Greater access to tertiary education for regional and rural students through TAP

More regional and rural students will be able to access funding to help with relocation costs for higher level tertiary study, following expansion of the Tertiary Access Payment’s (TAP) eligibility to include students in inner regional areas.

The TAP is a one-off payment for school leavers from remote, regional and now inner regional areas who need to relocate to study at a higher level tertiary institution, helping more students access further education.

Introduced as a result of the Napthine Review, the Government hopes the TAP will encourage regional and remote students to undertake higher level tertiary education, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Bridget McKenzie said. 

“This payment will encourage more students to continue their education beyond Year 12, by providing eligible students with the financial boost to help them relocate so they can commence their studies. Eligible students will be able to access between $3,000 to $5,000 to assist them with moving,” the Minister added.

“Regional students typically face higher relocation costs than those from the city. The TAP gives eligible students the leg up they need to overcome this obstacle.

Acknowledging that the time leading up to finishing high school and beyond can be a stressful period for families, the Minister hopes that this funding provides students with the reassurance that support is available to make the decision to continue their tertiary education and the cost to do so easier.

Regional students can check their eligibility for TAP through the Services Australia website. Applications opened 1 January 2022. For more information, visit Services Australia.