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The University of Western Australia has moved swiftly to introduce new measures of financial support for students affected by COVID-19.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander said it was clear that some students were experiencing enormous difficulty due to loss of income and other circumstances related to COVID-19.

“Across Australia this year has been a challenging one for so many of us – but especially for our students,” Professor den Hollander said.

“This is supposed to be “the time of their lives” but instead their carefully laid study plans have been interrupted, dreams of overseas exchange dashed and much of this against the backdrop of financial and family pressures.

“Responding to these challenging times, the University has created a COVID-19 Financial Hardship Grants scheme.”

The scheme has added support for students with a one-off financial grant, including a dedicated fund for students from low socioeconomic, Indigenous, regional and remote backgrounds.   Grants of up to $5000 will be available to eligible domestic and international students who meet all necessary requirements, to support legitimate costs including emergency accommodation, rental support, wellbeing and emotional support and/or essential study equipment and materials.

With much of the fund generated from philanthropy, the University extends its gratitude to its generous donors for their continued passion and support of UWA students.

In addition, University staff yesterday started distributing the first of 100 welfare packs of food, snack packs, hygiene products and other supplies. The welfare packs were provided to students who had requested them and following referral from other student welfare support staff.

Media references

Simone Hewett (UWA Media & PR Manager) 08 6488 3229/0432 637 716