Media releases

Federation University Australia has announced a new financial assistance package to help students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to continue their studies.

Students will be able to receive $300 each week for an initial five-week period if they:

• are experiencing financial hardship due to the need to self-isolate
• have had their hours of employment reduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
• are unable to work due to required self-isolation and have limited or no provision of personal or annual leave
• do not have access to technology to study remotely and require funds to purchase items, such as a computer or home internet connection

The university will also extend the due date for student tuition fees and provide financial relief to students living on campus.

In addition to financial support, students can also access free phone counselling services, job search support and help accessing government assistance such as financial counselling, Centrelink and local support services.

To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled as on-campus higher education students and have experienced reduced income or loss of employment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federation University transitioned to online teaching and learning for all higher education programs on Monday 30 March. Student support services have also moved to online or phone support, including the library, academic support and counselling services.

Federation TAFE is currently closed for the Easter holiday break, in line with Victorian Government schools.

For more information about the financial assistance package, visit: 

federation.edu.au/current-students/starting-at-federation/scholarships/coronavirus-specialist-assistance-scheme

Quotes attributable to the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett

“We know many of our students have lost their casual work and are feeling the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic like so many others in the community.”

“The wellbeing of our students is always our number one priority - this support package will help our students continue their studies during these difficult times, whether that’s through financial assistance or providing emotional support through free counselling and other services.”

“We are the number one university in Victoria for student support and this COVID-19 assistance package for our students clearly demonstrates that.”

“Now, more than ever, we need to support our students. They are our future teachers, nurses, social workers and other vital professions that will help us recover from this pandemic.”