Students who are suffering genuine financial hardship which is adversely affecting their ability to study may benefit from the Safety Net Grant Scheme.

What is the Safety Net Grant Scheme?

Emergency financial assistance for both domestic and international students enrolled in a degree or award program at UTAS. The service is confidential and free. Every student of UTAS may apply for the Safety Net Grant. It is a one-off payment, not a loan. The grant is not aimed at providing ongoing financial support. Only one application per year is allowed, except in exceptional circumstances.

How would it help me?

The grant is designed to provide temporary assistance to students who experience unexpected financial difficulties which make it hard for them to continue concentrating on studying their university course. You may apply for assistance with costs incurred in everyday basic living.  The grant also offers assistance with payment of reading texts and other materials for study.

Who offers it?

The Safety Net Committee administers the grant and this committee is made up of representatives from the Tasmania University Union (TUU), UTAS Student Services and UTAS Financial Services, as well as a Student Representative.

How does it work?

A TUU Student Advocate or Interviewing Officer will advise and assist you with your application. The application is then sent to the Safety Net Committee which considers and decides upon each individual case against the eligibility criteria. You will be contacted with the Committee's decision at the earliest opportunity. If not approved, you have a right to appeal the decision. The Student Advocate can help you with this also.

What do I need to do to apply?

In order to be able to demonstrate your eligibility and circumstances, you will need to complete an application form and provide supporting documentation. Please include documented proof of your income as well as your living expenses. Income may be shown by a Centrelink statement, recent employer payslips, or information on your scholarship or bursary. If you are being financially supported by family, a partner, or a sponsor, we may need information from them. To show expenditure you need to supply current bank statements.  You also need to indicate which of your expenses you wish to request help with from the Safety Net Grant Scheme.

What are my chances?

Each application is assessed against the eligibility criteria and judged on its own merits. The approval of a grant and the value of it depends on the student's circumstances, the  type of assistance required and the availability of funds.

What won't it pay for?

The Safety Net Grant Scheme does NOT pay any university fees (including course fees), credit card fees, parking tickets, library fines or any other fines. Nor is the grant aimed at providing ongoing financial support.  However do ask a Student Advocate for more information as you might be surprised by what it can cover.

When will I know if it's approved?

During Semesters, the Committee meet on a weekly basis, so you may have an answer to your application within a week of applying. Occasionally it may take longer, but the Committee is set up to look at your case as soon as possible.

Who else will know I've applied?

This is a confidential service, so your information is treated in strictest confidence.

Where do I go for help to apply?

Telephone, e-mail or visit a Tasmania University Union Student Advocate at the campus closest to you.  There is one Advocate at each of the three campuses across Tasmania.  If you are at a Sydney campus, we can communicate with you via email.

Contact a TUU Student Advocate:

Hobart: 6226 2855

Launceston:6324 3776

Burnie:6430 4936

(Sydney students, please contact Launceston)

E-mail: StudentAdvice@tuu.utas.edu.au or click on the contact us button and choose Student Advice & Advocacy

Safety Net Application Form

The application form for the Safety Net Grant Scheme.  Please read the 'Information for Students' section of the application.

Tips and Guides on Financial Survival at University

 Your Guide to Financial Survival at University - provides good information on budgeting and managing your money. www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/finances/

Assistance from Community Organisations

There are a number of Community Organisations which can assist during times of financial hardship and they all offer one or more of the following services:

• emergency relief in the form of food parcels, heating, clothing and/or furniture
• emergency financial assistance
• financial counselling
• budgeting advice
• health services