Unis set up hardship funds for students hit by job losses

Universities have established emergency funds and food banks to assist domestic and international students facing hardship.

Universities are stocking food banks for needy students who have lost their jobs.

Universities have established emergency funds and food banks to assist domestic and international students facing hardship because of the loss of their part-time work.

Monash University has set up a $15m assistance package that offers up to $7500 in hardship assistance per student, as well as $500 emergency grants.

Flinders University has a $12.5m support package. RMIT University’s package is worth $10m, Curtin University has an $8m assistance package and James Cook University has established a food pantry.

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Deakin University said last week it had received more than 1500 applications from students for immediate financial support, and had approved 730 so far.

Western Sydney University is giving current international students (who are onshore in Australia) a 10 per cent fee reduction, as well as offering other support measures.

Macquarie University is offering loans of up to $1000 to needy students, in addition to an existing loan and grant scheme that offers up to $2000.

Murdoch University has a $2m assistance fund for students who have been severely affected financially by the coronavirus outbreak, and a bursary worth $25 a week to reduce food bills for international students.

The University of Newcastle has set up a $1m student hardship fund and also offers other assistance, including free meals on campus.

Queensland University of Technology’s emergency student fund is offering up to $1000 to eligible students who are suffering financial hardship, and this week Charles Sturt University opened applications for COVID-19 student support grants. The University of Melbourne also has established an emergency fund.