Related links
If you are a domestic or international student located in Australia who's experiencing financial hardship you may be able to receive a voucher worth $250 for food or essential items (e.g. medical items).
This support scheme is dependent on available funding and is being reviewed on an ongoing basis.
It is only available to students currently enrolled at the University of Sydney.
You are eligible to apply for a voucher if you:
You can’t apply if you’ve already reached the limit on the number of vouchers that can be awarded in a semester.
If your application is unsuccessful, you can re-apply if your financial situation worsens.
If you’re a domestic student who has already received a bursary in the same semester, we’ll assess your application on a case-by-case basis.
If you also have a General Bursary application pending, we will assess the General Bursary before proceeding with the assessment of the Financial Support Voucher. If a General Bursary is approved, Financial Support Vouchers will only be awarded additionally in extenuating circumstances.
There are limits on the number of vouchers that can be awarded in a semester. These are explained below.
If you’re eligible to apply for a second voucher, you’ll need to wait eight weeks after you receive your first voucher, before you apply again.
To be considered for a voucher, you need to provide the following supporting documents:
All bank account statements need to be in PDF format and contain:
Screenshots, photos or CSV files of bank statements will not be accepted.
You don’t need to provide your academic transcript.
It is important to upload all relevant supporting documents, or your application will be declined. You will need to reapply which will lead to a delay in processing your application. You cannot update your application after you submit it.
Complete an online application and include your supporting documents.
In your application, you will need to:
If your current aggregate bank account balance does not indicate an immediate need for financial support with your living expenses, you will need to submit a personal statement. This will need to clearly outline your current financial need, what expenses the financial support would cover, and why the need has arisen. The personal statement needs to be submitted as a single Microsoft Word document. Alternatively, you may apply at a later date, once your aggregate bank account balance indicates an immediate need for financial support.
We expect all students to provide genuine, truthful evidence of financial hardship. Providing misleading information such as transferring funds to a hidden account is in breach of the Student Charter and will be dealt with accordingly. Such conduct is a very serious matter. It also increases the processing time of applications for all students and may delay the granting of funds to students in genuine need.
We process applications in the order in which they are received. You need to check your University email address regularly after applying as we may contact you there if further information is required.
Most applications are processed within three weeks, provided all your documents are included. After your application has been assessed, you will receive an email from the Financial Support Service which provides information about the outcome of your application.
If your application is successful, follow the prompts in the message to enable the voucher to be issued.
If your application is unsuccessful and your financial situation worsens, you will be able to lodge another application for consideration.
Your application will be recorded against your student record for auditing and compliance purposes only and will be treated confidentially. Any personal or sensitive information submitted as part of your application will be managed carefully by the University as per our Privacy Policy (pdf, 219KB)
If you have questions about the outcome, contact the Office of Student Life online by submitting a financial support enquiry.
Your feedback has been sent.
Sorry there was a problem sending your feedback. Please try again