Finance, fees, scholarships and student employment - Student Equity Unit

Youth Allowance and Austudy are the major forms of Commonwealth Government assistance for tertiary students.

There are several categories of Youth Allowance and Austudy - check with Centrelink, Student Welfare Service or Student Financial Aid about your eligibility.

Take time to read carefully through the Youth Allowance or Austudy Guide from Centrelink.

Apply for Youth Allowance if you are under 25 years or Austudy if you are 25 or over, even though you've got to wade through heaps of paperwork. It's worth it!

If you have not been successful the first time - REAPPLY if your circumstances change. You may be successful if you do.

Youth Allowance and Austudy are usually subject to a means test of parents and student's income. You may also qualify as an independent student - so, once again, it's worth the effort to inquire.

Call at any Centrelink Office or ask for help at uni. Contact Centrelink on 132 490 with any questions you have about Youth Allowance (if you are under 25 years of age) and on 132 316 for Austudy queries (if you are 25 years and over).

If you receive Youth Allowance on the 'away from home' rate, you may be eligible for Rent Assistance or Student Financial Aid.

The cost of Commonwealth-supported places (CSP), formerly known as Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) is set by the Australian Government. You are liable to pay this toward the cost of your tertiary studies. This charge is calculated annually and the cost will depend on what course you take.

CSP fees can be paid upfront (which gives you a 25 percent reduction) or you can pay through the tax system when you are working afterwards and when your taxable income reaches a specified limit. For more information check out the CSP booklet that was made available to you in your enrolment kit.

Scholarships

Rural students are eligible to apply for Commonwealth Learning Scholarships (which include Special Accommodation Scholarships), Monash University Equity and Excellence Scholarships and Monash University Equity Bursaries. For more information see the web site: www.adm.monash.edu.au/scholarships/applicants/.

Student Employment

Monash University Careers and Employment keeps a register of part-time and casual work including tutoring, babysitting, gardening and domestic work in the university and in student's own suburbs if living off-campus during the academic year as well as full-time employment during the summer vacation.

Job Seekers Workshops are run throughout the year on Berwick, Caulfield, Clayton, and Peninsula Campuses. There is information on the web site: www.careers.monash.edu.au/students/job-seekers-workshops.html

Contact numbers of Monash University Careers and Employment for each Australian campus are on the website: http://careers.monash.edu.au/. Once you have found a job that interests you, follow the directions to apply.