Assistance for students affected by the Victorian Bushfires
The University recognises the hardship some students may be experiencing after this tragic event. The following services are available to current students who have been affected by the Victorian bushfires.
Read the University's Bushfire Response.
Applications for Remission or Refund in Special Circumstances
Considering the circumstances of the recent bush fires in Victoria, students affected by the devastation and unable to continue studying subjects where the census date has passed are encouraged to apply for a Remission or Refund in Special Circumstances (PDF: 68 KB).
A successful application for remission would result in a refund of tuition fees or student contributions paid upfront, and any HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP debt being cancelled.
Applications are assessed individually and take into consideration the student’s circumstances in conjunction with their supporting documentation.
Payment of Mandatory Fees
If you are a Commonwealth Supported student and have mandatory upfront Student Contributions to pay, these are required to be paid by the census date as this is a commonwealth requirement.
If you need further time to pay mandatory tuition fees please contact Student Administration directly on 03 8344 4772 or email sa-undergrad@unimelb.edu.au to seek an extension. Financial Aid may be available.
Student Financial Aid
Interest free loans are available for currently enrolled students. Short term loans of up to $700 can be obtained on the spot. Larger loans (up to $4000) are also available. See Student Financial Aid for more details.
We will also be working with Student Administration to assist where students have tuition fees due.
Financial advice is also available for a range of financial matters such as assistance in claiming crisis payments from Centrelink.
Emergency Accommodation
Student Housing Services provides emergency accommodation to students in need. If you have been affected by the recent bushfires and need emergency accommodation, please contact Student Housing Services.
Counselling
The Counselling Service is arranging priority times for quick response for students seeking individual counselling for issues arising from the bushfires. Contact the service directly on 03 8344 6927 if you would like to make an individual appointment. If you have concerns about someone else, you may also call the Counselling Service to discuss the best way for you to support them. In addition, we have established weekly support meetings, and a bushfire blog for students. More details about all of these can be found at our bushfire response page
Animal Care
The Faculty of Veterinary Science is providing free animal care at the Veterinary Clinic and Hospital in Werribee for cats, dogs and horses injured in the bushfires. For injured cats and dogs contact 03 9731 2232 (24 Hours). For injured horses contact the Equine Centre at the University of Melbourne on 03 9731 2268.
Enrolment
If you are a new student and have not yet completed your enrolment or have missed your Enrolment Expiry Date, and would still like to take up your offer and enrol, please call your Student Centre.
If you have not yet enrolled and want to defer the start of your course, please call your Student Centre to discuss deferral.
If you need time off from your studies, you can apply for a Leave of Absence. Your Student Centre can assist you with your request.
How can you assist?
Donate money to the Bushfire Appeal Fund
Tel: 1800 811 700
Donate blood
Tel: 13 14 95