Definitions and additional resources
We have included additional information and links to online resources to help you navigate your way through the eligibility criteria in each state or territory for student concessions on public transport.
Domestic and international students
Domestic students are those who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. Those students who hold a visa of a humanitarian sub-class as determined by the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) are also Australian Permanent Residents.
International students are those students who are not citizens or permanent residents of Australia. International students normally have to pay international student full course fees, unless they are in receipt of the Australian government scholarship.
Full time and part-time enrolment
Full-time enrolment is normally determined to be a study load of at least 18 credit points (or at least 3 out of 4 possible subjects) per semester. Part-time enrolment is defined as a study load of less than 18 credit points (or less than 3 subjects) per semester.
Definitions of full-time enrolment may vary for different higher education providers, therefore you should consult your University administration for the definition used by your education provider.
Internal (on-campus) mode of study
A study mode that requires a student to attend classes at the University on a regular basis. A course is classified as on-campus when it is offered via face-to-face delivery. The majority of full-time students study via this mode.
External (off-campus/by distance) mode of study
A study mode that does not require a student to be on campus. External students usually study on a part-time basis. External study may be online-based or correspondence/print based. Courses are classified as external when course materials and assignments are delivered to students by post, CD or online and any associated attendance at the University is of an incidental, irregular, special or voluntary nature.
Commonwealth income support
New South Wales in particular includes Commonwealth income support as an important criterion in determining student's eligibility for concession travel. For the purposes of accessing concession travel, students receiving Commonwealth income support (such as Austudy, ABSTUDY, Youth Allowance) or who are on approved scholarships, living allowances or bursaries (such as scholarships for full-time research students: Australian Postgraduate Award (APA), APA (Industry), National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) PhD Scholarship or any scholarship of equivalent value and nature to an APA) are not considered to be "earning an income." Therefore these students may be eligible for the concession travel given that they satisfy other relevant criteria.
Study Abroad and Exchange students
Study Abroad and Exchange students are those who study at the Australian host institution for maximum 2 semesters while continue being enrolled at their home institution and paying tuition fees to their home institution. These students are normally eligible for concession travel on public transport.
Australian government approved exchange or scholarship programs
International students who are in receipt of Australian government approved scholarship are normally eligible for concession travel on public transport. Australian scholarships provide educational, research and professional development opportunities to support growth in the region and to build enduring links at the individual, institutional and country levels. These programs include award programs managed by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), such as Australian Development Scholarships (ADS) and Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) as well as Endeavor program manager by DEEWR.
Some useful resources are also included via Related Links below: