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Financial support
If you experience financial difficulties that impact on your studies, you may be able to apply for financial support. The University has a number of bursaries and interest-free loans to assist with essential study and living costs.
Overview
If you meet eligibility criteria and there are sufficient funds available, you can apply and be awarded financial support once per semester during your studies to help in emergencies or financial difficulty.
The support is not intended as a regular source of income. You should access financial advice from the Financial Rights Legal Centre or MoneySmart if you experience ongoing financial hardship.
Financial support can be used for essential living and study expenses including:
- textbooks, readers and journals
- laptops and IT equipment
- bond and rent payments
- phone, electricity and gas bills
- medical and dental bills
- travel and accommodation costs for compulsory placements
- childcare arrangements during peak periods for both coursework and higher degree research (e.g. during exams or reviews).
Bursaries and loans will not be provided for:
- payment of HECS or tuition fees
- payment of compulsory subscriptions
- purchase of cars
- holidays
- financial penalties such as traffic and library fines
- non-essential expenses.
If you have been directly affected by a natural disaster and require financial support we encourage you to apply for a general bursary. You are eligible if you are enrolled at the University of Sydney, have been directly affected by a recent natural disaster, and are experiencing financial difficulties. Find out more about what you'll need to apply.
Types of support available
Bursaries are awarded to students on the basis of financial need, through trusts set up by private benefactors or the University. There are two types of bursaries available – general bursaries and advertised bursaries.
If you receive a bursary, you do not need to pay it back. However, we do encourage you to make a donation later (once you have graduated and found employment) to ensure future students also have access to this financial support.
Interest free loans are available to help cover your living and study expenses, and need to be repaid.
Bursaries explained
Learn to manage your money
We have some useful information to help you manage your finances as a student and tips on resources that might help you cut your costs.
Last updated: 23 May 2023
