Money worries? You're not alone. And there's help available.
Whether your in your first share house with a part time job, or a mature age student trying to juggle family responsibilities with everything else, unexpected costs can throw everything off balance. A car breakdown, a surprise textbook expense, a placement that means you can't work your usual hours: these things happen, and they can feel overwhelming.
The good news: there's more support out there than you might realise.
Universities and Student Associations
Most universities have a student association that offers free, confidential support... and many students don't know these services exist.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA): Financial support services go well beyond what you might expect. Their financial counsellor can help with budgeting, debt management, and negotiating with creditors. They also offer emergency assistance including supermarket vouchers, and transport cards, plus interest-free loans of up to $500 for urgent costs. They can even help you navigate Centrelink applications and eligibility. All services are free and confidential.
Adelaide University: The Student Emergency Fund supports students experiencing unexpected financial hardship with grants that can cover essentials like rent, food, medications, and textbooks. Applications are accepted any time throughout the year. Contact Student Car to discuss your situation and arrange an appointment.
Charles Darwin University: CDU's Student Emergency Fund was established to help students affected by unexpected circumstances. They also offer scholarships sponsored by individuals, businesses, and community groups. Their financial health and wellbeing page outlines the full range of support available.
If you attend a different university or institution, it is worth searching for keywords like "financial assistance" to see what your uni might have available.
BRUC Support
If you're a registered student at the Barossa Regional University Campus (BRUC), we also have some support available. The Bursary can assist students experiencing financial hardship that may impact their ability to participate in study. While we run two main application rounds each year (Round 2 opens 27 July 2026), we also have limited funding available for students experiencing exceptional or urgent circumstances outside those rounds.
The bursary can help with learning materials, travel and fuel costs, placement expenses, and other essential study-related costs. If you're struggling, please reach out. Contact the campus manager, Kate Goodes. The website about our bursary is here: barossacampus.com.au/bruc-bursary
Community Support Services
Sometimes you need help that goes beyond what your university can offer. These community services are here for you too:
Lutheran Care operates across Adelaide, the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and the Northern Territory. Their Emergency Relief service can help with food parcels, supermarket vouchers, utility assistance, bedding, and referrals to other services.
Uniting Communities provides emergnecy relief across Adleaide, including food and chemist vouchers and help with bills.
Foodbank provides material aid in the form of low-cost grocery items for individuals and families in financial distress. The mobile food hub is available fortnightly.
Services Australia (Centrelink) offers income support for students through Youth Allowance (if you're under 25), Austudy (if you're 25 or over), and ABSTUDY (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students). You may also be eligible for Rent Assistance on top of these payments. If you're already recieving Centrelink and experience a crisis, ask about Crisis Payments.
You Don't Have to Struggle Alone
Financial stress affects your concentration, your wellbeing, and your ability to engage with your studies. It can make you want to give up altogether. But there's no shame in needing support. These services exist precisely because universityies and communities recognise that life doesn't always go to plan.
If you're unsure where to start, reach out to the campus staff: we can help point you in the right direction, and help you figure out what you may be eligible for.
