Student Welfare
VU's Student Welfare service offers free and confidential support related to welfare, finance, and housing to improve your overall wellbeing.
Our aim is to empower you to overcome any personal challenges you may face and help you succeed during your academic journey at VU.
Finance & money management
Student Welfare can provide you with information about managing your finances, budgeting advice, provide emergency financial support, and more.
We can assist you with:
- Centrelink information
- advice about how to create a budget and the cost of living in Melbourne
- emergency financial assistance for needs such as groceries and clothing
- understanding VET Student Loans
- understanding HECS-HELP
- applying for grants and information about scholarships
- managing your study and living related costs
- coordinate a Free Tax Help service every year
- support and advice about utility providers, credit card debts, personal debts, mobile phone plans and fines.
Fee extensions for exceptional circumstances
Student Welfare assess your personal and financial circumstances to determine eligibility for a fee extension due to exceptional circumstances.
Gender affirmation support
We support trans and gender diverse students and their peers, ensuring full participation in the work and study environment by enabling access to appropriate assistance.
This includes liaising with professional units to complete required administrative, personal and enrolment details changes, and your College to support you with academic and learning issues.
Housing information
Our dedicated team can assist you with understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Australia, and advise you on housing supports available in the community.
We can assist you with:
- advice and information about finding accommodation
- important information you need to know about housing in Australia
- managing tenancy issues and how to access support
- referral to homelessness services if you are in crisis.
Community referrals
Our Senior Advisors can help you find relevant personal support services within the community.
We can link you with support services for:
- consumer affairs
- drug and alcohol issues
- women’s support services
- family and domestic violence support
- tax help
- material aid
- legal issues
- financial counsellors
- supports for international students
- gender diversity.
