How much is the Pensioner Education Supplement?

It is a flat amount paid every two weeks, with a full-time rate and a lower part-time rate. The rate table at the top of this page shows both. Which one you get depends on your study load.

Who can get the Pensioner Education Supplement?

It is for people who get a qualifying income support payment and are enrolled in an approved course. It is paid on top of your main payment. If you stop getting the qualifying payment or stop studying, the supplement stops.

Is the Pensioner Education Supplement income tested?

The supplement itself is a flat amount and is not reduced a little at a time by its own income test. Your main qualifying payment has its own income test, and you need to keep getting that payment to keep the supplement.

When does the Pensioner Education Supplement go up next?

It is indexed once a year, on 1 January. The next increase is on {{date:nextIndexation:pensioner-education-supplement}}. This page updates to match.

Pensioner Education Supplement rates 2026

Pensioner Education Supplement · Full rate (full-time study)

$62.40/fortnight

Basic rate per fortnight · $1,622.40 ≈ per year (×26 fortnights)

Pensioner Education Supplement: $62.40
Total per fortnight: $62.40

Effective 1 January 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia

Pensioner Education Supplement helps with the ongoing costs of study for people who get certain income support payments and are studying. It is an extra amount on top of your main payment, not a payment you claim on its own. It is paid by Services Australia through Centrelink.

This page explains the Pensioner Education Supplement and shows the full-time and part-time rates. It is indexed once a year, on 1 January, and the next change is on 1 January 2027.

Every number shown for this supplement is taken line by line from the Department of Social Services rates list and checked against the Services Australia payments guide.

Full Pensioner Education Supplement rate table

Pensioner Education Supplement — rates per fortnight
Variant	Base rate	Supplements	Total /fortnight	≈ per year (×26)
Full rate (full-time study)	—	$62.40	$62.40	$1,622.40
Half rate (part-time study)	—	$31.20	$31.20	$811.20

Source: Services Australia, A guide to Australian Government payments (CO029), 1 July 2026 edition — Pensioner Education Supplement

Pensioner Education Supplement is a flat amount paid every two weeks while you study. There is a full-time rate and a lower part-time rate, so how much you get depends on your study load.

The rate table on this page shows both rates. The supplement is the same set amount whichever qualifying payment you are on, as long as you meet the study rules.

What this means

Pensioner Education Supplement is paid every two weeks on top of your main payment while you study. It is meant to help with the regular costs of studying, such as books and travel.

There are two rates. The full-time rate is paid if you are studying full time, and a lower part-time rate is paid if you are studying part time. It is a flat amount, so it is not reduced a little at a time by an income test of its own.

To get the supplement you have to be on a qualifying payment and be enrolled in an approved course. If you stop getting the qualifying payment, or stop studying, the supplement stops too.

Pensioner Education Supplement is indexed once a year, on 1 January. The next increase is on 1 January 2027, and this page updates to match.

Who can get Pensioner Education Supplement

Services Australia assesses Pensioner Education Supplement on whether you get a qualifying payment, such as certain pensions or other income support, and whether you are enrolled in an approved course. Your study load decides whether you get the full-time or part-time rate.

This page explains how the supplement works and shows the rates. It does not decide your claim. For the eligibility rules that apply to your own situation, check the official Pensioner Education Supplement page linked at the top and bottom of this page.

Explore Pensioner Education Supplement

Rates change at indexation. The most recent update is the 1 July 2026 indexation. See the full indexation schedule and payment dates.

Pensioner Education Supplement: common questions

How much is the Pensioner Education Supplement?: It is a flat amount paid every two weeks, with a full-time rate and a lower part-time rate. The rate table at the top of this page shows both. Which one you get depends on your study load.
Who can get the Pensioner Education Supplement?: It is for people who get a qualifying income support payment and are enrolled in an approved course. It is paid on top of your main payment. If you stop getting the qualifying payment or stop studying, the supplement stops.
Is the Pensioner Education Supplement income tested?: The supplement itself is a flat amount and is not reduced a little at a time by its own income test. Your main qualifying payment has its own income test, and you need to keep getting that payment to keep the supplement.
When does the Pensioner Education Supplement go up next?: It is indexed once a year, on 1 January. The next increase is on 1 January 2027. This page updates to match.

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.