New NDIS Work & Study Supports Updates

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how the NDIS can help you study or find a job, you’re not alone. The good news? Big updates are here in 2025 that make it easier to get the right support for your work and education goals.

The latest changes to the NDIS Work and Study Supports Guideline make the process clearer, fairer, and more practical. You’ll now find more guidance on who’s eligible, what’s funded, and how decisions are made, so you can move forward with confidence.

So, let’s unpack what’s changed, what you can now access, and how you can make sure your NDIS plan includes the right funding for your goals.

What Is the Work & Study Supports Guideline?

The NDIS Work & Study Supports Guideline is the NDIA’s official framework for funding supports that help participants prepare for work, pursue study, or maintain employment. It clearly outlines what the NDIS considers “reasonable and necessary” for work or study supports, what responsibilities fall to schools or employers instead, and what evidence you’ll need to provide for faster approval We like to think of it as the roadmap for getting the NDIS to fund the disability-related supports you need to learn, train, and work successfully.

What’s New in the 2025 Update?

The 2025 update streamlines how the NDIA funds employment and study supports. Here’s what’s changed and why it matters:

1. Clearer Guidance on Who Can Access Supports

The updated guideline now makes it clear that any participant with a work or study goal can access supports. This includes participants that are still at school, completing tertiary study, transitioning into work, or already employed and need ongoing help to stay there.

2. Stronger Focus on Open Employment Pathways

The NDIA is placing a greater emphasis on open and inclusive employment, that is, roles within mainstream businesses rather than specialised workplaces. By doing so, they aim to help participants build skills, independence, and confidence to thrive in regular work environments.

If you’re currently in School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) or supported employment, you can now receive funding for capacity-building supports that help you transition into open employment.

3. Integration of Study and Work Supports

In the past, education and employment were often treated separately. Now, the new guideline recognises that study, training, and work are interconnected steps.

This means you can discuss both your study and work goals at the same time during your planning meeting. And, access supports that cover both, such as:

• Assistance with course access and communication
• Transport or travel training to attend classes or work
• Skill-building for work placements or internships
  

4. Examples of What Can Be Funded

The new guideline offers clearer examples of what’s considered reasonable and necessary for work and study, including:

• Job coaching or workplace mentoring
• Support to prepare for interviews and job applications
• Social and communication skill-building for professional environments
• Assistive technology and accessibility aids for study or work
• Transport training or support getting to and from the workplace

5. Stronger Emphasis on Evidence and Outcomes

To approve funding, the NDIA now looks closely at how supports link to your goals and what progress you’re making. Planners want to see evidence from professionals like therapists, teachers, or support coordinators explaining:

• How your disability impacts your ability to study or work
• What specific supports are needed and how they’ll help
• What outcomes (like skill development or job readiness) you expect

This ensures your plan is tailored to your real employment or study journey.

What the NDIA Won’t Fund

While the update expands what’s possible, it also draws clearer boundaries around what the NDIS won’t fund, such as:

• Wages or standard job training that everyone receives
• Typical education costs (course fees, books, uniforms)
• Services that are the responsibility of employers, schools, or DES providers
• Supports that aren’t directly related to your disability

Put simply, the NDIS funds the extra help you need because of your disability, not what’s already available through mainstream systems.

How to Get Work or Study Supports in Your Plan

Here’s how to make sure your next NDIS plan includes the supports you need:

1. Set clear, measurable goals: State “I want to study childcare at TAFE” or “I want to work part-time in retail.”
2. Gather professional evidence: Ask your therapist, support coordinator, or teacher to describe how your disability affects your ability to study or work, and what support you’ll need.
3. Use the right language in your meeting: Link each support request to your goals and the outcomes you’ll achieve with the right help.
4. Check your plan budget: Look for funding under:
   • Capacity Building – Finding and Keeping a Job
   • Core Supports – Supports in Employment
     
5. Work with the right provider: Choose an NDIS-registered employment or study support provider who understands the new guideline and can help you achieve measurable outcomes.

NDIS Work & Study Supports: Common Questions Answered

Who can access NDIS work and study supports?

Any NDIS participant with a goal related to education, training, or employment can access work and study supports. 

What’s the difference between open employment and supported employment?

Open employment means working in a regular business, alongside non-disabled employees, with the same pay and conditions as everyone else.

Supported employment happens in Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) or other specialised workplaces that provide extra supervision, adapted tasks, or structured support for people who need more day-to-day assistance.

The NDIA now encourages participants to build pathways toward open, inclusive employment wherever possible, with the right supports in place to help you transition successfully.

What kinds of supports can the NDIS fund for work or study?

The NDIS can fund disability-related supports that help you prepare for, find, or keep a job, or to access and complete your studies. These can include:

• Job coaching or mentoring
• Social and communication skill development
• Travel and transport training
• Assistance with work or study routines
• Support during work placements or internships
• Assistive technology and workplace accessibility aids

Does the NDIS pay for course fees or wages?

No. The NDIS does not cover tuition, uniforms, textbooks, or wages. These remain the responsibility of schools, training providers, and employers. Instead, it funds additional supports you need to participate successfully because of your disability.

Build Your Future with Confidence

The 2025 NDIS Work & Study Supports Guideline transforms how participants plan and pursue their future. By focusing on inclusion, independence, and long-term outcomes, the NDIA is making it easier for Australians to access the right supports to learn, grow, and thrive.

If you’re preparing for your next NDIS review or exploring employment options, now is the perfect time to revisit your goals and ensure your plan reflects your aspirations.

Would you like to learn more about the NDIS Work & Study Supports updates? Speak with our team today and let’s build your pathway to education, employment, and empowerment together.