If the student…

Then they are entitled to…

receives YA, Austudy or PES as a tertiary student for LESS THAN 6 months in a study year,

- one trip to the institution from their permanent home to commence studies, AND

- one trip back to their permanent home after ceasing or discontinuing studies.

receives YA, Austudy or PES as a tertiary student for 6 MONTHS OR MORE in a study year,

- one trip to the institution from their permanent home to commence studies for the academic year,

- one trip back to their permanent home after ceasing or discontinuing studies for the academic year, AND

- one return trip between the institution and their permanent home during the period of the course in the academic year.

Explanation: If an eligible student travels before the 6-month period is reached, they can be reimbursed for the trip once they have been receiving YA, Austudy or PES for 6 months in the study year.

is engaged in a tertiary external course that has a compulsory residential component,

one return trip from their permanent home to the institution and back. A student is eligible for FAA for EACH external course undertaken during a year that requires attendance at the institution for a residential component.

If the student…

Then FAA…

qualifies for a concessional rate for a journey,

will only meet the concessional fare, EVEN if the student paid full fare.

does not qualify for the concessional rate,

the full fare is paid.

- is unable through illness or incapacity to travel by a cheaper mode of travel, OR

- a journey by bus would exceed 18 hours, including waiting time between connections, OR

- a journey by train would exceed 36 hours, including waiting time between connections,

is limited to the next cheapest mode of travel.

The cost of a sleeping berth may be included in the cost of second-class rail travel if it is not possible for the journey to be made by day.

is compelled to make all or part of the journey by taxi or private car, because public transport is unavailable,

is a kilometre rate based on the type of vehicle used.

See SS Guide 3.8.9.30 Determining the FAA Reimbursement for Austudy, PES & YA.

would face rail travel longer than 36 hours, or it is not possible to travel by car or other means of public transport,

provides an economy air fare.

The airfare is only reimbursed if the student actually travelled by air. If the student travelled by rail, the rail fare would be reimbursed.

If other types of transport are used, the student is reimbursed the actual cost of travel.

Example: Ferries.