Please read the information below prior to completing your EdStart application

• What is EdStart?
• Who can apply for an EdStart grant?
• How are EdStart applications assessed?
• When should you apply for EdStart?
• Getting prepared to complete the ONLINE application.
• General consent, disclosure and privacy of your information.
• Choosing an EdStart Option.
• What happens after you complete the ONLINE application?
• Release of results and Important Information for EdStart 2012
• Need help to complete your EdStart application?
• Begin the Application process

1. What is EdStart?  

EdStart provides $500 grants for around 1000 undergraduate domestic students at UOW. An EdStart grant is NOT a cash award and is given to students at the beginning of the year in the form of a $500 credit. Goods and services can be purchased from the University of Wollongong and UniShop using your $500 credit these goods and services include:

• Course notes and textbooks
• Calculators
• IT consumables, software and hardware
• Printing and photocopying
• Visual arts subject supplies and stationery
• Lab coats

If you wish to purchase any items that are not on the above list you will need to send an email request to the EdStart officer on, edstart@uow.edu.au.

Students from UOW campuses other than Wollongong who receive the EdStart grant can order their textbooks by emailing their name, student number, EdStart number (if known) and the names of the texbooks they require to the UniShop manager using the following email address, silvana@uow.edu.au. Alternatively they can visit the UniShop at Wollongong campus and purchase their textbooks using their EdStart card.    

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2. Who can apply for an EdStart grant? 

You are eligible to apply for EdStart if:

• You are completing your first Undergraduate Degree (Students undertaking Postgraduate studies are not eligible to apply).
• You are an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold an Australian Permanent Humanitarian Visa.
• You have a low income or receive / expect to receive Centrelink payments in 2011 OR live with your family who are receiving Centrelink payments or have a low income.
• You are enrolled at the University of Wollongong in 12 or more credit points in both Autumn and Spring Session 2012. (Checks will be conducted to ensure that students are enrolled in 12 credit points for both Autumn and Spring sessions 2012 if you are not enrolled in both sessions your application will become invalid and you will not be considered for the EdStart Grant 2012).

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3. How are EdStart applications assessed? 

EdStart applications are assessed on the basis of financial need. Students receiving any Centrelink payments or on low incomes are strongly encouraged to apply. Please note, not all applicants will receive an EdStart Grant there are a limited number to award and will be awarded based on the applicants financial need. 

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4. When should you apply for EdStart? 

EdStart applications are assessed in 2 rounds. The following table gives you information on when you should apply.

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5. Getting prepared to complete the ONLINE application. 

• You will be asked to answer a number of questions about your: current enrolment; financial situation over the past year; family; living arrangements and your Centrelink benefits.
• You will need your Centrelink Reference Number (CRN) and your parents or partner/spouses income details if applicable. (Please ensure you enter the correct CRN and not your CAN. If you provide the incorrect CRN your application will remain invalid).
• Please ensure that you have all of your necessary documentation before attempting to complete the ONLINE application, as you will not be able to save any incomplete online application forms.
• Please answer all of the questions honestly as you will need to provide documentation to support your responses. Providing false information will result in your application being invalid. 
• Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
• Incomplete applications will remain incomplete on our system and are therefore not valid. You cannot save the application and return to it at a later time so please ensure you leave enough time to complete the entire application.

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6. General consent, disclosure and privacy of your information. 

The University of Wollongong is committed to protecting your privacy. The information collected in your EdStart 2012 application will only be used for the purpose of determining your eligibility for an EdStart grant. If you have any privacy concerns or questions please contact the University’s Privacy Officer. You may view the University’s Privacy Policy at http://www.uow.edu.au/about/privacy/index.html

If you agree to give us YOUR Centrelink CRN it will be used to confirm your stated Centrelink payments. You will be asked to give your consent for this to occur. This consent will be used for the sole purpose of authorising Centrelink to provide information to the University of Wollongong to assess your eligibility in relation to your EdStart 2012 application. A brochure is available from Centrelink that provides more details about the Centrelink confirmation services and further information is available on Centrelink’s website at: http://www.centrelink.gov.au/

Your consent will authorise Centrelink to electronically provide a statement to the University of Wollongong to assist in the assessment of your entitlement to “EdStart 2012”. The information provided by Centrelink may include, where relevant, current or historical details of payments received, dependants, Centrelink deductions, income, assets and confirmation of your current address.

This authority, once given, is effective only for that period when your EdStart application is being assessed at the University of Wollongong. The authority can be revoked at any time by giving notice to the University of Wollongong.

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7. Choosing an EdStart Option. 

You will be required to select one of the following options that will provide you witsh the greatest benefit if your application is successful.

• UniShop only
  $500 of educational textbooks, materials and equipment from the UniShop*
• Average printing/copying (Only at Wollongong, Shoalhaven Campus Library or Bega Education Centre)
  $450 of educational textbooks, materials and equipment from the UniShop* and
  $50 of printing and copying.
• Large amount of printing/copying (Only at Wollongong, Shoalhaven Campus Library or Bega Education Centre)
  $400 of educational textbooks, materials and equipment from the UniShop* and
  $100 of printing and copying.
• Visual Arts Materials Fees and Printing/Copying (Only for students enrolled in at least one of the following subjects: CAVA 101, CAVA 102, CAVA 103, CAVA 104, VISA 201, VISA 202, VISA 203, VISA 204, VISA 301, VISA 302, VISA 303, VISA 304)
  $350 of educational textbooks, materials and equipment from the UniShop*,
  $100 Visual Arts material fees and
  $50 of printing and copying.
• KidsUni
  You must already have a childcare place at KidsUni to take up this option. You will be asked to indicate how you would like to divide the $500 between KidsUni and UniShop*.

*Goods ordered and purchased at the UniShop can be picked up at the shop or sent to the student’s postal address.

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8. What happens after you complete the ONLINE application? 

At the conclusion of your application you will be notified of the supporting documentation required. On each page write your name and student number and then send or deliver to:

EDSTART
Student Central
Building 17
University of Wollongong
Wollongong NSW 2522

Applicants will be sent a confirmation email to their UOW student account once all information has been provided and verified. This email is confirmation that we have received your application.

Your application will not be considered if you fail to provide all the necessary supporting documentation before the closing date for supporting documentation of your respective round.

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9. Release of results and Important Information for EdStart 2012. 

Important information or answers to commonly asked questions such as, What are the dates that the EdStart 2012 results will released? will be posted in the 'Stay Connected: EdStart' box at the top of this page. If you have a question check this page for the answer, if you are still not sure please contact the EdStart Officer on edstart@uow.edu.au. We will endeavour to have the Round 1 results released by the 23rd February 2012.

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10. Need help to complete your EdStart application? 

Contact the EdStart Officer via edstart@uow.edu.au.

Or phone - 02 4252 8253 

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11. Begin the Application process

• To ensure your application is valid and will be processed please ensure that you read the above 10 points prior to starting  your application.
• Only one completed application is necessary per student, please do not apply more than once.
• After completing and submitting your online application you will receive an email confirming your application has been submitted.