Financial assistance
We know that being a student can be financially challenging at the best of times, and that rising living costs are only making things more difficult.
If you are currently experiencing temporary financial difficulty – for example, if you're careful with your money but find it difficult to afford to eat three meals a day and pay for rent and electricity – you might be eligible for financial support. Specific eligibility criteria apply, but you can find more information in the tabs below.
If your situation qualifies for help, don't try to 'tough it out' or assume that someone else needs the support more – these services are there for you.
Note that if you are having technology or internet issues, there is separate funding available for that as well. You can find more information on the COVID-19 FAQ page.
Financial support options
UCSA Hardship Grant
If you're experiencing temporary financial hardship because something unforeseen or unexpected has happened, and you've exhausted your options for finding a means of payment, the Hardship Grant might be able to help you.
The maximum grant to any one student should not exceed $800, and can be accessed by both domestic and international students. A set of eligibility criteria apply, including:
- You must have less than $1000 in all of your bank accounts at the date of application
- You must be able to demonstrate that you are willing and able to complete your studies and graduate from UC
- You must have exhausted all other practical possible sources of assistance before making an application
Please contact the UCSA Advocacy and Welfare team to discuss the full eligibility criteria and the process to make an application.
International Student Welfare Fund
The International Student Welfare Fund was established to provide financial assistance to students facing an unplanned or unforeseen financial crisis. Examples of what a financial crisis could look like include the following:
- unanticipated medical expenses
- death of a close family member who was previously providing financial support
- unexpected loss of employment or scholarship
While UC wishes to support international students, those applying to this fund must remain aware of their individual financial responsibilities attached to the issue of their student visa.
The fund is managed by the Student Care team, but students are referred there by the UCSA Advocacy and Welfare team in the event that they meet the criteria.
Mickle Fund Grant
If your financial circumstances are making it difficult to study then there may be a grant available to you.
The Doctor AFJ Mickle Fund was established by his widow on her death in 1937 as a “Special Trust fund… for the purpose of assisting any deserving students”, and it’s still going today.
Grants of up to $2,000 are available to support you in completing your studies while at UC. The grant amount provided will reflect your financial circumstances.
Interested students should contact the UCSA Advocacy and Welfare team or Te Waka Pākākāno (see Māori, Pacific and Rainbow advisors) to arrange an appointment.
Foodbank
Enrolled students at UC are eligible to apply for use of the UCSA Foodbank once a term. If approved, students are provided with $30 New World vouchers and a collection of non-perishable items that are kept in stock. The vouchers cannot be used on alcohol, cigarettes or phone cards.
To enquire about Foodbank, please contact the UCSA Advocacy and Welfare team.
Food Support Service
If longer term food support is needed, you may be eligible to receive support from the UCSA Food Support Service, which provides students with up to a maximum of 10 monthly food parcels.
As before, please contact the UCSA Advocacy and Welfare team if you're interested in finding out more.
Accommodation
Emergency Accommodation – If you need emergency short-term accommodation, there are people you can talk to and places you can go.
Advice
Citizens Advice Bureau – A free advisory service with financial support information and budgeting and debt advice.
Budgeting
Christchurch Budget Service – Free money management programmes
FinCap – A network of free, confidential and non-judgemental budgeting services. Freephone 0508 283 438 (0508 BUDGETLINE), Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Sorted - Online advice and budgeting templates
Food related
0800 Hungry – Food parcels delivered to your house
General
City Mission – The Christchurch City Mission is a social service agency that can provide immediate support, including emergency food for those in need, budget advice and advocacy, and free emergency short-term accommodation.
Salvation Army – Can provide accommodation support for a range of situations, and welfare support in the form of counselling and assistance with food, furniture and clothing.
Study link – You may qualify for a loan or allowance from Studylink, including assistance with urgent costs towards your bond, rent, car, food, bills and more.
Jobs
UC Careers – If you need a job to help fund your study, talk to careers for help on job searching, CV’s and interview prep.
Student Job Search – Don’t know where to look to find a job? Check out Student Job Search.
Scholarships
UC Scholarships – If you’re looking for ways to fund your university study, be sure to check out the scholarships, grants and awards available.