Badanami Futures Fund
The Badanami Futures Fund provides targeted financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Western Sydney University who are experiencing financial hardship or barriers that may impact their ability to continue and succeed in their studies. The Fund is designed to provide flexible, student-centred support that recognises the diverse circumstances, responsibilities, and journeys of Indigenous students.
Support may be available for a range of study-related and essential living costs, including:
- Bond, rent, or rental arrears
- Utilities such as electricity, gas and phone bills
- Medical or dental expenses
- Laptops and essential study technology
- Placement-related costs including travel, uniforms and accommodation
- Childcare expenses
- Essential motor vehicle expenses
Funding is intended as short-term assistance to help students remain engaged with their studies and strengthen their academic success and wellbeing.
To be eligible, students must:
- Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- Be currently enrolled at Western Sydney University
- Provide Confirmation of Identity (COI) documentation
- Demonstrate financial need or a barrier impacting study participation or success
- Demonstrate how the requested support will contribute to their study, wellbeing or future pathways
- Priority consideration may be given to students experiencing significant hardship, students at key transition points in their studies, or students identified as academically at risk.
- Funding requests of up to $2,500 may be considered per application
- Requests above this amount may be considered in exceptional circumstances
- Support is subject to assessment and funding availability
The Fund operates with finite and carefully stewarded resources, with applications assessed based on demonstrated need and alignment with the objectives of the Fund.
Students can submit a Badanami Futures Fund application along with Confirmation of Identity documentation and any supporting evidence relevant to their request, such as invoices, bills, quotes or rental notices.
Badanami staff may contact students to discuss their circumstances and connect them with additional academic, wellbeing or cultural support where appropriate.
Need support with Confirmation of Identity documentation?
Support is available through the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education for students requiring assistance obtaining Confirmation of Identity documentation. For support or enquiries, contact:
badanami_futures@westernsydney.edu.au