Student Housing Rental Grants

2012 Applications have NOW CLOSED.

The Student Housing Rental Grants are available in Trimester One to eligible students enrolled for the current academic year. Students must submit a signed application form providing details of enrolment, financial situation and demonstrate that they have a genuine need for financial support from the University. The Grant is a fortnightly payment of $70 to help successful applicants pay their rent.

Who can apply?

You can apply if:

• you are enrolled in an award course (at either undergraduate or postgraduate study level) at Deakin University; and
• you have a full time study load for the current year; and
• you are a student who can prove financial hardship due to circumstances beyond your control or you are a Centrelink payment recipient (such as Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY or Austudy); and
• you are living away from home; and
• you can provide proof of lease agreement or Rental Certificate verifying rental arrangement for the current year.

Please note: Part time students may apply if they have a health condition or disability that restricts them from being enrolled in full time studies (documentary evidence required). All other eligibility requirements as listed above apply and must be met.

Important information about Centrelink

If your application for a Student Rental Housing Grant is successful, it is your responsibility to declare to Centrelink that you are in receipt of this grant as it may have an impact on your fortnightly Centrelink payment.

You can receive up to $7,223 of equity and merit-based scholarships or grants before your fortnightly Centrelink payment may be affected.

Any amount of the scholarships/grants over $7,223 is still considered personal income and may affect your payment rate. The excess amount is averaged over the remaining fortnights of the period of the scholarship. This means it will have a consistent impact on your fortnightly rate of payment.

The $7,223 applies to the total amount of eligible scholarships that you receive - not to each scholarship.

Contact Centrelink on 13 2490 if you have any questions about your Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY or Austudy fortnightly payments.

Important information about the Australian Taxation Office

Eligible part time students should check with the ATO if the Student Rental Housing Grant is tax exempt.

The calculator on the Australian Taxation Office website will be able to guide you.

How and when to apply

Applications for the 2012 grant have now closed.

Need more help?

In addition to this Grant, there are many scholarships offered at Deakin University. The Scholarships web page provides further information including eligibility and closing dates.

If you would like to review your accommodation needs, consider contacting the Off-Campus Housing Service at the Student Life, who can assist you to find affordable and suitable housing.