Away from Base program
The Away from Base program provides financial aid to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who need to travel for more than 90 minutes to reach their study location. The program is supported by the Australian Government.
Support is available
If you need to live or travel away from your home base to study, you may be eligible to have your training expenses covered. This may include costs associated with:
- Travel
- Accommodation
- Meals
A dedicated Aboriginal Support Officer can guide you through your enrolment at TAFE NSW.
Who can apply?
To be eligible you need:
- Proof of ABSTUDY eligibility
- To live more than 90 minutes away from your study location (by available public transport)
- To be enrolled in a flexible delivery ABSTUDY-approved course
- To agree to the Away from Base student terms and conditions
Frequently asked questions
Eligible students can receive financial aid to cover expenses related to travel, accommodation, and meals when they need to travel more than 90 minutes to reach their study location.
To apply, you need to provide proof of ABSTUDY eligibility, show that you live more than 90 minutes away from your study location by public transport, be enrolled in a flexible delivery ABSTUDY-approved course, and agree to the Away from Base student Terms and Conditions.
A dedicated Aboriginal Support Officer is available to guide you through the enrolment process at TAFE NSW and can assist with any questions you may have about the program. Email us at awayfrombase@tafensw.edu.au.
Note: Away from Base funding assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with study-related travel and accommodation expenses, but it doesn't cover traineeships or apprenticeships. If your employer supports your studies or your course doesn't require you to study away from home, this funding isn't applicable. Other funding options may be available.