General budget help

By doing your budget you will be able to understand your spending habits and support living well.

Budget Your Money is a Government website budget calculator that helps check:

• where your money is going
• if you are spending more than you can afford
• that your money is going towards your priorities.

This electronic budget is ideal as it allow you to enter weekly, fortnightly, monthly and annual expenses without the need to convert.

Save money in your living costs - Environment Victoria has some terrific information in relation to reducing your living costs and ecological footprint. The ‘Victorian Green Renters Guide: Sustainable Living Tips for Renters’ can also be downloaded from the website.

Accommodation and your finances

Rent Assistance – Students receiving a Commonwealth Support benefit or pension and living away from home and paying rent may be eligible for Rent Assistance - contact Centrelink for more information.

Utility Relief Scheme – for Australian resident students experiencing difficulty in paying a large utility cost you can apply for a one-off utility relief payment. Contact Department of Human Services to apply.

Bond Loan Scheme - Australian resident students on low income may be eligible for a Bond Loan for a rental property, co-tenancy in a rental property or as a resident in a rooming house. Students living in University operated accommodation are not eligible for a Bond Loan but may be eligible for a VU Student Loan. Contact Deptartment of Human Services to apply.

Housing Establishment Funds (HEF) - is a Victorian Government initiative that aims to address and prevent homelessness by providing financial assistance to individuals and families (Australian Residents) who are homeless or in a housing crisis. Funds may be provided for rent in advance (private rental) or rent in arrears (private rental) or emergency housing. An eligibility criteria applies. For further information about HEF phone 1800 825 955.

Loans, scholarships and other financial help

Concession Cards - A Concession Card will provide a range of discount concessions on living costs such as gas, electricity and water. A Concession Card is issued to students in receipt of a Commonwealth benefit or pension. Australian resident students receiving NO or low income (less than $3840 over 8 weeks) are eligible for a Low Income Earners Health Care Card.

Scholarships – Victoria University has a range of scholarships to assist Higher Education and TAFE students with their living and education costs. You may also be eligible for a Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship.See Scholarships web page for more information.

Centrelink Advance Payment - Students receiving a Commonwealth pension and some benefits are eligible to apply for a cash advance which could be used for housing costs. Contract Centrelink for more details.

Student Loan - up to $500 interest free is available as a last resource. Strict conditions apply. Contract Student Welfare Services on 9919 8801, 9919 4418 or 9919 2399 for an appointment.

Contact Student Welfare

If you would like free and confidential support and assistance to help you develop practical skills to better manage your money, contact Welfare services.

ASKVU Find answers and ask questions
Phone: +61 3 9919 8801
+61 3 9919 2399
+61 3 9919 4418