Student Emergency Assistance Fund

Background

Funding has been made available from the UNE Foundation and the University to support quick response grants for UNE students experiencing financial hardship impacting their ability to continue their academic studies (course program or research) at the University.

The grants are intended for students who find themselves in unexpected or unforeseen financial hardship, including because of natural disasters, family circumstances, health or medical emergencies and other one-off issues. The fund does not have the capacity to support a recipient with ongoing costs, and students should note that funds, where provided, are done so on a one-off basis and there are limits in terms of how much funding is available or can be provided to each applicant.

Details

Who can Apply?

Applications for a grant will be administered by the University Alumni Relations and Student Scholarships Team. Students are encouraged to have a confidential and private discussion with Student Advocacy and Welfare about their circumstances and submitting an application for scholarship funds.

1. Open to all students currently enrolled in a degree/course at UNE, excluding UNE staff members.
2. If an applicant is under the age of 18 years, they are required to obtain their parent’s or guardian’s consent to make an application and include a record of this as part of their application.
3. Examples of what may be funded through the Student Emergency Assistance Fund include:
   1. part of costs to travel to UNE for intensives or tutorials or to undertake placements which are part of the student’s study program
   2. part of the costs of travelling to a family residence during Trimester and back to UNE in association with an emergency
   3. part of one off student accommodation costs including part temporary accommodation costs relating to student placements
   4. part of the cost of medical consult/counselling support
   5. part of one off expenses such as repair or replacement of computer/device used for study purposes
   6. part of one-off utility expenses (e.g. electricity, gas, water) due to exceptional circumstances
   7. childcare or babysitting costs associated with medical emergencies or bereavements
   8. other items will be considered, including part of one off professional fees (legal services/travel to compulsory court attendance.
4. The following are examples of what will not be funded:
   1. rent or college fees
   2. mortgage repayments
   3. council rates
   4. motor vehicle costs
   5. parking or traffic fines
   6. internet costs
   7. textbooks

Students seeking assistance with expenses not covered by the Emergency Fund may be eligible for a Student Loan.

How to Apply?

1. Applications must be made using the application form which will be provided to the applicant by UNE Life Advocacy and Welfare.
2. Applicants will be required to provide documentation with their application supporting their specific need and circumstances, eg. Medical certificates, bank statements, legal documents, tax invoices, etc.

Notes

1. By applying to this fund, the applicant permits the University to give some personal details contained in their application to the UNE Life Advocacy and Welfare Independent Student Advocates who may not be UNE staff.  All information gathered will be treated with strict confidentiality and discretion.
2. An application does not mean the applicant will automatically receive a grant.
3. Funds will be awarded based on available funding, assessment of individual needs, and capacity for the support to help the student to complete their studies.
4. The offering of the Student Emergency Assistance Fund is subject to funds available. UNE reserves the right to decline applications should the total value of applications received exhaust the funds set aside for this particular purpose.
5. Successful applicants will be notified by the Scholarships, Prizes & Awards team within two working days of receiving the scholarship application.
6. Applicants acknowledge that the grant awarded may not cover the full cost of the expense or fee.
7. Applications are limited to one application per student in a 12 month period.
8. Applicants will need to report back on the grant after it is expended and show evidence of the bill/invoice/quote/email trail relating to the use of grant funds. Failure to report back will deem the student ineligible to apply from the Student Emergency Assistance fund again in future.
9. All expenditures must be within Australia and in Australian dollars.
10. Information collected by UNE as part of this application will be handled consistent with the University’s Privacy Policy and with the treatment of personal information. Please go to the UNE website https://www.une.edu.au/about-une/governance/privacy for information about how information you provide to UNE will be managed.
11. UNE will not be liable for any personal injury, loss, damage or expenses (whether direct or consequential) to persons or property arising out of or otherwise connected with this funding or application for funding.
12. By submitting your application you accept these terms and conditions
13. The Selection Committee’s decision is final.

Acceptance

In accepting funding from the Student Emergency Assistance Fund, the recipient acknowledges that they have read, understand and accept the terms and conditions outlined above.