Students receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy will temporarily receive an increase to their payments and the waiting period and assets test requirements will be waived.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson acknowledged the Parliament had worked to secure a positive outcome for Australia and Australian students.

“We welcome the decision to ensure more than 230,000 students will be supported during this very difficult time,” Ms Jackson said.

“Many Australians, including students, have lost their jobs recently due to COVID-19. Students rely on part-time work, particularly in hospitality and retail, to support their studies. These are exactly the sectors that have been hardest hit.”

“Many students were weighing up whether they could continue to study and pay the rent and will be hugely relieved by this announcement.”

“Giving them some certainty today will encourage many to continue with their studies.”