- ECU Money Matters page - information regarding ECU fees, student loans and scholarships.
- Hardship Payment Scheme - If you are an international student, payment extensions may be agreed on a case-by-case basis.
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There are lots of pathways for support when it comes to financial challenges.
Financial Support Resources
It can be challenging managing the cost of rent and living expenses, especially if this is your first time living independently.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship or just need some guidance with managing a budget, these financial resources may help.
- Emergency Relief and Food Access Service (ERFAS) – Start here to connect with your local emergency relief service.
- ECU Student Guild – welfare and financial support
- Rent Relief Payment – Financial assistance for eligible tenants who are at risk of eviction because of rent arrears.
- Hardship Utility Grant Scheme – Assistance if you are unable to pay your utility bills.
- Foodbank – emergency food assistance
- Red Cross – emergency relief for people on temporary visas
- Multicultural Services Centre of WA – Emergency relief* and other wellbeing services (*depending on availability)
- Grace Anglican Church – free lunches at Grace café Joondalup every Monday and Friday from 10:30am-12:30pm
- Youth Futures – emergency relief, including food hampers and public transport passes for 15-24 years. Based in Joondalup
- Vinnies – Information, advocacy, food or food vouchers, clothing, furniture, budget support and assistance with utility bills.
- Salvation Army – financial assistance and emergency relief
- No Limits – household goods and food hampers for people in crisis.
- Margaret Court Community Outreach – emergency food hampers, clothing and basic care support.
- Intown Centre – meal service in Bunbury
- Accord West – emergency relief in the South West
- WA No Interest Loans – Community lending for low-income earners, for things like a bond, rent in advance or bills (students with Australian issued ID only).
- The Spiers Centre: Can provide food parcels, food vouchers and assistance with utility bills.
- The Smith Family Saver Plus: Receive up to $500 from ANZ for university costs for eligible students (view the brochure here).
Financial stress can impact anyone. Reach out early to talk to someone about your options. Visit It Starts with Hello at The Spiers Centre or you can contact another service below:
- National Debt Helpline - support and advocacy from financial counsellors for debt and managing your budget, including online education about managing your expenses.
- FCAWA – Find your local financial counsellor here.
- Vinnies – Financial Counselling in Perth and South West
- Anglicare – Financial Counselling in Bunbury and Busselton
- Mob Strong Debt Help – Free nationwide legal advice and financial counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Study Perth Cost of Living Calculator – Helps to plan your expenses
- MoneySmart Online Budget Planner – A handy tool to help you manage your income and expenses and work out where you may be able to cut costs.
- MoneySmart Student Life and Money – A guide to managing your money as a student.
- WAConnect – Community directory of food relief, financial counsellors, emergency accommodation and other services.
- Consider using an app to help manage your budget and/or split expenses with your house mates:
Splitwise - Canstar Budgeting apps
- Fair Work Ombudsman – Information about minimum wage and your rights as an employee in Australia
- Commonwealth Prac Payment – Provides financial support to eligible domestic students undertaking mandatory placements in Teaching, Nursing, Midwifery or Social Work courses.
- Centrelink Tertiary Access Payment, Centrelink Relocation Scholarship – If you are under 22 and moving from a remote or regional area of Australia to study, you may be eligible for a one-off payment to help with your relocation costs.
- Welfare Rights & Advocacy Service – Independent advice, information and referral in relation to Centrelink issues (for students living North of the River).
- Sussex Street Community Law Services – Free legal services for those who need assistance with Centrelink decisions.
- Seek support from your Federal MP to help fast-track applications.
- Bond Assistance via the Housing Authority
Kurongkurl Katitjin Student Success - Other supports may be available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students and we encourage you to get in touch with this team.
If you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to discuss your options, you can email studentsuccess@ecu.edu.au or book an appointment with a Student Success Adviser or the Housing Advice Officer.