9.5.2.7 Course Coverage

A student may receive benefits under the MRCAETS if they are undertaking:

1. general primary or secondary education; or
2. a tertiary course of education or study that would qualify the student for a youth allowance under Part 2.11 of the Social Security Act 1991 (SSA); or
3. a course of tertiary study that would not qualify the student for a youth allowance under Part 2.11 of the SSA, but which:
   1. the Commission considers essential for achievement of the student’s vocational aim; and
   2. no other tertiary course that would qualify the student for a youth allowance under Part 2.11 of the SSA is suitable or available.

Courses that would qualify the student for Youth Allowance 

A student will be eligible to receive education allowances for a full-time course of study if it is a course that would qualify them for youth allowance – this includes courses offered online. Approved courses are those listed in the Student Assistance (Education Institutes and Courses) Determination 2019. https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2009L04345/latest/text

The courses set out in the Determination include: 

Secondary courses, including: 

• Accredited secondary courses through a secondary school or TAFE, higher education institution or special school
• English as a Second Language (ESL) courses
• Preparatory courses for tertiary education 
• School-based apprenticeships or traineeships
• International Baccalaureate
• Tertiary courses, including: 

Pre-vocational courses:

• ESL courses 
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses 
• Associate degrees or diplomas
• Diplomas or advanced diplomas
• Bachelor degrees (including honours) 
• Bridging study for overseas-trained professionals 
• Graduate certificate or diploma courses 
• Masters qualifying courses 
• Approved Masters by coursework programs 
• Combined courses comprised of approved courses specified in Schedule 2 or 3 of the Determination Open learning
• Accelerator programs. 

The Determination includes Schedules listing approved courses. Schedule 2 lists the general types of tertiary courses that are approved (i.e. Bachelor, Masters bridging course). Schedule 3 lists approved ‘Masters’ courses.

Doctorate or PhD level Courses

PhD level courses (with the one exception of Juris doctor courses) are not included as approved tertiary courses in the Determination F. They are not courses that qualify a student for youth allowance and, therefore, a student undertaking these courses will generally not qualify for payments under the Schemes.

The one exception to this is where the Commissions approve a course of study on the basis it is essential to achieve the student’s vocational aim. In such an instance, the student must provide DVA with a letter from the university or study institution stating the course is essential to achieving their vocational aim. In most instances, study at a PhD or Masters level is not considered essential.

Honours Courses

Study at an Honours level is normally considered to be a continuation of an approved Bachelor course. The delegate should confirm that the Honours course offered is a continuation of the Bachelor degree to assist in determining whether education allowance can be paid.

Minimum duration of a course of study

There is no minimum duration for a course of study conducted by an approved institution. 

Courses that do not lead to a tertiary qualification

Generally, post-schooling courses that do not lead to a recognised tertiary qualification are not eligible for support under the schemes. However, in exceptional circumstances where both: 

1. the course is essential for the achievement of the student's vocational aim, and
2. no other course of tertiary study that would qualify the student for a youth allowance under Part 2.11 of the SSA is "suitable or available"

Some consideration may be given to a non-certificate course to maintain eligibility under the MRCAETS. 

In these cases, the Family Policy team should be contacted to investigate whether MRCAETS support may still be appropriate before any decision is made.