Finance and
Tax Help

If you need help lodging your tax return, you may be eligible for Swinburne Student Life’s Tax Help program. It’s a free and confidential service to help students complete their tax returns, run by a group of ATO-trained and approved student volunteers. Book an appointment to access the service.

Swinburne Student Association is proud to partner with Swinburne University to deliver our Voucher Assistance Program.

Students are eligible to claim one of the following vouchers:

• Myki Card

• Coles Fuel Voucher

• Coles Food Voucher

Need a little extra help with groceries? The SSA FoodBank is here for you! Open Monday to Friday, we provide free food essentials to support Swinburne students.

Swinburne has small loans available for students facing financial hardship through our partnership with Good Shepherd Micro Finance.

If you’re struggling financially and having trouble meeting basic living costs, you may be able to receive a grant to help you cover some expenses. 

These grants apply to you if you’re significantly financially disadvantaged, or from a low socio-economic background (for example, you or your family receive Centrelink payments).

Grants are available at different times of the year. Search grants for full eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

Whether it's understanding what your fees cover or dealing with an overdue fee notice, help is available. You can learn more about your rights and responsibilities relating to fees in several ways:

• The answer may already be in Swinburne's FAQs.

• Visit studentHQ and speak with someone.

Note: Due to the large volume of queries around the census date peak periods, responses may be delayed.

Centrelink is a government agency that supports Australians on low or no income. Students might also be entitled to benefits. 

Whether you’re already a student, or are planning to become a student, you should check your eligibility for Centrelink benefits such as Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy.  

For advice on what Centrelink support you're entitled to, use the Payment and Service finder on the Centrelink website.

If you’re experiencing financial difficulty and would like help managing your living situation, our Student Finance and Housing Advisor is available to discuss what support may be available.

The finance and housing support service operates out of StudentHQ within the Hawthorn and Croydon campus Libraries on a first-come, first-served basis. Our Advisor is available during the following times:

• Monday and Thursday; 10am – 3pm; Hawthorn Library (Desk 1A, Level 2, LB Building)

• Tuesday; 10am – 3pm; Croydon Library (CD Building)

To speak with our Advisor, you can drop by any time during open hours or contact financeandhousing@swin.edu.au to secure an appointment in advance.