Grants, Loans and Bursaries
Recent research by Universities Australia states that two-thirds of Australian university students are living below the poverty line (Universities Australia, 2020).
The University of Tasmania and the TUSA recognise the financial impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many students.
If you are experiencing financial hardship take a look at the support available to you below, but don’t forget to check out our other pages in the Support section of the site – there is a lot we can help you out with.
If you need assistance with applying for any of these initiatives, or just need to talk about your situation, please reach out to our Student Advocates.
Need Financial Assistance?
If you are having unexpected financial trouble, contact a TUSA Student Advocate. They can help you to access emergency funding, and other support services like Financial Counselling.
TUSA Postgrad Support Scheme
Thank you for your interest in the Postgraduate Support Scheme.
Unfortunately, funding for this scheme has been exhausted for this year. Check back in next year!
Your TUSA would like to support our postgraduate community and are offering a number of financial subsidies to make your lives a little bit easier. We have identified key areas that are important to students and where we can offer support. There are three schemes available and we can offer them to ALL postgraduates, who are currently enrolled, on a first come first serve basis.
The three schemes available are:
Fitness Subsidy
Health and Wellbeing are hugely important, and we want to support you in maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. We are offering to subsidise up to $60 of any fitness related membership or activity.
Conference/Workshop Subsidy
Attending conferences and workshops are a key element of the postgraduate experience and your TUSA would like to assist in helping you attend important events most relevant to you. We are offering to subsidise up to a maximum of $120 per student.
Childcare Subsidy
This subsidy is for postgraduates with families and childcare commitments. If you are ineligible for the Government Child Care Subsidy and are struggling financially, we can assist by offering up to $200 per successful application to help cover the costs of childcare.
To avail of these subsidies, simply download and fill in the subsidy form (complete only section 1 and 2) and provide proof of payment (invoice/receipts/bank statement screenshots of expenses incurred in 2021) in the online application form linked below. You may avail of the different type of subsidies (upload separate completed subsidy forms for each subsidy) but applications for the same subsidy, if already approved this year (2021), will not be considered again. You may be asked to provide proof of eligibility based on the information you have provided in the application.
UTAS Student Financial Hardship Scheme
UTAS is able to support students who are experiencing financial hardship. This is not a loan and does not need to be repaid, however students must meet the eligibility criteria. TUSA Student Advocates can provide support to students by answering any questions and helping with the application process. To speak to a Student Advocate click here.
If you are experiencing temporary financial hardship you can apply for funds of up to $1000 to help with essential living expenses, like vouchers for groceries and learning resources (such as textbooks). See the Financial hardship FAQs for eligibility and more detail.
You can also apply if you have been financially impacted due to COVID (such as loss of income due to isolation requirements) and may be eligible for funds up to $2500 in the form of vouchers for essential living expenses. See COVID Support FAQs for eligibility and more detail.
To be eligible for assistance you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Provide supporting documentation about your individual financial situation (see above FAQs for examples)
- Be currently enrolled at the University of Tasmania
- Enrolled in at least 25 credit points
- Living in Australia
UTAS Higher Degree By Research Extreme Hardship Fund
This fund enables a limited number of HDR living allowance extensions/payments for exceptional cases where delays in candidature or other financial hardships are experienced.
To be eligible candidates must be or have been receiving a scholarship and are still within the maximum candidature period of their degree. They must also demonstrate the reason/s for delay in progression or financial hardship, which were outside of their control.
For further information, please contact your Primary Supervisor.