Introduction

In terms of study, a programme means:

• for secondary school, a full time course
• for tertiary studies, the combination of courses, classes and work required to complete a degree, diploma, certificate or other qualification awarded by the provider. It does not mean a group of separate courses that are not part of the same qualification

Legislation

• full-time student (definition) schedule 2 Social Security Act 2018
• programme (definition) regulation 2A Student Allowance Regulations 1998

A person enrolled:

• in a full time course or
• was enrolled in the semester or academic year just ended and
• who is or intends to be enrolled in a full time course in the next academic year

Legislation

• full-time student (definition) schedule 2 Social Security Act 2018
• full-time course (definition) regulation 2 Student Allowance Regulations 1998

To determine eligibility for Jobseeker Support Student Hardship, tertiary study, Student Allowance and Student Loan, “academic year” means:

• the study year of the full time course forming part of a recognised programme that the student is enrolled in

Note this does not need to align with the calendar year.

For example, a 1-year course starts in July and finishes in May the following year. The academic year is July to May.