Dear Mrs Irwin

Thank you for your letter of 25 June 2008 concerning a petition submitted for the Committee’s consideration regarding approval of the Doctor of Physiotherapy course at Bond University for the purposes of student income support, such as Youth Allowance and Austudy. I apologise for the delay in responding.

From 1 January 2008, Youth Allowance and Austudy assistance was extended to students undertaking Masters by coursework study, where the course is required for entry to a profession, or the course is the fastest pathway to professional entry, or the

course is the only pathway provided following a university’s restructure of its course delivery. I have the authority to approve courses for the purposes of student income support and approved courses are listed in a Determination of Education Institutions and Courses under subsections 3(1) and 5D(1() of the Student Assistance Act 1973 (Determination No 2007/1).

The extension of student income support to professionally oriented coursework Masters programs does not extend to coursework Doctorates. The level at which courses are offered is a matter for university decision, taking into account their own course structures and the range of assistance that is available for students.

from the Minister for Education, Ms Gillard, to a petition presented on 23 June by The Speaker (from 41 citizens)