No one should miss out on education or employment opportunities because of disability-related barriers. The NDIS is here to help you bridge that gap and with the 2025 Work and Study Supports Guideline, it’s now clearer and easier than ever to get the right supports in place.
If you’re unsure which supports fit your goals, Achora can help you prepare for your next NDIS planning conversation. Book a free 15 minute consultation and we’ll walk you through the guidelines and how it can apply to your NDIS plan and goals.
What Is the NDIS Work & Study Supports Guideline?
The NDIS Work and Study Supports Guideline (2025) explains how the NDIS can fund disability-related supports to help you prepare for work, find a job, stay employed, or take part in study or training.
It outlines three key things:
- What’s considered reasonable and necessary under the NDIS
- Which responsibilities sit outside of the NDIS with other systems like schools, universities, or employers
- What evidence you’ll need to get your supports approved
It’s a guide that outlines what the NDIS can fund and what it can’t, when it comes to education and employment goals.
Key Updates to NDIS Work and Study Supports
The NDIA has made several important changes to how it assesses and funds work and study supports. Here’s what’s new:
1. Broader Access for NDIS Participants
Any NDIS participant with an education or employment goal can now access work or study supports. You may be eligible if you’re:
- A student preparing for life after school
- Studying at TAFE, university, or training programs
- A job seeker learning new skills for open employment
- An employees who needs ongoing support to stay in their role
If your plan doesn’t currently reflect your work or study goals, Achora can help you prepare for a plan review.
2. Focus on Open and Inclusive Employment
There are two types of employment styles. There’s open employment which refers to jobs in mainstream workplaces. In this settings people with a disability work alongside others, receiving the same pay and conditions. And there’s supported employment which refers to jobs in specialised settings, such as Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs). In these settings employees receive extra supervision, training, or support to help them succeed.
The 2025 update places a stronger emphasis on open employment to promote independence, inclusion, and equality. While supported employment still plays a vital role, the NDIA is encouraging participants to transition toward open employment when possible. If you’re unsure which pathway suits your goals, our team can help you explore your options.
3. Linking Education and Employment Supports
Previously, NDIS plans often treated study and work as separate goals. The new guideline recognises that education, training, and employment are connected. And your supports should reflect that.
You can discuss both together during your plan meeting and receive funding that covers:
- Communication or learning supports for study
- Transport or travel training between work and classes
- Help with internships, placements, or workplace skills
This approach helps build a stronger, more realistic pathway from learning to earning.
4. A Wider Range of Funded Supports
The NDIS has also expanded and clarified what can be considered reasonable and necessary. Depending on your needs and goals, you could be funded for:
- Job coaching or mentoring
- Resume and interview preparation
- Social and communication skills training
- Assistive technology or adaptive equipment for work or study
- Travel and transport training
These supports are designed to give you practical, real-world tools to build confidence and independence in your chosen field.
5. Stronger Focus on Evidence and Outcomes
To make sure funding directly supports your goals, the NDIA now looks closely at evidence and measurable outcomes.
You’ll need supporting documentation hat clearly explains:
- How your disability affects your ability to study or work
- What specific supports you need to overcome barriers
- The outcomes expected (like course completion or job readiness)
This helps ensure your plan is tailored to you.
What the NDIS Doesn’t Fund
The NDIS funds supports that are directly related to your disability, helping you access study, training, or work opportunities. However, it won’t cover everyday expenses that everyone has or services that fall under another system’s responsibility.
Here’s what’s not covered under the NDIS:
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Wages or standard job training provided by your employer
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Course tuition fees, textbooks, or uniforms
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Supports already funded by DES, schools, or universities
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General or non-disability-related expenses
In other words, the NDIS covers the extra support you need because of your disability — not the standard costs that others would normally pay.
Common Questions About NDIS Work & Study Supports
1. Can I get NDIS support while I’m studying?
Absolutely. The NDIS can fund supports that help you access your course, build confidence, improve communication skills, and manage your study routine more effectively.
2. Does the NDIS pay for course fees or wages?
No, the NDIS doesn’t cover tuition fees, wages, or standard job training provided by your employer. Instead, it funds disability-related supports — like assistive technology, job coaching, or travel training — that help you participate and succeed.
3. What’s the difference between DES, JobAccess, and NDIS?
- NDIS: funds disability-related supports (like job coaching or assistive technology).
- DES: helps you find and keep a job.
- JobAccess: provides workplace modifications or specialised equipment through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).
You can use all three together for complete support.
Access NDIS Work & Study Funding With Achora
The 2025 Work & Study Supports Guideline marks an exciting step toward empowering participants to reach their full potential. With clearer processes, more flexibility, and a stronger focus on results, it opens doors to new opportunities in study, skill-building, and open employment.
If you’re getting ready for your next NDIS plan review, now’s the perfect time to chat with your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager about your education and work goals.
Ready to take the next step?
Book your free 15-minute NDIS consultation with Achora today and let’s build your pathway to education, employment, and empowerment together.