Financial Support

IMPORTANT COVID-19 MESSAGE:
To keep us all safe, Student Wellbeing Services (Counselling, Disability and Welfare) are offering students the next available online appointment. If you require a face-to-face appointment, please discuss this with Wellbeing staff at the time of booking.

If you're in financial hardship due to personal circumstances, COVID 19 or an extraordinary event (eg crisis or natural disaster) and need assistance with essential living costs, the Student Welfare Service is here to support you. Contact our team via WesternNow or 1300 668 370 (option 4 then option 1).

Financial Support

Food Support

If you require financial assistance for food due to personal circumstances, COVID 19 or have been impacted by an extraordinary event (e.g. crisis or natural disaster) contact our team via WesternNow or 1300 668 370 (option 4 then option 1).

The Chaplaincy Team runs weekly Community Dinners during session. These provide a great opportunity to share a nutritious meal and get to know other students.

You can also enjoy a free breakfast on your campus every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 8:30-10:30am during session. Learn more by logging into WESTERNLife Events with your student details.

Textbook Support

Apply for up to $500 Textbook Support to purchase prescribed textbooks from:

Submit your application here. Applications open two weeks before the commencement of session, with applications closing on the relevant census dates.

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a DiviPay virtual card via email.

Government Services

Centrelink - Offers a range of on-going payments to eligible students. If you're receiving a student payment, you can also access the Fares Allowance to attend compulsory activities linked to your studies and the Student Start Up loan

Revenue NSW -  A Work Development Order (WDO) can assist you to pay off or reduce a fine by up to $1000 a month by participating in an approved activity eg volunteer work; financial counselling. For more information, call 1300 138 118

Study NSW COVID19 Help Hub - Provides onshore international students impacted by COVID 19 with access to financial assistance, wellbeing services and more. Multilingual case workers are available.

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment -  Access financial support if you’re unable to earn an income because you or someone you’re caring for has to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID 19.

Community Services

Ask Izzy - Access a range of support (such as food, housing, bills, No Interest Loans) from Community Services in your local area.

Welfare Rights Centre - Support for those experiencing issues with Centrelink.

The Salvation Army - Phone: 13 72 58

St Vincent de Paul - Phone: 13 18 12

Anglicare - Phone: 1300 111 278

Financial Counselling & Guidance

National Debt Help Line: Access free and confidential financial counselling to manage debt and get back on track.

Moneysmart: A government-run organisation providing information about financial literacy and services including financial counselling and crisis support.

Moneyminded: Access online resources to create a budget, reduce debt, and/or improve savings.

First Nations Foundation: Indigenous financial wellbeing organisation led by an indigenous-majority board, providing free financial literacy training via My Money Dream and more.

Financial Counsellors’ Association of NSW- Free and confidential financial advice. Phone: 1300 914 408

LawAccess NSW -  Access information to assist you with financial concerns such as FineFixer and Problems with Utilities

Insider Guides - Provide up-to-date information on matters relating to international students including webinars with industry experts.

Tax Help

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides a free Tax Help program to assist those earning under $60,000 to lodge a tax return. Learn more