Financial support

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Student loans

Small interest-free loans are available to currently enrolled students who can demonstrate genuine need and whose continued attendance is in jeopardy due to financial hardship.

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Placement support

Student loans and scholarships for students undertaking professional placements to alleviate financial stress during these periods and offer relief from living expenses and other related costs.

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Student on health placement

Scholarships

A range of scholarships to support your study are available ranging in value from $600 to $50,000. Use the scholarship finder to explore scholarships you may be eligible for.

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Financial hardship

A collection of resources for students experiencing financial hardship and or financial stress associated with rising cost of living.

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IASS Financial support

The Indigenous Australian Support Services team offer academic, financial, and social and emotional support to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. IASS can assist in finding and accessing the number of Scholarships available to Indigenous Australian students.

Indigenous Australian Student Scholarships
Dharawal woman and Indigenous research academic Kylie Day

Centrelink support

The Australian government provides payments to support eligible full-time students while they are studying through Centrelink.

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Centrelink sign
picture of SCU student Matt

Financial wellbeing

Money plays a large role in our overall wellbeing. Feeling in control and having a plan to manage your finances positively impacts your health and academic performance. There are lots of freely available resources containing advice and teaching financial skills to empower you to manage your money well.

Southern Cross Postgraduates Association (SCPA) facilitated money wellbeing workshops with Financial Wellbeing Practitioner Liz McLardy. All students can access the workshop recordings with the links below:   

Learn all about HECS/HELP

Financial Wellbeing: Demolish your Debt

Financial Wellbeing three-part series:

Part 1: Where are you now?

Part 2: Where do you want to be

Part 3: How are you going to get there?      

Current Postgraduate and Honours students may be able to access one-on-one financial counselling sessions through SCPA.

MoneyMinded is a free online financial education program made up of a series of eight interactive activities designed to improve your money management skills.

It was developed by ANZ Bank in collaboration with the NSW Department of Education and Training, Financial Counselling Australia, the Financial Counsellors Association of NSW, The Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and community sector representatives. 

Money Minded

Moneysmart is a website containing free tools, tips and guidance provided by the Australian government. These pages are particularly relevant for students:

MoneySmart

You're the boss - A free digital book from The Salvation Army to help you manage your money like a pro.

ReachOut Australia - Can help you deal with Financial Stress

The Broke Generation - Content from Financial Behaviour Specialist Emma Edwards targeted towards Millennials. 

student studying at home

Centrelink support

The Australian Government supports eligible university students with income support payments while they study through Centrelink. To determine your eligibility and how to apply, visit Centrelink's Higher education pages.

The main student payments are:

  • Youth Allowance (students aged 24 or younger studying full-time)
  • Austudy (students aged 25 or older studying full-time)  
  • ABSTUDY (A range of payments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students)

Use the Centrelink Payment and Services Finder to find payments and estimate your payment rate. Centrelink also has a Youth and Students line: 132 490, ABSTUDY line: 1800 132 317, or you can visit your nearest branch for assistance.

To determine if your SCU study load is full-time, visit Centrelink (income support) and the academic calendar. 

Students living with disability

SCU Inclusion team

Students with a disability or medical condition or students who are carers of a person with disability or medical condition can access inclusion support which can cover the cost of specialist equipment or inclusive technology and software related to your study. They can also provide referrals to external support services. 

Inclusion support

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability to access the support and services needed to participate in everyday activities. 

Find out more about the NDIS

Centrelink disability payments

Centrelink also has payments for people living with disability and carers of people living with disability. They can assist with temporary or ongoing circumstances.

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student at part-time hospitality job

Help finding work

The Careers and Employability team can assist you in finding part-time or casual work to supplement your income. Working while studying can also provide you with valuable skills and experience. 

Jobs for SCU students Sample resumes Book a Careers appointment for additional help