By Mitchell Clarke
Eligible students at Berwick’s Federation University will receive a weekly payment of $300 under a new financial assistance package.
Federation University Australia announced the new package to help students who have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic to continue their studies.
An initial five week payment will be available for students who are experiencing financial hardship due to the need to self isolate, have had employment hours cut, do not have access to technology to study remotely or are unable to work due to required self-isolation.
Federation University vice-chancellor and president Helen Bartlett said there was no greater time to support students.
“We know many of our students have lost their casual work and are feeling the financial strain of the Covid-19 pandemic like so many others in the community,” Ms Bartlett said.
“They are our future teachers, nurses, social workers and other vital professions that will help us recover from this pandemic.”
To be eligible for the payments, students must be currently enrolled as an on-campus higher education student and have experienced reduced income or loss of employment as a result of the-pandemic.
“The wellbeing of our students is always our number one priority – this support package will help our students continue their studies during these difficult times, whether that’s through financial assistance or providing emotional support through free counselling and other services,” Ms Bartlett added.
“We are the number one university in Victoria for student support and this Covid-19 assistance package for our students clearly demonstrates that.”
The university has stated they will also extend the due date for student tuition fees and provide financial relief to students living on campus.
In addition to the financial support, students are able to also access free phone counselling services, job search support and help accessing government assistance such as financial counselling, Centrelink and local support services.
Federation University transitioned to online teaching and learning for all higher education programs from 30 March.
Federation TAFE is currently closed for the Easter holiday break, in line with State Government advice for schools.
