Cost-of-living & financial support

We understand that the rising cost of living is making things more challenging for students. We're committed to supporting you with services and resources, so you can focus on your studies.

If cost-of-living pressures are impacting your studies or day-to-day life, we encourage you to reach out to our VUHQ team.

Find information about support services and resources available to you.

A VU staff member in a blue VU shirt talking with a prospective student at the other end of the table.

We’re here to help if you need support

Speak with our VUHQ team for support, either in-person or online. We can help answer your questions, provide guidance and connect you with the range of services that can support you throughout your studies.

Contact VUHQ

Food & essentials support

If you’re struggling to afford food or essentials, you can access the following services.

: You can access free groceries and essential items through the VUSU Pantry:
Footscray Park
Building M, opposite VUHQ.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 11am–1pm.
Sunshine
Building F, Rooms F127, F129, F130
Open all day.
Werribee
Building 1B, outside Room 1B113
Open all day.
: We have partnered with SecondBite to provide students with free, healthy frozen meals to eat at home.
When:
Mondays 1–3.30pm
Tuesdays 1–3.30pm
Thursdays 2–4.30pm
Location: Footscray Park Campus, Building M, next to VUHQ.
Learn more about our free frozen meals
: Free period products are available in vending machines and women's rooms across our campuses.
Vending machine locations
Footscray Park: Women's bathroom in Building M, Level 1
City Tower: Women's bathroom on Level 10.
Women's rooms
Footscray Park: E103a, Building E
City Tower: T1107, Level 11
St Albans: 4n133b, Building 4N
Werribee: J Building.
: Free public transport is available in Victoria until 30 April. You can travel for free on trains, trams and buses across Victoria.
We'll also be running additional free shuttle bus services between Footscray Train Station and our Footscray Park Campus.

Financial support

: Get an interest-free loan to help you purchase trade tools and supplies while being an apprentice.
You can apply for an AASL if you are completing an Australian Apprenticeship in a qualification listed on the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List.
Find out more about Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans
: VU hosts a free Tax Help Service from July until the end of October, in which a volunteer trained by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) provides one-to-one assistance and support to help students complete their tax return online.
If you earn $70K or less a year and have simple tax affairs, you may be eligible for free assistance through the Tax Help program at Victoria University. Fnd out more and check your eligibility.
To book a free appointment at Footscray Park campus with our Tax Help volunteer:
Call +61 3 9919 5400
Book online (select Appointment Location: Footscray Park, Service Type: Tax Help Service).
: The Australian Government provides payments to students who are studying, such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, Abstudy etc. All of these payments have eligibility criteria and will require you to apply directly to Services Australia – Centrelink.
Our Student Welfare team can provide guidance on which Centrelink payments you may be eligible for. You can also use Centrelink's Payment and Service Finder to help find what payments you may be eligible for based on your circumstances.
If you are enrolled in a Certificate IV or below TAFE course, we recommend you apply for a Low Income Health Care Card. This card can give you access to reduced TAFE tuition fees. Even if you are not eligible for other student payments, you may still be eligible for a Low-Income Heath Care Card.
Learn more about Centrelink support services for students
: Our Student Welfare team can offer assistance, referrals and advice to help you manage your finances while studying. This includes:
advice about managing your study and living related costs
advice about utility bills, providers, and Government relief grant schemes
advice about credit card debts, personal debts, mobile phone plans and fines
information about Centrelink payments.
We cannot provide funds to help you pay your course fees.
: If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for a short-term, interest-free loan through Good Shephard. These loans can help you pay for essential items.
Learn more about the No Interest Loan Scheme
: We offer scholarships to help students with their living and education costs.
Browse our scholarships
: Access a Victorian Government utility relief grant to get help with paying overdue energy or water bills. These grants are available for low-income Victorians experiencing unexpected hardship.
Learn more about the grants

Academic & personal support

: The Victoria University Mental Health Support Line operates around the clock. You can access immediate and short-term support 24 hours a day, including weekends and public holidays.
Contact us to get connected with a support worker:
Call 1300 511 971
Text 0485 908 389
: Access short-term confidential counselling for stress, anxiety, study pressures or personal concerns.
Learn more about our counselling services
: The Learning Hub offers personalised support, workshops and online resources to help you develop the skills you need to succeed at any stage of your studies.
Visit the Learning Hub to get help with writing, maths, referencing and study skills.
: Our trained student mentors can help support you as you settle into university.
They can guide you in using VU systems, like MyVU and VU Collaborate, and help you navigate administrative processes such as applying for special consideration or advanced standing.
Connect with a student mentor with Vygo (login required)

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