Heads up, regional and remote Aussie students: The $5,590 Relocation Scholarship 2025 is 100% legit—it’s a government-backed payment from Centrelink to cover moving costs when you head off to study full-time. No scams here; it’s designed for those ditching home for uni or TAFE in a bigger spot. But amounts drop after year one, and rules are strict—keep reading for the full scoop on who gets it, how to snag yours, and tips to avoid mix-ups.
If you’re from the bush or outback and eyeing a degree far from home, this scholarship could ease the wallet hit of packing up. Backed by Services Australia, it’s paid once a year to help with rent, travel, or setup costs. Wondering if it’s for you? We’ve got the easy breakdown below.
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Tens of thousands qualify each year, but spots aren’t endless. Ready to see the details?
What Is the $5,590 Relocation Scholarship 2025?
Relocation Scholarship 2025 is a one-time yearly payment from Centrelink (Services Australia) for students from regional or remote areas who must move to chase higher education. It’s not a full ride—think of it as moving cash to offset the shock of leaving home for uni, TAFE, or an approved course.
Launched to tackle barriers for country kids, it pairs with Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY. In 2025, the headline grab is $5,590 for your first year away, but it tapers off later. No loans here; it’s a grant you don’t repay.
Key Benefits: Why It’s a Game-Changer for Regional Students
This isn’t pocket change—it’s real relief for the extra costs of relocating:
- Covers Big Moves: Up to $5,590 upfront for first-year rent, flights, or furniture in year one.
- Yearly Boost: Keeps coming (at lower rates) as long as you study full-time.
- No Strings on Spending: Use it for housing, transport, or books—your call.
- Pairs with Other Aid: Stack it on top of Youth Allowance for a fuller safety net.
- Equity Win: Levels the field for remote Aussies facing 20-30% higher travel costs to study.
Bottom line: It could save you thousands, letting you focus on lectures, not loans.
Eligibility: Do You Qualify? Simple Check
Not everyone scores it—Centrelink checks a few boxes. Here’s the quick rundown:
You need:
- To get Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY Living Allowance (or qualify for it).
- Full-time study in an approved higher ed course (uni, TAFE, etc.).
- Family home (or your usual spot if independent) in a regional/remote area per the ASGS map.
- To live away from home for the course—no commuting from nearby.
- Under 22 if dependent, or meet independence rules if older.
Quick tool: Use Services Australia’s Student Regional Area Search to confirm your postcode’s status.
| Situation | Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| From regional/remote home, moving to city for uni | Yes | Full amount if first year. |
| From major city, studying away | No | Must start in regional/remote. |
| Part-time study or online-only | No | Full-time in-person required. |
| Already got it before? | Maybe | Lower rate in later years. |
If you’re close, chat with Centrelink—they assess case-by-case.
Current Status: What’s Happening in 2025
As of October 2025, the program’s live and paying out for the 2025 academic year. Rates kicked in January 1, 2025, with no big changes from 2024. Applications roll with your Youth Allowance claim—most get assessed automatically if you report your move.
Payouts hit once a year, often around course start (Feb/March or July). If you’re mid-year, you might grab a partial. Check your myGov account for updates; delays can happen with high demand from 50,000+ regional students.
Fact Check: Is This Real or a Hoax?
Verdict: Totally Real. This ain’t some viral scam—it’s straight from Services Australia, indexed yearly for inflation (up from $5,200 in 2024). No “apply now for $5,590 free cash” ads? That’s a red flag for fakes. Official sources like dss.gov.au confirm rates and rules—no fees, no shady links.
Watch for: Fake sites promising “easy $5,590” via email. Always go through myGov or Centrelink offices. We’ve cross-checked with gov guides—100% legit since 2001.
How to Apply for $5,590 Relocation Scholarship 2025?
No separate form—it’s baked into your Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY app. Easy as:
- Check your eligibility for the scholarship by reviewing the Services Australia criteria (must be moving to/from a regional/remote area to study and receive Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY).
- Apply for Youth Allowance (as a student) or ABSTUDY Living Allowance through the Services Australia website or app.
- Provide accurate details of your family home and place of study in your Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY application.
- Wait for automatic assessment of the Relocation Scholarship after your student allowance is approved; no separate application is typically needed.
- If doing a regional placement, download and submit the Verification of Campus form to Services Australia.
- If you are deemed eligible, the scholarship lump sum payment will be made at the beginning of the academic year.
- If your circumstances change (e.g., move to a different area), notify Services Australia immediately to trigger a re-assessment.
Pro tip: Apply early (before semester starts) to beat queues. Toll-free help: 132 490.
Common FAQs
A: Nope—drops to $2,795 (regional) or $1,396 (other). First year only for the big hit.
A: You might lose it—must stay away full-time for the course.
A: No, it’s a non-taxable grant like other student aid.
A: Just the student—no extras for parents.