Austudy income test 2026
How much you can earn before Austudy reduces, and how fast it tapers above the free area.
| Fortnightly income | Effect on your payment |
|---|---|
| Up to $539 | No reduction (this is the income free area) |
| $539 to $646 | Reduces by 50c for each dollar over $539 |
| $646 and above | Reduces by 60c for each dollar over $646 |
Source: Services Australia, A guide to Australian Government payments (CO029), 1 July 2026 edition — Personal income test for students and Australian Apprentices; thresholds from DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 1 January 2026
| Situation | Payment reduces to nil at |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $1,697.17 /fortnight |
| Single, with children | $1,995.84 /fortnight |
| Partnered, with children | $1,791.67 /fortnight |
| Partnered, no children | $1,697.17 /fortnight |
| Special rate — Single, no children | $1,904 /fortnight |
| Special rate — Partnered, no children | $1,791.67 /fortnight |
| Situation | Partner income free area |
|---|---|
| Partner aged between 22 and Age Pension age | $1,415 /fortnight |
| Partner aged under 22, no children | $1,307 /fortnight |
| Partner aged under 22, with children | $1,402 /fortnight |
Austudy has a personal income free area. You can earn up to that amount each fortnight before your payment reduces. Above the free area, your payment reduces in steps, with a higher taper once your income passes the upper threshold. The exact figures are in the income test table on this page.
The Income Bank lets you store unused free area as a credit and use it later when your income is higher. This is designed to help students who take on more work during holidays.
If you have a partner, their income above the partner income free area can reduce your payment. There is no parental means test for Austudy.
More on Austudy
- Austudy overviewRate, tests and calculator
- Full rate tableEvery variant
- CalculatorEstimate your payment
- Assets testLimits and free areas
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates current as of 1 January 2026. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 17 July 2026.