Supporting our students in need

The community is facing tremendous hardship right now, and our students are no exception.

Many UNSW students are living with significant uncertainty and financial insecurity. Some are prohibited from returning home, and others are struggling to afford food and other basics. UNSW has a duty of care to protect the welfare of these students, and provide immediate support to assist them through this crisis

In addition to the tremendous work of UNSW student services to minimise stress, keep students informed and provide counselling at this difficult time, we have established the Student Emergency Response Fund – a philanthropic initiative to provide financial aid to both domestic and international students who are facing hardship as a direct result of COVID-19.

Through this fund, we will provide needs-based financial assistance as a lifeline for students. This financial support will help students meet their basic needs, and ensure that they remain part of the UNSW academic community.

Your support will enable us to provide critical financial assistance to support more than 9,000 UNSW students in dire need.

Philanthropic investment will enable us to provide:

Emergency support payments for domestic students valued at $500, which will be targeted to around 2,600 enrolled undergraduate students from low-SES backgrounds
Emergency e-vouchers valued at $200, which can be redeemed at supermarkets to support at-risk domestic and international students meet their basic needs
Emergency grants of up to $2,000 for domestic and international students with complex or multiple needs, including students with disability, housing issues, or carer responsibilities.