Financial help for TAFE students

FEDERATION TAFE students who’ve had financial challenges in self-isolation, reduced working hours, or haven’t had work and can’t access leave because of COVID-19, can access support.

Weekly, the tertiary education institution is offering each person enrolled and eligible, a $300 assistance package to lessen their burden and help them continue studying.

Federation University vice chancellor and president, Professor Helen Bartlett said many students within the TAFE community are “feeling the financial strain” of coronavirus, and her team predicts $1.3 million worth of support will be provided across the board.

“Now, more than ever, we need to support our students and this package will help them continue their studies during these difficult times,” she said.

Those living rurally can access one $100 payment to upgrade their internet or data access, and computers from the campus libraries will be loaned to students who don’t already have one at home.

Computer time at the libraries is also available to book, within study areas that are safe, compliant with hygiene and social distancing measures.

Tuesday, 30 June is when certificate-level program tuition fees will be due, and Wednesday, 1 July is the new census date cut-off for diploma or advanced diploma TAFE students to leave a course without needing to pay fees.