Goulburn Valley students will miss out on changes to Youth Allowance in a new deal struck between the Federal Opposition and the government.
A new bill passed by the Senate yesterday exempts students in outer regional areas from tougher eligibility rules.
They can now qualify for the benefit by working 15 hours a week over two years or earning almost $20 000 in 18 months.
However, students from Shepparton and other regional Australian cities and towns classified as inner regional will have to apply for assistance under the same criteria as metropolitan students who will have to apply for assistance under the same criteria as metropolitan students.