Financial advice and assistance

Do you need some impartial, confidential assistance managing your affairs? There are a number of options for support here. Remember, if you are feeling overwhelmed, you don't have to go through it alone. Reach out for help, and consider talking to someone from one of the University's support services.

For 24/7 crisis support, you can contact the ANU Wellbeing and Support Line on 1300 050 327. You can also visit our Urgent Support page for a list of 24/7 and crisis support options. If you or anybody else is in immediate danger please dial 000 for emergency services. 

Basic Needs Supports

Various financial supports and ANU memberships are available for eligible domestic undergraduate students, through the Basic Needs Supports program.

How to access Basic Needs Supports: submit an application using . Please note the eligibility criteria below and prepare to include any required documentation.

BNS supports currently available*:

  • Access to the Community Connect Food Relief Service (valid for duration of 2025)
  • $100 textbook grant (available once per semester)
  • $100 student support grant (available once per semester)
  • Free gym membership with ANU Sport (annual membership)
  • Free membership with Griffin Hall (off-campus students only, annual membership)

*Please return to this form each semester or each year to reapply for the grants or memberships you require. 

Applications for Low-SES Parking Permits are currently closed, as we have reached allotted numbers for 2025.

For other financial support options, see below.

Eligibility criteria:

Students will be eligible for Basic Needs Supports if you are:

  • Domestic (Australian or New Zealand citizen),
  • Undergraduate (currently enrolled), and
  • From one or more of the following underrepresented cohorts;
    • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
    • From a low-SES background (experience of financial hardship)
    • From a regional, rural, or remote location

If the above does not apply to you, please see other financial support options below. Applications to access the Community Connect Food Relief Service if not eligible for BNS can be directed to Student Life, see website.

 

Verification and consent:

To verify eligibility for BNS, you will need to provide us with:

  • Consent for us to access your ANU Student Administration System (SAS) records to confirm your eligibility (Note: If your eligibility cannot be confirmed, we will contact you for more information before proceeding)
  • Documentation of low-SES status (if relevant). Examples of supporting documentation for low-SES criteria include:
    • Low Income Health Care Card,
    • evidence of Centrelink payments, or
    • evidence of a financial hardship scholarship, grant or bursary

Any questions regarding Basic Needs Supports can be directed to student.equity@anu.edu.au

Financial support

If you find yourself in need of financial assistance, there are options available for you. 

ANUSA Emergency Grant

These grants are designed to provide financial assistance to eligible enrolled students who are experiencing sudden or unexpected financial hardship that is adversely affecting their education. The main criteria for a grant are the demonstration of a genuine need and that continued study may be in jeopardy due to financial hardship. The maximum grant available is $750 per year.

To be eligible, you must be enrolled as an ANU Undergraduate or ANU College student and be able to demonstrate financial need. An ANUSA Emergency Grant may be used to cover:

  • Unexpected medical bills
  • Accommodation (such as a bond)
  • Short-term living expenses (due to delayed income, etc.)
  • Emergency travel costs or travel costs related to medical issues.

 about ANUSA Emergency Grants.

Emergency accommodation bursaries

There are emergency accommodation bursaries available for undergraduate and postgraduate students. See the Bursaries and accommodation scholarships page for more information.

Please note: if you live at a residential hall or college, there may be internal bursaries available. Contact your residence's reception for more information.

Scholarships

There are a number of scholarship opportunities available at ANU. Check out the Scholarships page for more information.

Student Urgent Relief Bursary (SURF)

Through the generosity of our community and donors, the Student Urgent Relief Bursary (SURF) provides support to ANU students who are experiencing financial hardship and require immediate financial assistance.

Students may apply for more than one expense; however, the maximum total amount disbursed may not exceed $1,000 AUD. Successful applicants do not have to repay the money (i.e. it's not a loan). There is no deadline to apply and every effort will be taken to process applications in a timely manner, generally on a weekly basis. Funds are limited and the SURF will operate until current funds are fully spent.

Visit the Student Urgent Relief Bursary (SURF) webpage for more information.

Other support and financial assistance

  • If you are in need of support or assistance in addressing rising home energy costs, you can apply for the ActewAGL $100 Energy Support Voucher via the application form linked, or via the 'reference documents' section of this webpage.

Anyone experiencing energy stress or hardship is welcome to complete an application and submit the completed form to education@carefcs.org to apply.

Financial wellbeing support

If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance regarding their financial wellbeing, the following services are available to you.

The Student Safety and Wellbeing team are also available to students looking to speak with someone about their situation, and to assist in accessing help services.

Care

Care is a Canberra organisation that offers free financial counselling. They can assist with credit, debt, budgeting, gambling harm, consumer law issues, and even seeking a zero-interest loan for the purchase of essential goods and services. Call their Financial Counselling team (via the National Debt Helpline) on 1800 007 007, or see  for more information.

Care also offers small, zero-interest loans for purchasing essential goods and services. or see  for more information.

Moneysmart

 is an Australian government initiative that provides information and resources aimed at supporting financial wellbeing. It contains detailed information on topics of interest for students, including bank accounts, saving, loans and credit, budgeting, and investing.

  • See their useful  and information  pages.
  • If you need help quickly, see their  page for information and additional support options.

National Debt Helpline

Call the free  on 1800 007 007 for free and confidential advice from professional financial counsellors. The line is open from 9.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. 

If you are affected by debt, see the debt page for more information.

Reference documents

Use contact details to request an alternative file format.

Related Guidance

Related links

Contact

  • Student Safety and Wellbeing
  • +61 2 6125 2211
  • Send email
Page Owner: Wellbeing