i have just run the estimator on the details Arimeh gave me - paying rent, money in the bank from the sale of their house, and average assets - and it came back that the amount for Austudy is less than $4 less than her parenting payment ($414 for Austudy, $417 for parenting payment). income and assets tests DO come into it - you wouldn't be able to have massive amounts tied up in shares or a huge house you're earning money on while you live elsewhere, but if you are a low income family, and one of you is studying to extend your employability, you do get supported.