Managing money while studying can be tough. Find out what financial support is available, plus free services and resources to help you save and stay on top of your finances.
Many of the UOW services and initiatives listed below are funded by the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
To view the entire suite of free support services for students, please visit the support services website.
Many different situations can cause you to experience financial stress and it can take a huge toll on your mental and physical health, relationships and overall quality of life.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, a UOW Student Support Coordinator can meet with you to understand your circumstances and develop a support plan.
If you are experiencing distress or feeling overwhelmed, you can also access the 24-hour Wellbeing Support Line.
If you're finding it difficult to afford groceries or meals, there's a range of services and support available to help.
Financial counsellors are skilled professionals who provide advice and support to people struggling with bills and debt. You can access free confidential financial counselling through UOW's Financial Counselling Program.
Other providers
If you want to seek financial counselling elsewhere, please visit the Moneysmart financial counsellor finder or the services listed below.
Financial counsellors do not offer legal advice. If you’re facing legal action, get free legal advice straight away via the Student Legal Clinic.
Free period products are available in the women's or all-gender bathrooms in following locations:
The Wollongong campus Student Success Hub also has menstrual products and personal hygiene items.
Transport NSW offers concession rates for transport in NSW to eligible students, which will allow you to catch public transport like trains, buses and light rails at a lesser cost than the regular Opal fares.
Catching public transport is inexpensive and easy. The Wollongong area is well serviced by a range of free shuttle buses.
UOW provides free wireless internet access at all campuses.
UOW has a range of laptops and other AV equipment available to loan, which can help ease financial pressures associated with buying these items.
Wellness by Pulse: Free events, resources and activities to support your wellbeing.
Pulse Perks: Become a member of Pulse Perks to receive discounts both on and off campus. It's free to join.
Events: A range of free events that can help you connect with fellow students and enjoy campus life.
Free cookbook: Packed with nutritious, yummy and cheap meals to make.
UniActive: Student discounts on memberships and more.
The Student Success Hub is a welcoming space for students to study, relax, connect with others, and access resources. The Wollongong Hub has various free workshops, events, and wellbeing initiatives throughout the session.
Your tuition fees and how you will pay them depends on your student type. To ensure you can manage your money effectively, it's important to understand what you're required to pay and when
If you’re struggling to pay your tuition fees, eligible students can apply for an instalment plan.
The Student Services and Amenities Fee, otherwise known as SSAF, is a compulsory fee charged by the University to fund a range of projects, essential services and activities that support students and enhance their university experience.
Your SSAF fee amount will be based on your enrolment status (full-time or part-time) and your campus of enrolment, including online and distance delivery courses.
Note: You usually need to be an Australian resident or hold a specific visa type to get a government payment. Refer to the Services Australia website for information on eligibility.
You may be eligible for payments from the Australian Government while you're a student. The main payments are:
Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to claim other payments such as Rent Assistance or a Youth Disability Supplement.
If you're relocating from a regional or remote area, you may also be eligible for a Tertiary Access Payment.
The Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) provides financial support during your mandatory placement periods.
Eligible students receive $331.65 per week (2025 rate) to help manage living costs while completing required placements in nursing, teaching, midwifery, or social work.
HECS-HELP is a loan for eligible Commonwealth Supported students. HECS-HELP allows you to defer payment of your tuition fees (your student contribution amount) through a loan from the Australian Government. You start repaying this loan when your income reaches a minimum threshold which is set by the government.
In order to defer your fees onto HECS-HELP, you must submit a 'Request for Commonwealth support and HECS-HELP' form which is available through SOLS and accessed as part of completing the enrolment process.
Scholarships are available for students from all walks of life, including those experiencing financial and other educational disadvantages.
To explore scholarships not administered or offered by UOW, see The Good Universities Guide search tool or UOW's External scholarships webpage, which lists existing scholarship opportunities for domestic and international students.
This Australian government website provides free tools, tips and guidance on how to make the most of your money and manage costs on a student budget.
This UOW short course includes a module where you will learn and apply realistic and practical financial management and budgeting strategies to support your financial wellbeing while at uni.
Textbooks, subscriptions, technology and equipment costs can add up, so make sure to consider cost-saving options such as getting your textbooks second hand at the UOW Alumni Bookshop or on Wollongong Students Buy and Sell Facebook group.
Note: The Facebook group and its content are in no way associated, endorsed or approved by UOW.
Knowing your average living costs is an important part of your financial preparation.
Securing a job while studying can greatly improve your financial security.
UOW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion for our students and staff. We have joined the Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) program, led by Good Shepherd, to take strategic and impactful actions to improve the financial inclusion of our students and staff.
Financial Inclusion Action Plan