In a surprising win for eligible Australian students, a little-known Centrelink travel assistance scheme is giving out up to $4,000 worth of free or heavily subsidised flights each year. While it’s not officially marketed as a “free flights program,” the benefit can be a game-changer for students who study far from home, particularly those from remote or regional areas.
What the Program Is and Why It Exists
The initiative is part of Centrelink’s Assistance for Isolated Children and Student Relocation Support arrangements, designed to help young Australians who must move away from their hometowns to pursue education. For many, visiting family during term breaks is a costly exercise, especially for those living in remote communities or on the other side of the country.
The government recognises that financial barriers shouldn’t prevent students from staying connected with loved ones, so the program covers travel costs to and from home a set number of times each year.
Who Is Eligible for the Free Flights
Eligibility is based on several factors, including:
- Being a full-time student at an approved institution
- Living away from home for study purposes
- Having a permanent home in a remote or regional area
- Receiving certain Centrelink payments such as Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, or Assistance for Isolated Children
While not every student qualifies, those who do can save thousands each year in airfare costs.
How the $4,000 Value Works
The value depends on travel distance, airfare prices, and how often students travel home. Many students receive between two and four paid return trips annually, which can add up to over $4,000 in ticket value for long-distance flights.
| Scenario | Return Trips Covered Per Year | Approx. Flight Value |
|---|---|---|
| Remote WA student studying in Sydney | 4 | $4,000+ |
| NT student studying in Melbourne | 3 | $3,200 |
| Queensland outback student in Brisbane | 2 | $1,500 |
How to Apply and Access the Flights
Students who believe they may be eligible should contact Centrelink directly or apply via the Services Australia website. Proof of residence, study enrolment, and eligibility for specific benefits is required. Once approved, students receive travel entitlements which can be booked through authorised travel providers.
Why More Students Should Know About This
Many students are missing out simply because they don’t know the program exists. Unlike high-profile youth support schemes, this benefit is rarely advertised. With airfare prices often making it difficult for regional students to visit home, this Centrelink initiative can be both financially and emotionally life-changing.