There are a number of options available to students with unique needs for extra support during your study.
Higher education providers are required by legislation to have a Support for Students Policy which outlines the resources available to help their students succeed in their studies.
In addition to this, there are a number of options available to students with unique needs for extra support during your study.
Most higher education providers have Indigenous student support centres.
Services may include orientation activities, learning support, peer-mentoring, tutoring and cultural support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have no cap placed on their access to Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) for undergraduate degrees at public universities, except for medical degrees. Students will still need to meet the course entry requirements and have a student contribution amount to pay or defer to a Higher Education Program Loan (HELP) loan.
Scholarship Opportunities
There are many scholarship opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Information is available at the Aurora Education Foundation, on your provider’s website or through their scholarship office.
Support for rural, regional and remote students (including for distance education or online studies) may include orientation activities, accommodation officers, student support services, welfare services, academic support and networking opportunities.
The Australian Government encourages regional and remote students to undertake higher-level tertiary study by offering:
- Regional University Study Hubs (formerly Regional University Centres) which provide campus-like facilities and support, including study spaces, video conferencing, computer facilities and internet access, as well as academic skills and wellbeing support.
- The Tertiary Access Payment which is a $3,000 or up to $5,000 payment to assist eligible relocating regional and remote school leavers to access higher-level tertiary study immediately after Year 12/equivalent. Students apply through Services Australia.
Scholarship Opportunities
Specific rural, regional and remote student payments, such as the Relocation Scholarship and Fares Allowance are also available through Services Australia.
Many providers encourage students to make connections through social and cultural clubs and societies.
Check if your provider offers program such as English-language support, orientation activities, peer-mentoring or other services to help you with study.
Some education providers offer scholarships for people seeking asylum and refugees on temporary visas. The Refugee Education Special Interest Group provides an overview of available scholarships by universities.
These scholarships can be for different purposes like course fees or living expenses.
Students on a permanent humanitarian visa are eligible to access a HELP loan for their tuition fees.
If you have a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that stops you from working, you may be eligible for the Disability Support Pension. Students who are already receiving the Disability Support Pension may also be eligible for a Youth Disability Supplement or additional Pensioner Education Supplement to assist with study costs.
Providers can support access and participation for students with disability or health condition by:
- making reasonable adjustments so you can participate in all learning activities
- referring you to disability support officers, counsellors, on-campus medical services or other student services
- organising support to assist you with managing your study load.
Most providers offer support services to LGBTIQA+ students during their study. These may include dedicated LGBTIQA+ social events, targeted counselling services and student support liaison officers. For more information, check out the support services offered by your provider.
Scholarships and mentoring are available through the Pinnacle Foundation for LGBTIQA+ students who are studying full time at public universities.
Other community support options include:
- QLife - Australia's first national counselling and referral service for people who are LGBTIQA+.
- Intersex Human Rights Australia - a national body for people with intersex variations that provides information, education and peer support.
- LGBTIQ+ Health Australia - the national peak health organisation in Australia for organisations and individuals that provide health-related programs, services and research focused on LGBTI and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people and communities.
Many providers support students to manage carer responsibilities while studying by providing flexible learning options (e.g. online or part-time study), on-campus child care, parent rooms and parent support groups.
The find child care tool on the Starting Blocks website allows you to find and compare services near you.
Carers Australia and the Department of Social Services offer support and information for carers.
Specific carer payments and services and child care payments are available through Services Australia.
Many providers support students from low-income backgrounds through admissions pathways, peer mentoring, academic learning support, advice on financial assistance (e.g. bursaries, scholarships and managing budgets) and where to access emergency financial assistance.
Access to Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loans removes the barrier of upfront fees.
Special payments for students, trainees and Australian apprentices are available through Services Australia.
If you are the first in your family to attend higher education or go to university, you might not have anyone in your family or community you can talk to about your experience.
The First-in-Family website has resources, information and case studies to support you.