In 2025, rumours spread quickly online that Centrelink was paying every Australian a one-off $3,000 bonus. Social media posts claimed that pensioners, job seekers, and families would automatically receive this cash support. While the story gained traction, the truth is more specific: the $3,000 payment is not universal. It refers to the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP), a Centrelink-administered grant designed to help eligible students relocate for higher education.
This distinction is important because many Australians who heard the rumour expected money they will not receive. Let’s break down exactly what the TAP payment is, who qualifies, and how it works in 2025.
What Is the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP)?
The TAP is a government initiative that supports students from regional or remote areas who need to move closer to universities or vocational institutions to continue their studies. The goal is to ease the financial burden of relocation by providing a one-off payment of up to $5,000, though many students receive the initial $3,000 payment in their first year.
Administered by Centrelink, the TAP recognises the unique challenges faced by rural students who often must move away from home to access further education.
Why Did People Think It Was Universal?
Confusion came from how the payment was described online. Some posts framed the TAP as a “Centrelink $3,000 bonus for everyone” without specifying it was limited to students. Because Centrelink manages multiple types of benefits—including Age Pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, and Child Care Subsidies—many assumed the payment applied broadly.
This misunderstanding has led to false expectations. The reality is clear: only eligible students relocating for study can access the payment.
Who Qualifies for the $3,000 TAP in 2025?
Eligibility criteria are specific. To qualify, students must:
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Be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
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Have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) in the previous year.
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Be aged between 17 and 22 in their first year of tertiary study.
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Enrol in a recognised tertiary course at least 75% full-time.
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Move from a regional or remote home location to study at a university, TAFE, or other approved institution.
Notably, students living in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane do not qualify unless they are relocating from an eligible regional area.
How Much Is Paid and When?
The TAP payment structure in 2025 is:
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$3,000 paid in the first year of study (usually soon after enrolment confirmation).
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An additional $2,000 may be paid later in the year, depending on circumstances.
This means students could receive up to $5,000 in total, though the widely discussed $3,000 refers to the first instalment.
Payments are made directly into the student’s bank account through Centrelink once eligibility is confirmed.
How to Apply for TAP
Applications are handled online through Services Australia (Centrelink). Students must:
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Create or log into their myGov account linked with Centrelink.
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Provide personal and educational details, including proof of enrolment.
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Submit documents proving residency in a regional/remote area.
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Confirm their relocation for study purposes.
Once approved, payments are typically made within weeks of the academic year starting.
Why the TAP Matters
The cost of relocating for study can be overwhelming for regional students. Rent deposits, transport costs, and setup expenses for living away from home often stretch family budgets. The TAP provides immediate financial relief, ensuring rural students have a fairer chance at accessing higher education opportunities.
It also supports broader national goals of improving education access, reducing inequality, and encouraging more young people from regional backgrounds to complete tertiary qualifications.
Who Does NOT Qualify?
To be clear, the TAP does not apply to:
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Pensioners or retirees.
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JobSeeker or unemployment benefit recipients.
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Families already living in cities near tertiary institutions.
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Students studying less than 75% of a full-time load.
This has been a major source of misunderstanding in 2025. Many Australians expected a general $3,000 Centrelink payout, but the TAP is only for specific student groups.
Other Student Supports in 2025
Alongside TAP, Centrelink provides several other programs for students, including:
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Youth Allowance for students and apprentices.
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Austudy for older students.
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Relocation Scholarships for eligible students moving away from home.
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Student Start-up Loan, an optional loan to help with study costs.
Together, these programs form a wider safety net, with TAP providing the largest one-off relocation boost.
Final Word
The $3,000 Centrelink payment making headlines in 2025 is not a universal benefit. Instead, it refers specifically to the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP). Only eligible young people moving from regional or remote areas to begin tertiary studies can claim it.
For Australians outside this group, there are no $3,000 Centrelink bonuses in 2025. However, other benefits and support programs remain available through Centrelink to help households manage costs.
FAQs
What is the $3,000 Centrelink payment in 2025?
It is the Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) for eligible students relocating from regional areas to study.
Who qualifies for the TAP?
Students aged 17–22, who finished Year 12 the previous year, and are moving from regional/remote areas to study full-time.
How much is the TAP payment?
Most receive $3,000 in their first year, with a possible additional $2,000 later.
Is the $3,000 payment for pensioners or job seekers?
No. It is only for students under the TAP scheme.
How do I apply?
Applications are made through myGov linked to Centrelink, with proof of enrolment and relocation.
Click here to know more.