partner has died is eligible for a full-time study exemption due to bereavement. See Full-time study exemptions for Youth Allowance (student) customers when their partner dies

When making an unfavourable decision, speak to the customer:

• explain the decision
• give them a chance to provide more information, and
• advise their review and appeal rights