Financial assistance FAQs
How can the UWS Financial Assistance Scheme help you?
If you are experiencing short-term financial hardship that makes it hard for you to study, you may be eligible for an University Student Loan or a Student Grant. A Student Loan or Grant is interest-free and may assist with the cost of living and education-related expenses. These loans and grants are not intended as a form of income support.
Who is eligible?
To apply for a loan you must be currently enrolled as a University of Western Sydney student.If you cease to be a currently enrolled student at University of Western Sydney. If you graduate, take leave of absence or withdraw you will have to repay any outstanding loan amount in full.
What assistance is available?
- Student Loans (max $500)
- Student Grants (max $1000)
- Textbook Grant (max $1000)
These Student Loans/Grants are for education and living expenses e.g. rent/bond fees, phone bills, electricity bills.
A Textbook Grant is specifically for the costs associated with textbooks.
What is the difference between a loan and a grant?
A loan is an amount that needs to be repaid to the University within a set period of time. A grant is an amount that does not need to be repaid to the University. Students who do not have the capacity to repay a loan will be considered for a grant.What do I need to do to apply?
To apply for a loan or grant, you will need to do the following:
complete an application form (including a complete and accurate budget taking into consideration all forms of income and expenses of the household)
- provide evidence of the need for financial situation and how the financial assistance will be utilised (eg. bills, quotes)
- provide a bank account statement (for an account belonging to the student which the financial assistance is to be deposited- if approved)
- proof of income for all members of the household (copy of Centrelink statement and/or payslips)
- provide a Written statement by the student outlining their current situation (including their financial situation, any other extenuating circumstances impacting their situation, and strategies to address their current issues).
You must be able to demonstrate to the Student Welfare Service:
- current financial need how your need is education-related
- what other financial sources you have contacted for assistance before approaching the University
- what strategies you have put in place to attempt to resolve your financial situation
Some of my bills are due today. If I apply for a UWS Loan or Grant, will I receive the money immediately?
The processing of a Grant or Student Loan takes time, therefore you will not receive the loan money immediately. All loan and Grant applications have to be approved by the Manager, Student Welfare Service.If approved, the funds are processed by the Office of Chief Financial Officer. If approved, the money will usually be in your nominated bank account within 5-7 working days (sometimes longer during peak times). It is important that you do not leave it to the last minute to request financial assistance.
In certain extenuating circumstances, the Student Welfare Officer may be able to reduce the processing time if your loan or grant is approved (only in emergency situations).
It may help to talk to a Student Welfare Officer about how you can better organise your budget for paying bills in the future.
I have a Student Loan but am taking Leave of Absence. Can I just continue with my repayments?
If you take a Leave of Absence (or if you are graduating or excluded under any of the University's policies), the Loans Policy requires you to repay the loan in full.If this will place you in financial hardship you should contact the Student Welfare Officer on your campus to discuss your situation. It is in your best interest to do this, so as to prevent any debt collection action being taken by the University. Your academic results may be withheld until you repay the loan in full.
My friend has just paid the rent for me. Can I request a student loan or grant to repay my friend?
No, you cannot normally take out a Student Loan or request a student grant to repay money that you owe to another person (or for credit card debts, other loans or fines). However, there may be some other eligible items that a Student Loan or grant can help you with. They include bond, bills (eg. electricity or phone bill), textbooks, educational items, course-related placement, and transport (eg bus or train tickets). For more information, talk to a Student Welfare Officer.I have applied for a UWS Student Loan or grant before. Can I apply for another one?
Depending on your individual situation, you may be eligible for a Student Loan or Grant even if you have received one before.
Generally speaking, if you have repaid in full a previous loan you will be eligible to apply again. Every application is considered on a case by case basis, and the assessment of any new application will be based on your current financial situation. You would have to discuss this with a Student Welfare Officer to see if you meet the criteria.
Please note that UWS Financial Assistance is not intended as a form of ongoing support.
For further information on applying for Student Loans and Grants, please contact the Student Welfare Officer on your campus.
