Boost for students as Federation University expands cost of living support
Manager of Student Partnerships and Engagement Max Ryan and students Matilda Guymer and Thomas Stratmann.
Federation University is stepping up support for students facing the rising cost of living, launching a free weekly Breakfast Club and introducing low-cost lunches on campus.
The new initiatives are designed to ease the financial pressure while supporting students to stay engaged with their studies.
Initially launched as a five-week pilot at the start of the academic year, the Breakfast Club has doubled in attendance each week and now supports around 100 students.
Following this strong uptake, the program will continue for at least the remainder of the semester, providing a free, nutritious start to the day.
The University is also introducing $3 lunches, giving students access to affordable, healthy meals while encouraging them to remain connected with peers and support services.
These supports build on the University’s Nourishment Nook, which provides free pantry staples and snacks, with more than 2200 student visits across the Mt Helen, Gippsland, Berwick, Melbourne CBD and Camp Street campuses annually.
Federation’s Styled for Success program is also supporting students with access to free, high-quality professional clothing, helping to remove financial barriers when preparing for job interviews, placements and job opportunities.
Students can also access Hardship Support Grants of up to $1200, available to both university and TAFE students, providing targeted financial assistance.
Manager of Student Partnerships and Engagement Max Ryan said the initiatives responded directly to the cost of living challenges students were experiencing.
“Everyone is feeling the increased cost of living, but for students juggling study, work and family – it can be even more of a stretch,” she said.
“These initiatives are about easing that pressure, while making sure our students feel supported and connected.”
Chief Learner Experience Officer Samantha Bartlett said the programs reflected Federation’s ranking as number one in Australia for first-in-family students and number one in Victoria for supporting students from under-represented backgrounds.
“We’re seeing more students impacted by rising living costs, affecting their ability to stay focused on study,” she said.
“By offering simple, practical support like meals and professional clothing, we’re helping remove those barriers and keep students on track.”
Support services are open to all higher education and TAFE students and are provided confidentially.
For more information about available support for student, visit our Cost of living and housing support information page