Textbook voucher FAQs
How do I apply for a textbook voucher?
When do applications open?
Am I eligible to apply?
What types of documentation do I need to supply with my application?
Where can I get a quote for my textbooks?
What if a $200 voucher is not enough to cover the cost of my textbooks for this session?
What can I use the voucher for?
What are my chances of getting a voucher? How can I improve my chances?
Is there any way I can access my textbooks without buying them new?
When and how do I find out if I my application has been successful or not?
If I receive a voucher where do I pick it up from?
What if my application is unsuccessful and I disagree with the decision?
Who can I talk to about other financial assistance and support?
What happens if I missed the application closing date?
How do I apply for a textbook voucher?
To apply for a textbook voucher you will need to fill in the online application form and attach the required documentation. The form will be available during the application period at the beginning of each session.
When do applications open?
Applications for Spring Session 2013 are now open and will close on Friday, 6 September.
Am I eligible to apply?
The textbook voucher scheme is open to students enrolled in UWS undergraduate & postgraduate courses, including International students and UWSCollege students.
You are eligible to apply for a textbook voucher if you are enrolled in two or more units at UWS and at least one of the following applies to you:
- you live independently and earn less than $500 per week
- you are part of a family with a combined income of less than $900 per week
Please note: Students who received a $50 voucher from the University are eligible to receive a $200 voucher, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria above.
What types of documentation do I need to supply with my application?
- a completed online application form
- proof of income (if applicable)
- if you receive a Centrelink benefit include your Centrelink statement (for any payments you and your family receive)
- if you are employed, copies of payslips (your most recent ones, as well as those of your partner or family members you reside with)
- a quote for the cost of textbooks (please copy and paste the quote from the Connect Books website(opens in a new window) into a Word document)
Students please note - when uploading your documents in the application form please change the file name to include your name and student number.
Where can I get a quote for my textbooks?
You can obtain a quote for your textbooks by searching for your units on the uwsconnect Books website.
What if a $200 voucher is not enough to cover the cost of my textbooks for this session?
The Student Welfare Service offers a range of financial information, resources and assistance for students in financial hardship. You are welcome to contact a Welfare Officer at any time during the year if you experience financial difficulty. We may be able to assist you with financial and budgeting skills or other means of assistance.
What can I use the voucher for?
The textbook voucher can only be used to make purchases at Connect Books for course related materials such as textbooks, course readers and stationery. The voucher must be used by the expiry date. Vouchers cannot be redeemed for cash, sold, traded or auctioned. Goods purchased with the voucher cannot be returned for a cash refund. Photo ID will be required to be shown when using the voucher
What are my chances of getting a voucher? How can I improve my chances?
Vouchers are allocated on the basis of a student’s overall situation as demonstrated in their application. Therefore it is important that you include all documentation that is required, and that you provide an overview of your current circumstances including your financial situation, living arrangements, support networks etc.
Is there any way I can access my textbooks without buying them new?
There a many options for obtaining a textbook without purchasing it. These include borrowing the textbook from the library, sharing with a student, purchasing second hand textbooks, photocopying selected chapters etc. For more information see the textbook fact sheet [88Kb, PDF] (opens in a new window).
When and how do I find out if I my application has been successful or not?
An email will be sent to your student email account regarding the outcome of your application within five working days of lodging your application. Any delay in you providing all relevant documentation will delay the processing of your application.
If I receive a voucher where do I pick it up from?
You will receive an email to your student email account from a Welfare Officer which will also include details of how and when to pick up your voucher.
What if my application is unsuccessful and I disagree with the decision?
You are welcome to speak with the Welfare Officer about why the decision was made and discuss other possible options to assist you.
Who can I talk to about other financial assistance and support?
You are welcome to contact your campus Welfare officer to discuss other forms of support available.
What happens if I missed the application closing date?
The Student Welfare Service offers a range of financial information, resources and assistance for students in financial hardship. You are welcome to contact a Welfare Officer at any time during the year if you experience financial difficulty.
