Centrelink Information for Students Enrolling in Winter Term
Centrelink implications of the Winter Term
For students receiving Centrelink payments, the following information provides a broad overview of the implications of the Winter Term and potential study patterns. This information should be considered as a guide only and students should address specific enquiries to the Student Centre or directly with Centrelink.
Centrelink policy allows for a student to be considered as studying full-time based on at least 75% of the full-time load (generally six or more units of study across the year if the student has enrolled in a year’s workload). However, advice received from Centrelink indicates there may be some uncertainty as to how their systems may define a full-time student based on enrolments in the Winter Term. Students should check their circumstances with Centrelink and may appeal the decision directly with Centrelink if they meet the definition of a full-time student but payment is declined.
Please note the following examples. Each 3 credit point unit is equal to 0.125 EFTSL (Equivalent Full Time Student Load):
| Example | Semester 1 | Winter Term | Semester 2 | Total | Eligible | Comment |
| 1 | 0.375 EFTSL (3 units) | - | 0.375 EFTSL (3 units) | 0.750 EFTSL (6 units) | Yes | Eligible as full-time student for full year. |
| 2 | 0.500 EFTSL (4 units) | 0.375 EFTSL (3 units) | - | 0.875 EFTSL (7 units) | No | Despite meeting the full-time workload requirements for the year, Centrelink have indicated that students with this study pattern would cease to be eligible from the end of the Winter Term. Students in this situation may wish to appeal this decision with Centrelink. |
| 3 | 0.500 EFTSL (4 units) | 0.250 EFTSL (2 units) | - | 0.750 EFTSL (6 units) | No | As above. |
| 4 | 0.375 EFTSL (3 units) | 0.250 EFTSL (2 units) | 0.125 EFTSL (1 unit) | 0.750 EFTSL (6 units) | Yes | Eligible as full-time student for full year. |
| 5 | 0.250 EFTSL (2 units) | 0.250 EFTSL (2 units) | 0.250 EFTSL (2 units) | 0.750 EFTSL (6 units) | Yes | Eligible as full-time student for full year. |
| 6 | - | 0.375 EFTSL (3 units) | 0.375 EFTSL (3 units) | 0.750 EFTSL (6 units) | No | Student would not be eligible for payment in semester 1 as they have no load, but would be paid from the commencement of the winter term. |
Please note: As Winter term is an intensive study period, 2 units is the maximum enrolment load advised.
For new students enrolling in the Winter Term, a sufficient number of units must be undertaken in both Winter Term and semester 2 to be eligible for payment for the full second half of the year. Students enrolling in a full-time load in Winter Term (3 or more units), but with no units in semester 2 may be eligible for payments for the duration of the Winter Term only.
If required by Centrelink, a confirmation of enrolment can be obtained from the Student Centre.