Getting financial help

Hub student advisers are available at each Australian campus to provide you with general guidance and information. The advisers are sensitive to the embarrassment that financial difficulties can sometimes cause, and interviews are strictly confidential. If need be, the advisers can also assist you with referral to other services. Refer to the list of contact details.

Services include:

• general financial guidance including how to do a budget and manage your money
• advice on the application process for government assistance
• advice on applying for a university’s student loan or grant.

Student loans

A loans scheme is available to help students meet unexpected costs. You are encouraged to discuss your situation with a Hub student adviser before applying for a student loan.

Student loans should not be viewed as a regular subsidy or be included as an expected part of your budget. Loans will be considered in cases where current financial difficulties might jeopardise your ability to continue with your studies. Any legitimate study-related expense may be considered, although the scheme does not cover course fees, HECS or CSP liability, or any type of visa charges for international students.

Short-term loans

These loans are mainly designed to help cover large, one-off expenses and emergencies. A repayment schedule is negotiated with the student adviser. Short-term loans are for up to $500, for a maximum of six months. No interest is charged and no guarantor is required.

Long-term loans

Long-term loans are available for a wide range of study related expenses such as accommodation, books, computers, cars and overseas study. Legitimate expenses that indicate the student’s continued study is in jeopardy will also be considered.

The loans are for amounts up to $3000, for a maximum of 12 months. No interest is charged but a guarantor is required.

A repayment schedule is negotiated with the student adviser, with any balance repayable in full once the student finishes the course or ceases to be enrolled at the university.

Bank loans

Bank loans can help in the short term, but the repayment requirements could be onerous. It is a good idea talk to a student adviser for advice on loans available through the university before you apply for a bank loan.

Legal advice

Legal advice is available to help students with any unexpected problems that arise. Contact your student association for how you can access legal advice or see below.

Clayton

The Monash-Oakleigh Legal Service is operated by the Faculty of Law at 60 Beddoe Avenue (just outside the south-western corner of the Clayton campus). It provides legal advice and assistance to students, staff and the general community, handles cases and arranges representation in court and at tribunals. The service is free to those who cannot afford to pay for legal assistance, but legal representation by a barrister must be paid for unless legal aid is granted.

Appointments are necessary and can be made in person or by telephoning +61 3 9905 4336 on Mondays to Fridays from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm. Client interviews are conducted on some days and evenings.

Victorian Legal Aid

Free legal advice can also be provided through the Victorian Government Legal Aid service.

The Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies (CAIS) at Monash offers support to Australian Indigenous students enrolled in all courses on all campuses of the university.

All requests for assistance are strictly confidential and dealt with by a trained Indigenous liaison officer. Support includes information about scholarships and bursaries and assistance with applications for Centrelink (ABSTUDY) payments, as well as a range of other support services.

Students are encouraged to contact the CAIS Indigenous student support coordinator to discuss their requirements.

Student associations

The student associations on your campus or for your student group (eg postgraduates) often have welfare programs for students. For further information, contact your student association.