The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.2.7.150 Relocation scholarship - description

Objective/s of relocation scholarship

The relocation scholarship assists students from regional areas and metropolitan students studying at a regional campus who have to live away from home to study, with the cost of establishing new accommodation in order to attend university. The objective of the relocation scholarship is to remove financial barriers to the educational participation of students from low socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds, particularly those from regional and remote areas and Indigenous students.

How relocation scholarship is paid

The relocation scholarship is payable as a lump sum payment on commencement of the course and each year thereafter that the student continues to qualify while undertaking the course.

Background to relocation scholarship

Relocation scholarship became a payment under the SSAct from 1 April 2010. It replaced the Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship (CAS) for new students, while existing CAS recipients are 'grandfathered'.

From 1 January 2015, only students relocating from or to regional areas remain eligible for the relocation scholarship. Students relocating within major cities are no longer eligible for the relocation scholarship.

Act reference: SSAct section 592J Qualification for relocation scholarship payment

Social Security (Approved Scholarship Courses) Determination 2020

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.8.15 Relocation scholarship - qualification & payability, 5.1.7.40 Relocation scholarship - current rates

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