Approved non-high school secondary study 010-07010110

Secondary level study may be undertaken:

• at a high school or secondary college
• at a Vocational Education and Training (VET) or Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institution
• at a higher education provider
• by distance education or external study
• by home schooling, or
• by a combination of some or all the above

The only requirement in relation to the mode of education Services Australia purposes is that it is an approved course of study at an approved institution. Home schooling may be approved for ABSTUDY, Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Scheme and Youth Allowance (YA) where the relevant State/Territory authority has given specific approval for an individual to study at home. For YA and ABSTUDY students, the authority needs to confirm that this study will be credited towards an accredited secondary qualification. For AIC students, the relevant State/Territory education authority must formally approve the full-time primary or secondary level course as a satisfactory alternative to a State provided education.

All preparatory and similar courses at higher education provider (including universities) or VET institutions are regarded as secondary courses. This includes a bridging course to allow entry to university. Similarly, preparatory (or access) courses at VET institutions such as certificates in general education for adults, other language, literacy and numeracy courses and courses that will allow access to a tertiary level VET course are regarded as secondary courses.

Language, literacy, and numeracy courses provided by correctional institutions and approved by correctional authorities for people in lawful custody are secondary courses for ABSTUDY purposes.

In regards to ABSTUDY, a student undertaking secondary level study at an equivalent overseas approved education provider is considered to be undertaking secondary level study for qualification for ABSTUDY entitlements.