Student Veteran Program (SVP)

Western Sydney University is proud to support currently serving Australian Defence Force members and previously serving veterans.

Support for Student Veterans

If you are a veteran or current serving member of the Australian Deference Force (ADF), you may be eligible for our Student Veteran Program (SVP). 

The SVP provides a range of practical support for currently serving ADF members and veterans studying at Western. The aim of the program is to assist ADF personnel in balancing current or post-service requirements and their studies. 

The program provides a range of benefits and support for veterans to achieve their tertiary education such as:

  • Access to dedicated Veteran Support Officer 
  • Special consideration 
  • Tailored career support sessions
  • Priority timetabling
  • Subsidised health clinic services via the UniClinic
  • Free Psychological Therapy Services via the Western Sydney University Psychology Clinic
  • Welfare services 
  • Counselling services
  • Disability services
  • Access to LEAD program
  • Access to Mentor program 

Who is Eligible?

Any ADF member who has previously served or is currently serving in a full-time or reserve capacity who has completed basic and initial employment training and has rendered at least one day continuous full-time service. This program serves ADF members who are leaving/have left the service, to pursue tertiary study or members who are still serving in a reserve or full-time capacity to pursue study while balancing service commitments.

How to apply

Applying through UAC:

  • Answering yes to 'Are you a current or former member of the Australian Defence Forces' and provide the appropriate supporting documentation as dictated by UAC with your application

Applying direct to Western:

  •  Provide supporting documentation to Western Admissions. Supporting documentation includes:
  • Course
  • Qualifications
  • Operational experience
  • Relevant work experience
  • Statements of rank and service

After accepting your offer, apply for the Student Veteran Program. The application will request the following documentation:

  • Photo ID; and
  • ADF ID; or
  • Statement of service; or
  • DVA card

You will then receive a letter from the SVP team confirming your acceptance into the program and the associated benefits and access requirements.

Apply for the Student Veteran Program. Application will request the following documentation:

  • Photo ID; and
  • ADF ID; or
  • Statement of service; or
  • DVA card

You will then receive a letter from the SVP team confirming your acceptance into the program and the associated benefits and access requirements.

Benefits of the SVP

To further support veterans and their studies, veterans have access to a dedicated support officer and previous ADF member. The Student Veteran Support Officer (SVSO) is a point of contact for all veterans and advocates for student veterans and their success·       

The SVSO can be contacted via email at studentveterans@westernsydney.edu.au

The Western Sydney University Counselling Service is a team of qualified social workers and psychologists who are trained to work with diverse student populations on any issues of concern. If you're facing any barriers that may affect your study or want to optimise your study then the Counselling Service, may be able to help.

Students are encouraged to access free, confidential counselling services as early as possible before their studies are affected. 

Phone: 1300 668 370 (option 4 then option 3)
Email: counselling@westernsydney.edu.au

Note: If you have an urgent matter please contact the central booking line on 1300 668 370 (option 4 then option 3).

The Disability Service is a team of professional Disability Advisors and trained educational support staff. They support and assist future and current students with disabilities and chronic health conditions to reach their full academic potential.

Students with a temporary injury such as a broken limb may also be eligible for assistance.

Students are able to access free, confidential disability support by Zoom and telephone:

Phone: 1300 668 370 (option 4 then option 3)
Email: disability@westernsydney.edu.au

Psychology Clinic - Kingswood Campus

Western is passionate about the welfare of student veterans and the psychology clinic supports student veterans through free Psychological Therapy services.  Upon presentation of a Veteran’s Affairs Card the veteran has access to the psychology clinic at no cost to the student.

To access the Western Sydney Psychology Clinic, to book an appointment, or for further details please contact the Clinic:

Phone: (02) 9852 5288
Email: psychclinic@westernsydney.edu.au

Lead, Engage, Aspire, Develop

LEAD is a free leadership program, which gives aspiring student leaders an opportunity to build leadership capacity and interpersonal communication skills to increase their employability.

As a member of LEAD, you can choose to attend conferences, industry networking opportunities, fortnightly workshops and online modules that are presented by a mix of alumni, industry professionals and the University. You can meet like-minded peers and enhance your personal & professional development skills.

You can utilise Library services and resources on campus or via the website. The
Library offers access to course reading material, flexible study spaces,
printing and copying facilities, and wireless internet, with librarians
available for learning help and support. Visit ‘Get to know your Library’ for
more details.

The GradLife Mentoring Program is specifically designed to inspire student members to connect with successful alumni for mentoring and professional development opportunities. The community is designed to support the sharing of skills and foster an environment that encourages mentoring relationships amongst the different generations of alumni. We are interested to hear about your experiences and how we can support your success, as well as the success of other veterans in similar circumstances.

Speak to our student veteran support officer about how Western can support your success.

Get assistance with pre-allocation timetabling to help you work your studies around your serving commitments. Priority timetabling gives you the opportunity to request and be allocated into tutorials that suit your commitments prior to timetabling opening up to all students.

Special Consideration is given to students whose performance during the teaching session, in an assignment or in an exam has been affected by serious misadventure, accident or extenuating circumstances beyond their control.

The special consideration policy encompasses compulsory military requirements and all applications for Special Consideration must contain appropriate supporting documentation to substantiate the circumstances that are impacting on studies. Applications without supporting documentation will not be considered. This documentation can be in the form of:

  • letter from senior officer
  • deployment order or;
  • medical certificates

How to complete Special Consideration: 

  • Special Consideration forms can now be completed online via the eForm Portal
  • Click the 'Find Forms' button, then select 'Special Consideration/Deferred Exam' from the list of online forms available
  • The form will then open. Complete the form, including attaching supporting documents. You must have a 'soft copy' of your supporting documents (i.e. scanned copy) so you can upload them with your application
  • Submit the form online. You will receive an email (to your student email account) acknowledging that your application has been successfully submitted.
  • You will also receive an email notification advising you of the outcome of your request

UniClinic - Campbelltown Campus

The UniClinic is offering student veterans discounted services, to aid in maintaining physical wellbeing throughout studies at Western. The clinic offers a free initial consultation, followed by $20 per consultation thereafter.

Veteran must present proof to UniClinic of ADF status prior to accessing services and can be in the following form:

Current Serving Members
  • ADF ID card
  • DVA White Card
  • Current PMKeys record/print out
  • Posting Order
Previous Serving Members
  • DVA White or Gold Card
  • Record of Service
  • Final posting order / transition notice

To make an appointment or for further details:
Phone: (02) 4620 3700
Email: uniclinic@westernsydney.edu.au

The Western Sydney University Office of Employability and Graduate Success provides a range of services to assist you plan your future career and build a life you love. Services include an extensive range of online resources and workshops accessible from WSU Careers. To assist you with career decision making and career planning SVP eligible students are provided with the opportunity to access up to 3 consultations with a trained Careers Consultant. To access this service please complete the online Request for Careers Consultation form.

The Student Welfare Service offers a free and confidential service on all campuses. Some of the supports on offer include:

  • Support and advocacy – by helping you navigate university systems and provide support if you are experiencing difficulties (academic or personal).
  • Financial assistance – the service offers a range of financial assistance to assist with education related costs and basic living expenses including grants, textbook support, and emergency food assistance.
  • Student carers – eligible students can access a Carers Verification Statement which assists carers in managing caring responsibilities alongside study

US Veterans Affairs Education Benefits

To find out more about the US Financial Aid Program including federal student loans, private loans and deferring loans, use the link below.