1.1.M.140 Minimum time (YA, Austudy, PES)

Definition

For the purposes of YA, Austudy and PES, minimum time is:

• the normal minimum time it would take a full-time student to complete a course at pass level, OR
• if the student is currently taking an Honours year, the normal minimum time taken for a full-time student to complete the course at Honours level.

For YA the minimum time is often referred to as 'satisfactory progress'. For Austudy and PES it is commonly referred to as 'allowable time'.

A student doing courses with a normal full-time duration of more than one year can get an additional year or half-year of assistance depending on the type of study undertaken in the additional period.

Students under 21 years of age receiving YA who have reached their satisfactory progress time limits but have not completed their course should be considered for eligibility via a YA EPP as a job seeker - they will need to meet the activity test requirements as a job seeker.

Early school leavers (1.1.E.05) will be required to undertake one or more courses of education or training in order to meet the activity test requirement until they complete Year 12 or an equivalent level of education (Certificate Level II or above) unless they are granted exemption (3.2.11).

Act reference: SSAct section 544DA Youth Allowance Employment Pathway Plans-early school leavers, section 569H(3) Austudy: Allowable study time - full-time students and 66% concessional study-load students, section 1061PI(3) PES: Allowable study time - full-time students and 66% concessional study-load students, section 541B(3A) YA satisfactory progress, section 23(1)-'early school leaver'

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.2.7.110 YA Full-time Students Satisfactory Progress - Study at the Same Level, 3.3.4.70 Austudy & Progress Rules for Tertiary Study, 3.2.11 - Activity Test for NSA/YA Job Seekers - Exemptions

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Last reviewed: 2 November 2009