The table below explains the requirements per session recognised as a full-time study load for an enrolled student at UTS, or the total effective full-time study load (EFTSL).
| Study Load | Credit Points | Centrelink Benefit - eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time Study Load at 0.5% EFTSL per session for two sessions | 24 credit points (mostly 4 subjects per session if enrolled in two sessions annually @ 6 credit points each). However, you may choose to complete 48 credit points over a full calendar year, which may include subjects in Autumn, Spring and Summer Sessions (Jan to Dec).You will need to provide Centrelink with confirmation of enrolment. For postgraduate students undertaking online degrees, this is 4 subjects in total spread across Sessions 1, 2, and 3, and/or spread across Sessions 4, 5, and 6 | Full-time |
| Reduced Full-time at 0.375% of EFTSL per session for 2 sessions | 18 credit points (mostly 3 subjects per session @ 6 credit points each, if enrolled in two sessions annually). However, you may choose to complete 36 credit points, namely, 75% of EFTSL over a full calendar year, which may include subjects in Autumn, Spring and Summer Sessions (Jan to Dec). You will need to provide Centrelink with confirmation of enrollment that you plan to complete subjects in Summer. For postgraduate students undertaking online degrees, this is 3 subjects in total spread across Sessions 1, 2, and 3, and/or spread across Sessions 4, 5, and 6. | Considered as full-time |
| Part-time | Less than 18 credit points per session | Part-time is defined as less than 75% of a full-time study load. See Centrelink Part-time and Reduced Study load guidelines In the event of illness, injury or course administrative matters, which lead to lower study-loads please see the paragraphs, below and seek advice on your individual case from Centrelink |
You are required to notify Centrelink immediately of any reduction in your EFTSL. If your enrollment falls below 75% EFTSL, Centrelink may request that you repay any benefit already paid to you in the current session - including Start-Up or Relocation Scholarships.
Summer Session credit point recognition
Credit points completed in a Summer Session will count towards the total credit points of either:
- The previous Spring Session if the Census date of the Summer subject you are enrolled in is before year-end (i.e. end December)
OR
- The credit points will be counted towards the following session (i.e. Autumn Session of the next year) if the Census date for the subject you have enrolled in is post-December (i.e. in the next year). This scenario occurs particularly with Summer Session subjects which have block/intense classes starting in January or February of the following year.
Students should request a Centrelink ‘Review’ of the decision to stop their payment if they believe the decision has been based on an incorrect understanding of the Census Date and the number of credit points for that subject.
Less than 75% study load
(for Youth Allowance and Austudy recipients)
Some students are not able to study 75% of the normal full-time study load. An example might be a Bachelor of Communications student who normally enrols in three subjects of eight credit points each to meet a full-time study load requirement of 24 credit points per session.
If the student drops an eight credit point subject in any session, (s)he will be enrolled in only 16 credit points of the full-time 24 credit point load. This is an example of a 66% study load.
Youth Allowance and Austudy students wishing to apply to Centrelink for ongoing student support payments on Less than 75% Study Load will be assessed by Centrelink on an individual basis. Examples include:
- course requirements such as timetable clashes, subject prerequisites not being satisfied or only a reduced load needed to complete the course, or
- academic or vocational reasons as determined by UTS, or
- 'substantial' disability...see paragraph below
You will need a supporting letter from the the Student Administration Unit. Please log an online enquiry via AskUTS.
Reduced study load and substantial disability
If you have a temporary or ongoing disability and you cannot study full-time or complete your course in the minimum time allowed, you may still receive payments conditional to your enrolment in a minimum of 25% of the full-time study load (or one 6 credit point subject). Any application to Centrelink will require formal documentation from specific health-care providers supporting your 'substantial' physical, psychiatric or intellectual disability. Please contact the Accessibility Service or the Counseling Service at UTS Student Services for further assistance.
Part-time study
You should also be aware, that if you are enrolled in less that 75% of the full-time study load (for either 1 session or averaged out over the full year), and you have not successfully applied for the a Reduced Study Load based on a disability or medical condition, you will need to advise Centrelink about any changes to your enrollment as this may affect your payment.
Youth Allowance and Austudy benefits paid out to students who are under-enrolled may become a debt, which you will owe Centrelink and be required to repay.
Please contact Centrelink to arrange a repayment schedule which is affordable to your budget. An additional interest may be charged on larger debts.
Contact Financial Assistance Service at UTS Student Services should you have further questions.
More information
For the latest updates and application information, please see the Centrelink website (opens an external site), and its contact page (opens an external site).