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13.2.5 Course Coverage

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13.2.5 Course Coverage

See paragraph 2.7 of the Instruments

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

(a) general primary or secondary education; or

(b) 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

(c) a course of tertiary study that would not qualify the student for a youth allowance under Part 2.11 of the SSA, but which:

(i) the Commission considers essential for achievement of the student’s vocational aim; and

(ii) no other tertiary course that would qualify the student for a youth allowance under Part 2.11 of the SSA.

This study must be undertaken on a full time basis.

Note: On 6 May 2014, the Commissions noted that Apprentices and Trainees meet the eligibility criteria for an eligible child under the VEA and eligible young person under the MRCA and consequently approved the inclusion of apprenticeships and traineeships under the VCES and MRCAETS.

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. Section 10 of the Student Assistance (Education Institutions and Courses) Determination 2009 (No.2) contains a list of courses that are approved courses – that is courses that will qualify a student to receive youth allowance.

The document has several Schedules attached that are relevant to VCES and MRCAETS. Schedule 2 lists the general types of courses that are approved (ie, Bachelor, Masters bridging course). Schedule 3 lists Masters courses that are also considered tertiary courses.

PhD level courses (with the one exception of Juris doctor courses) are not included as approved tertiary courses in the Student Assistance (Education Institutions and Courses) Determination 2009 (No.2). They are not courses that qualify a student for youth allowance and, therefore, a student undertaking these courses will 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.

The following websites may be useful in determining accredited higher education institutions and courses (including TAFE courses) http://cricos.education.gov.au/

Honours Courses

Study at an Honours level is normally considered to be a continuation of an approved course, but this varies from university to university. The delegate will therefore confirm with the University that the Honours course offered is a continuation of the Bachelors degree to assist in determining whether education allowance can be paid.