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.

3.2.7.50 YA study-load - part-time students

Study requirements

Most part-time students would receive YA as a job seeker and are required to meet mutual obligation requirements and undertake other approved activities in addition to their study. However, some students may not have the capacity to undertake 75% of a normal amount of full-time study for reasons beyond their control. In such cases additional activities may not be possible and these students may qualify for YA as a full-time student.

In cases where students withdraw from some subjects, it may be possible for their minimum required study-load to be reduced temporarily to two-thirds (66%) of the normal amount of full-time study. This situation would arise if it was not possible to study 75% of the normal amount of full-time study because of:

  • the institution'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 academic or vocational reasons. This reason may only be applied for the maximum of half an academic year.

Example: Timetable clashes, subject pre requisites not satisfied because of failure or other reasons, subject cancelled or over-enrolled, or a reduced study-load is needed to complete the course.

Assessing whether a person is meeting their required study load (66% of the normal amount of full-time study for the course) in a particular study period will depend upon the circumstances of each case and will depend on matters such as how the course is structured and how enrolments are accepted. The length of a study period may differ from case to case, but it is not necessarily limited to a single semester/trimester. A student undertaking study on a trimester or semester basis may be considered to be meeting their required study load when:

  • the university's normal period of enrolment is a year or equivalent period (whether the units being undertaken are trimester or semester based or annual) and the student maintains their required study load (66% of the normal amount of full-time study for the course) over the year, or
  • the student is enrolled on a trimester or semester basis rather than a full year enrolment and the student maintains their required study load (66% of the normal amount of full-time study for the course) over the trimester or semester.

For YA recipients with a 66% concessional study-load, qualification as a full-time student and access to add-ons is maintained, including the higher income free area and the student income bank (4.2.8.50).

Part-time students do not have access to the add-ons including the higher income free area and the student income bank. Part-time students under 21 years of age may continue with their studies on a part-time basis as part of their EPP (1.1.J.25). Additional activities, such as job search, may be required to meet mutual obligation requirements.

Young people aged under 22 may be unable to meet mutual obligation requirements by undertaking job search activities in their EPP, unless they have completed year 12 or an equivalent qualification (Certificate level III or above). Part-time students over 22 years of age may not be paid YA and must test their eligibility for other income support payments such as JSP.

Act reference: SSAct section 541B(1A) When two-thirds study load applies

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.11.2 Job Plans

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