Assessing eligibility for the 66% concessional study load for Austudy 010-04050040

One of the eligibility criteria for Austudy is that a customer needs to be undertaking a full-time student load in an approved course of study. A customer will be considered to be full-time if they are enrolled in at least 75% of the normal amount of full-time study in the course.

Under certain circumstances an Austudy customer can meet the full time study requirement as a 66% concessional study load student. This would happen where they are studying at least two thirds of the normal amount of full-time study and the reduced study load is as the result of institutional requirements. In some cases this concession may only be granted for half an academic year.

Secondary or tertiary students seeking Austudy under the two-thirds concessional study load rule must be studying the reduced study load temporarily because of one of the following reasons:

• The education provider's normal requirements for the course
• A specific direction in writing from the academic registrar or equivalent officer, or
• A recommendation in writing from the academic registrar or equivalent officer for vocational or academic reasons. There is no need for a reason to be given for this recommendation. Note: the concession can only be granted for a period of up to half an academic year for this reason

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