The financial stress experienced by many UniSC students as a result of the cost of living crisis is having a real impact on their university experience and ability to complete their studies.
To undertake a university education, many students experience a heavy financial burden as a result of:
- rising cost of living
- increased need to work excessive hours in paid employment while studying
- significant periods of compulsory unpaid work placement, often away from home
- carer responsibilities
- regional disadvantage
The UniSC Student Relief Fund was established to respond to the need for increased financial support for students. It is a pooled fund of donations of all amounts, including private donations and funds raised via UniSC's Annual Appeal and Starfish Staff Giving, providing study support bursaries to help students most in need.
A crisis impacting students
Latest data shows the extent of the crisis, and the student impact.
38 percent of student respondents are in insecure housing*
*Times Higher Education (Australia)
56 percent of students report that financial hardship is affecting their academic results*
*Times Higher Education (Australia)
65 percent of students say it has harmed their mental health*
*Times Higher Education (Australia)
20 percent of UniSC students accessing Student Wellbeing services report financial hardship as a concern affecting their studies
Help today for a better tomorrow
The University firmly believes in the transformative power of education and the strength of our community. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of UniSC students facing financial hardship and empower students like Rachael to realise their dreams.
The University welcomes gifts of any amount to support this initiative. Every contribution to the fund is not just a donation, it's a lifeline for our students.
100% goes to students
Every dollar donated to the UniSC Student Relief Fund goes directly to study support bursaries valued at $2,500 each to help students in financial need. Donations AUD$2 and over are tax deductible in Australia.
I'm Rachael Thurlow, a 44-year-old single mum of five, and I can't thank you enough for the life-changing financial support. After two decades dedicated to motherhood, I made the bold decision to embark on a new career path as a registered nurse. The past year was a challenging adjustment as a single mum juggling household responsibilities, work, and university studies. Your contribution means the world to me. Your support ensures I can focus on my studies without worrying about financial stress. As a dedicated single mum, I make every dollar count. Thank you for believing in me and my journey.
Rachael Thurlow, Bachelor of Nursing Science
The power of study support bursaries
Receiving a study support bursary lightens a student's financial burden, empowering them to focus more fully on their studies and to realise their full potential.
- equity bursaries play a crucial role in influencing students' decisions to pursue and continue higher education
- they lead to higher grades and better overall academic performance
- they significantly contribute to student retention
- they reduce financial hardship and support overall wellbeing
- they support equity groups from low socio-economic backgrounds with demonstrated financial need, with a preference for students who need to undertake paid work to support their studies
- they can be the difference between a student completing their degree or having to abandon their studies
How the study support bursary works
Each bursary has a value of A$2,500. Recipients are paid in regular instalments throughout one academic semester to assist with regular costs relating to their studies (eg groceries, transport, internet charges and textbooks).
Applications are invited each semester via UniSC Scholarships and are assessed against strict eligibility criteria, including demonstrated financial need and academic merit.
Visit Scholarships for more information on how to apply.