ANUSA is proud to run many different financial support options for students at the ANU and should be your first call if you’re experiencing financial hardship at the ANU. Our support ranges from financial grants and financial programs to targeted support addressing food insecurity, emergency accommodation, legal support and assisting students to get skills needed to boost employment opportunities.

A list of financial supports is provided below, encompassing ANUSA-run supports, as well as options run by the ANU and elsewhere in the Canberra community. 

ANUSA Supports

• ANUSA Financial Services offers financial grants and programs to support students experiencing financial hardship. We can also assist with grocery and transport vouchers, birth control subsidies, PrEP subsidies, emergency accommodation and so much more. If you are interested, please check out our ANUSA Financial Support page.
• ANUSA Meal Program provides free meals to students in need in numerous ways. There is no need to survive off instant noodles or plain rice when you’re in a pickle. BKSS currently offers free continental breakfast (from 8:30-10:30AM) and we can also provide up to five vouchers for lunch at the Food Co-Op as well as Student Bites, Lunch Express and our new Union Pantry. Check out our Student Meals page or Facebook page for more information. 
• ANUSA Legal Service is a free and confidential service available to all students. Our lawyers can assist with matters including minimum wage rate, rights at work and tenancy and employment contracts. You can find more information on the ANUSA Legal Service page.  
• ANUSA Skill Up Program is designed to equip students with skills and certifications to help find casual employment. For more information, check out our Skill Up Program and Training Opportunities.

ANU programs

• ANU Accommodation Bursary* is designed to assist full time ANU students who are experiencing unexpected financial hardship. For more details, check out the bursary here.
• ANU Student Urgent Relief Bursary (SURF)* provides support to ANU students who are experiencing financial hardship and require immediate financial assistance. Check out the bursary here. 
• ANU Scholarships maintains a comprehensive list of scholarships at the ANU for undergraduate, postgraduate and HDR students. This list can be filtered and includes residential scholarships. See the list here.
• ANU Careers provide a range of services and can help with CV advice, interview simulations, planning your career and how to find a job.
• CBE Careers Centre can help CBE students with services such as CV advice, career planning and job searching strategies.

* The ANU will often approve an application for SURF or the ANU Accommodation Bursary (not both), so it is worthwhile considering which best suits your individual needs before applying.

Other options:

• CARE Financial Counselling can provide financial counselling when you’re in need. They can help with a range of matters including debt and negotiating with creditors, budgeting, and the stresses of living on a low income. https://www.carefcs.org/ 
• CARE Financial Counselling Energy Support Program offers a $100 ActewAGL voucher to go towards your bills, for eligible ActewAGL customers. They can also provide additional assistance with your utility bills. Information can be found on the Energy support programs page.
• ASIC Money Smart financial counsellors can help with bills or fines you’re struggling to pay, being harassed by debt collectors, gas, electricity or phone disconnection, being evicted from your house, car accidents with no insurance or tax debts. https://moneysmart.gov.au/ 
• Gambling Help provides free, face-to-face services available for anyone with a gambling concern throughout Australia. All of these services are with a gambling counsellor, who is qualified and experienced in discussing gambling concerns. https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/ 
• OneLink can provide emergency support for anyone in the ACT community at risk of homelessness. https://www.onelink.org.au/