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USC Study Support Bursary
The need
The University is increasingly recognising that the financial stress experienced by many current students is having an impact on their university experience and education.
To undertake a university education today, students need to be very committed and many will experience a high level of financial pressure, as a result of:
- Rising ongoing costs
- Increased need to work while studying
- Regional disadvantage
It is a strategic goal of the University to encourage more students from low socio-economic backgrounds to attend the University. This goal is encouraged by government policy.
Therefore, the financial burden experienced by the student body at the University will continue to increase over time unless it is addressed in a strategic and comprehensive way.
Meeting the need
To respond to the need for increased financial support for students, the USC Study Support Bursary has been established through private donations.
A special fund for gifts has been established to support the Bursary.
Aims of the Bursary
The intention of the Bursary is to:
- support equity groups from low socio-economic backgrounds with a preference for students who need employment to support their studies
- encourage recipients to apply more time to their studies, with less focus on paid employment
- increase retention and encourage academic achievement of students from low socio-economic backgrounds
How you can help
The USC Study Support Bursary Fund is a pooled fund made up of donations of all amounts. The more funds available for students, the more bursaries will be awarded.
It is proposed that, over time, a proportion of funds will be invested so that the USC Study Support Bursary will exist in perpetuity. In this way, students will be helped for many years to come.
The University welcomes gifts of any amount to support this initiative. Donations can be made by cheque, credit card or direct deposit. These details are listed on the Donation form (PDF 254KB) *. Donations over A$2 are tax deductible in Australia.
While gifts of every size are important and valued, the University recognises significant annual gifts which make a crucial impact for our students. Unless anonymity is requested, qualifying donors are recognised on the USC Chancellery donor wall (Building C). These lists are updated annually.
By displaying the names of generous donors, USC hopes to inspire students and others to consider giving back to their community, in whatever way they choose.
About the Bursary
How the Bursary will work
Each Bursary will have a value of A$4,000. The recipients will be paid in two instalments, A$2,000 per semester.
Applications will be invited in November and May each year.
Recipients will be invited to meet the donors of the award. They will also have the opportunity to attend a career counselling seminar.
This will assist students with their goal setting and preparation for when they have completed their studies and commence their new careers.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Bursary, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- be a domestic student who is currently active in an undergraduate degree program at the University
- be enrolled full-time unless exceptional circumstances exist preventing full-time enrolment. Exceptional circumstances may include being a person with a disability or having significant carer responsibilities
- have completed at least one full-time semester in good academic standing
- demonstrate financial hardship
- demonstrate hours worked in paid employment or commitment to non-study related activities that impact on the time available for them to study eg carer responsibilities
Academic merit will be used to assess candidates if a decision cannot be made on the above criteria. Special consideration may be given to support students outside the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for payment of the second semester instalment of the Bursary will be dependent on continuing enrolment and achieving a good academic standing in the first semester of payment. Recipients may reapply for further Bursary support after two semesters of assistance.
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