Further information
Fee-HELP and HECS-HELP
We cannot help with Fee-HELP or HECS-HELP.
Additional information available at:
Australian government resources
Emergency and community support
Contact The Financial Counsellors Association of Western Australia for free independant financial councelling on 1800 889 364 (free call) or (+61 8) 9325 1617.
Other support available:
CTW Study Support Fund for Women application
There are several ways in which students can access financial assistance for income support.
Centrelink Assistance
Centrelink is the Australian Government Agency responsible for the payment of assistance benefits on behalf of a range of government departments. We have provided some advice on dealing with Centrelink.
There are a range of financial assistance payments available to students;by way of income-tested schemes which include:
- Youth Allowance assists full-time students and new apprentices aged between 16 and 24.
- Austudy is the income support payment for students aged 25 years and over undertaking qualifying study
- ABSTUDY is a government scheme aimed at encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to take advantage of educational opportunities
These allowances are usually paid fortnightly during the period of eligibility.
If you are applying for income support, be aware that there have been changes to income support for students.
As well as income support, Centrelink can also provide:
- Health Care Card entitles you to reduced medicine costs as well as a limited number of other concessions.
- Rent assistance can be paid in addition to Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY for eligible students.
- Scholarships are automatically provided to eligible students to assist with the costs of studying and living away from home.
Scholarships
Some students may be able to access one of the many scholarships offered at UWA.
Scholarships are available through the University for undergraduate and postgraduate study, as well as other study options.
Details of University scholarships, prizes and awards for undergraduate students are also available from departmental offices, faculty offices and the Future Students Office.
Some scholarship funds are treated as income by Centrelink. If you are in receipt of Centrelink benefits, it is important to advise Centrelink of any scholarship payments you may be awarded. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your Centrelink benefits and/or penalties being applied by Centrelink.
Study Support Fund For Women
Background
The Centenary Trust for Women (CTW), provides assistance to female students, who because of financial restraints might not otherwise participate in higher education. A Study Support Fund has been established with funds originated from philanthropic donations to CTW. Allocation of these funds will be made on an annual basis.
Applications are considered individually to ensure that those most in need receive help and funds will only be granted where a genuine need for assistance has been demonstrated. Not all applications will be successful and total assistance provided in any year through this Fund is limited to the allocation/s authorised and made available by the CTW from time to time.
Support is available to both full and part-time eligible students (as defined below) during term time and assistance will not be considered for support during vacation periods.
Administration of the UWA CTW Study Support Fund for Women shall be undertaken by the University’s Student Services.
Types of Assistance Through The Fund
- Once-only Grants of between $500 and $1500 are available to eligible students who meet all necessary requirements.
- Grants shall be assessed based on particular areas of need and are expected to be used for legitimate purposes associated with academic study at UWA. Eligible costs may include, but shall not be limited to, the cost of purchase of books, materials and equipment essential to study programs as well as a range of other costs such as accommodation and transport.
Note: Any amount granted shall be determined by a means test.
Eligibility
- Due to the objectives of the Centenary Trust for Women which has established this Study Support Fund, only female students are eligible for this support.
- The applicant must be able to demonstrate financial hardship. Evidence of income must therefore be provided to support the application.
- An Applicant must be an Australian citizen or the holder of a Permanent Resident Visa AND:
- Have been living in Australia continuously for at least 2 years prior to making application for support.
- An applicant must be enrolled at the University or have accepted an offer to study a UWA course with a minimum of 12 credit points per semester. Exceptions to the minimum enrolment load may be permitted where exceptional circumstances are demonstrated.
Note: Priority for assistance is given to students who are disadvantaged by financial constraints, including lone parents, disabled students, students in receipt of Centrelink payments or students from families with a low income and those attending UWA through the Mature-age Access Program.
Payments & Allocations
- Allocations are normally granted as an amount for the whole academic year
- All grants are dependent on continued availability of funds and may be revised at any time.
- Payment will usually be made by cheque collectable from the University’s Cashier as soon as possible following confirmation of a grant made through this fund
How to Apply
Applicants are required to complete the Application form which can be accessed from the Financial Aid Office in Student Support Services or by downloading the application form which can be found in the right-hand column of this web page.
You should submit any relevant supporting evidence with your application, including your most recent bank statement for ALL of your bank accounts and/or your last Tax Assessment Notice and any additional documentation that you feel will support your application.
Note: Grants are only accessible whilst funds are available
Income Assessment
Eligibility for support through this Fund will be determined by gross household income, dependants and other finance related considerations.
Normally a Tax Assessment Summary and 3 months recent bank statements will be required with the application. In some instances we may require a Statutory Declaration from you.
Financial Hardship
If you are not receiving a Centrelink payment you will need to submit a financial statement with your CTW Study Support Fund for Women application.
- Include all information, as statements which lack detail may disadvantage the assessment of your application.
Under 23
If you are under 23 and have not previously been classified as independent by Centrelink, you and your parents / guardians must also complete a declaration.
If you are under 23 years old and living with a partner, or have previously received an 'independent' Centrelink payment, you are only required to complete a single declaration
Over 23
If you are over 23 years of age, complete this form.
Appeals for All Schemes
Applicants refused support have the right of appeal. An appeal is required to be made in writing, within 10 days of the decision, to the Student Financial Advice Committee (SFAC).
Wherever possible, appeals will be heard within 10 working days of receipt of the appeal. Decisions will be confirmed in writing within 3 working days. The Committee’s decision is final.
Data Collection and Reporting
The information collected on the application form for CTW Study Support Fund for Women Grants will remain confidential. Any information collected will be used solely for the purpose of assessing applications and evaluating the success of the fund.
Please contact the Financial Aid Office for further information about this and other financial support.
July 2011
This information is for guidance only and is based on Fund criteria provided by The Centenary Trust for Women and is therefore subject to change without notice, Whilst every effort is made to ensure students are not inconvenienced or disadvantaged, changes may occur which are beyond the University’s control.
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
