Special Marriage Rate (with Dependents)

There is provision for a married student with dependents, or students in other exceptional circumstances, to receive an increased supplementary grant up to $55 a week to bring the total grant up to a maximum of $78 a week. This special grant is budget tested on a case by case basis according to the needs of the individual students and their dependents. These provisions may also be applied, where appropriate, to a student living in a de facto relationship if there are dependent child(ren).

There are two basic changes to the present system. Firstly the maximum amount has been increased from $60 to $78. Secondly the present determination of the size of the rate is income testing. In the new scheme it is budget testing. Budget testing is a relatively new expression which has yet to be spelt out but it involves all examination of patterns of both income and expenditure The student presumably will have to provide a 'budget' for examination.

Application must be made through the University Liaison Officer or Registrar within 30 days of the beginning of the course. Late applications will be considered if the student's circumstances change.