Make your money go further while studying at UNSW with our in-depth guide for managing your budget, plus advice about accessing a wide range of financial assistance programs and top tips for saving cash on food, transport and activities.
EMPLOYMENT
A recent survey indicated around 80 per cent of students at university in Australia also had some kind of job in order to help fund themselves.
UNSW can help you find employment thanks to our Careers Portal, which features listings for part-time and casual positions (as well as graduate programs, scholarships, cadetships and internships).
There are even opportunities to obtain paid roles as UNSW student ambassadors, plus potential employment through the Arc student organisation.
If you are claiming Youth Allowance, current rules mean you can earn $437 a fortnight by working without affecting your payments.
International student visa rules currently allow for 40 hours of work per fortnight when courses are in session (and unlimited during official course breaks).
ACCOMMODATION
Where you live while studying at university is an important decision – and one you’ll want to carefully consider both in terms of finances and lifestyle.
Living on campus – either in a college or a UNSW-owned apartment – offers community, convenience, independence and comfort. Those are often big factors for students leaving home for the first time, especially if moving interstate or internationally to Sydney.
In addition, you’ll be close to your lectures and not have to worry about things like utility bills and even cooking (if you choose a fully catered college).
Once settled at UNSW, many students then opt to switch to privately-owned accommodation – often sharing with friends – which provides greater independence and potentially more flexibility.
accommodation.unsw.edu.au/future-students
BUDGETING
Knowing exactly how much money you have coming in – and more importantly going out – can sometimes be half the battle to staying out of serious financial trouble.
Our handy guide provides some great tips and tricks for budgeting to make sure you are managing your money – and enjoying student life to the max.
student.unsw.edu.au/sites/all/files/quicklink_file_attachment/Budgeting1.pdf
TRANSPORT
Full-time domestic students at UNSW are entitled to a Concession Opal card which massively reduces the cost of using public transport in and around Sydney.
You’ll get a 50% discount on adult fares when using all Sydney trains, buses, light rail and ferry services, plus NSW TrainLink Intercity routes.
LIVING COSTS ASSISTANCE
There are a number of government schemes that provide important financial assistance to eligible students while they are enrolled at university.
Youth Allowance is available for those aged 18-24 in full-time study, while Austudy applies for those aged 25 and over.
In addition, financial support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in approved programs (both part-time and full-time) is available via Abstudy.
The rules and regulations about receiving these payments through Centrelink vary depending on your personal circumstances, so take time to research exactly what is available to you.
student.unsw.edu.au/centrelink
COMMONWEALTH ASSISTANCE
Domestic Australian students and New Zealand Special Category visa holders are eligible for a government subsidy that helps pay for part of their undergraduate course fee.
This is known as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), and also includes access to a HECS-HELP loan to help students pay for their share of the course fee.
You can borrow an unlimited amount to pay for your course fees via the HECS-HELP loan, which is interest free and does not need to be paid back until you are earning above a certain level of income after you leave university.
student.unsw.edu.au/commonwealth-support
FOOD
Food bills are often the second highest weekly expenditure for students – behind accommodation costs – so it’s important to think about being careful with money when it comes to eating and drinking.
Tips and tricks for saving cash include buying store-own brands, making full use of coupons and taking advantage of special student discounts when on offer (see link below).
Making your own meals is significantly cheaper than eating out, so consider making a plan for the week ahead to help you shop for food efficiently. And pooling money with friends can allow you to buy in bulk and get better deals.
arc.unsw.edu.au/join/member-discounts
KEEPING ACTIVE
Make sure it’s not ‘all study and no play’ and release the stress of study by getting physical.
Sydney is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors for little or no money (think coastal walks, hikes in nearby national parks, surfing at Bondi Beach etc).
For those who prefer more organised activity, the UNSW Fitness & Aquatic Centre is a great place to get involved in fitness classes, gym sessions, team sports, squash, swimming and so much more.
And the Arc student organisation has dozens of sports clubs from aikido to windsurfing, with the likes of basketball, cricket, rugby and soccer in between.
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