Low-Income Student Support

The University of Newcastle provides a comprehensive range of support services designed to assist students from low-income families in successfully completing their studies.

In 2024, approximately 19% of University of Newcastle students receive financial aid, with multiple forms of practical support available for those experiencing financial hardship. This includes interest-free loans, student hardship vouchers, and laptop grants, which help reduce barriers to learning and engagement.

The Student Welfare team delivers financial education on key topics such as budgeting, managing living costs, avoiding scams, and accessing financial counselling. A partnership with Greater Bank further supports students through free financial literacy programs, complementing the University’s counselling services for those experiencing financial and personal stress.

To support basic needs, the UNSA Food Pantry offers free groceries to all students. Affordable on-campus housing helps reduce the burden of accommodation costs, and a free campus shuttle service provides safe transport around each major campus and to nearby suburbs. The University also offers free legal advice to students through its community legal clinics.

Each year, UNSA outperforms itself by numbers as more students rely on these services to ensure they have proper, warm meals. In 2024, UNSA provided:

  • UNSA Grocery Hub: 210 individual students (Callaghan & Ourimbah) over a total of 743 visits.
  • Free Food Friday: 3,023 students across a 42-week period.
  • Free Lunches: 35,000 serves of free lunches provided across Callaghan, NUSpace, Ourimbah, Gosford, HMRI & Sydney.
  • OzHarvest Collaboration (Free Food Friday): 21,000kg of food rescued.

These numbers have already been surpassed in 2025, and we expect a continuation as the cost-of-living crisis worsens. Organisations that ensure Zero Hunger are in higher and higher demand, and the University will continue to support students who require these services to the fullest.

Additionally, the University of Newcastle Students' Association (UNSA) runs the Laptops for Less program—an innovative initiative to improve digital access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program sources refurbished laptops—many from First Nations software refurbishing company WV Technologies, and originally used by government and defence organisations—and resells them at heavily discounted prices to students. High-spec laptops suited for courses such as engineering and architecture are also included, ensuring access to required specialist software at a fraction of retail cost.

To support students unfamiliar with digital learning tools, UNSA also provides how-to-use programs, helping to build digital literacy and ensure meaningful participation in coursework. The initiative not only reduces economic barriers but also aligns with the University’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

These coordinated efforts ensure that students from low-income backgrounds are supported across financial, technological, legal, and welfare dimensions—creating an environment where they can succeed academically and personally.

Financial Wellbeing

If you are doing it tough financially, there is a lot of support available. Students can apply for financial assistance through Financial Wellbeing, including grocery vouchers, grants and interest-free loans. You can also speak to a Financial Wellbeing Advisor for help with managing your finances.

Contact Us

To book a Phone Enquiry Session (15 min): Click Here

To book a Financial Counselling Appointment:

Phone: +61 2  4921  6059

Email: financialwellbeing@newcastle.edu.au

If you are a staff member and would like to refer a student, see here.