studylink
support for students while they study
applying online for first-time students
Young people in an approved course and exiting Youth Service can apply online for StudyLink assistance as early as they can to help get their payments on time.
Not a first-time student
The young person can complete a returning application.
eligibility test
The application process starts with the eligibility test which tells the young person what they may get. Based on their answers in the eligibility test, they may be eligible for assistance while studying.
Student Loan
A Student Loan helps to pay for compulsory course fees (fees charged by the education provider), course-related costs (eg, books, computer, travel) and living costs, but this will need to be paid back.
If they're applying for Student Loan for course fees, they may qualify for fees-free study.
Student Allowance
A Student Allowance is a weekly payment that can help with their living expenses while they're studying. The Student Allowance is similar to the Student Loan living costs, but they don’t have to pay it back.
If the young person is eligible for the Student Allowance only, depending on their situation, they may be able to continue in Youth Service or exit and transfer over to StudyLink.
Jobseeker Support Student Hardship
Jobseeker Support Student Hardship is a weekly payment to help young people with their living expenses during a study break of more than 3 weeks.
Extra Help
While receiving assistance from Studylink, they may be able to help with other costs for things like accommodation, childcare or health and disability.
application form, evidence and supporting documents
Once the eligibility test is complete, the answers will transfer over to an application form. The young person will need to complete a few more details before they can submit the application, e.g. IR number and bank account details.
StudyLink will advise the young person on what documents they need to provide for their application such as a copy of a birth certificate or passport, or bank statement to confirm their bank account details.
Fastest way to get evidence to StudyLink is via Connect
If a young person is applying for StudyLink support, they may ask for some evidential documents or information. The young person can get their evidence or information to StudyLink faster in 3 easy steps by uploading it online using the secure Connect service. Young people can scan their documents or take photos on smart phones or iPads, then upload their documents easily.
Evidence or information sent via Connect could be with StudyLink within a few hours and young people can see when StudyLink have received their information by checking their MyStudyLink account.
student allowance (only) for young people still in youth service
Before continuing with the application, StudyLink will contact YSSU who will contact you via ART note for confirmation on whether to approve or decline the application.
You will need to discuss the situation with the young person and decide on the best option for them.
Age out and six months in Youth Service
If the young person's payments have stopped (or are due to stop) because they have aged out of youth service and completed the minimum six months of receiving payments, they can:
- choose to continue in youth service, or
- exit and transition over to StudyLink
Continuing in Youth Service
If the young person has already chosen to continue in youth service and they're part way through their course or their course is due to end, they can:
- continue in youth service until course ends or their payments stop (which depends on the activity they're in), or
- exit and transition over to StudyLink
Outcome
Once a decision has been made, you will need to place a note on the young person's ART record. YSSU will check the ART record and notify StudyLink of the outcome.
Young person wants to transition over to StudyLink
If the young person wants to continue with their application for Student Allowance, YSSU will notify StudyLink and they will cancel their youth service payments and finalise the application.
StudyLink will advise the young person of the outcome.