RMIT has launched its Annual Appeal for donations to its scholarship scheme, which gives financial assistance to disadvantaged students.
Each year, around 3,000 RMIT students face financial challenges, according to the Melbourne-based university.
Last year, RMIT awarded 1,783 scholarships to disadvantaged students, with a total value of more than $7 million, but many more still require extra help with study costs.
Natalie Atkins is studying a Bachelor of Nursing and receives an Evelyn Boekemann Scholarship, which provides opportunities for Indigenous students to succeed in their chosen field.
"I wouldn't have come to uni without the scholarship; it provided me with so much opportunity," Ms Atkins said.
"Nursing textbooks are very expensive, and the scholarship allowed me to get hold of all the educational materials I need."
Ms Atkins plans to work in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory on graduation.
Students in Australia can seek financial assistance from several organisations. Financial help is available from the Government in the form of loans, tax deductions and income support payments.
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP are loans available to students enrolled in Commonwealth supported places and cover some or all of the student's contribution amount. The Government pays this loan directly to the higher education provider.
- Youth Allowance is available from Centrelink for young people who are studying, undertaking training, or on an Austrlalian Apprenticeship.
- Austudy is available to those undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship full-time, and can be claimed from Centrelink.
- ABSTUDY is a payments scheme to help Indigenous students in secondary or tertiary education, or on an Australian Apprenticeship.
- Universities and higher education providers often have scholarships available to students, ranging from extra help for rural students to awards for performing well on certain courses. Contact your student support office to find out if a scholarship is available to you.