General budget help

By doing your budget you will be able to understand your spending habits and support living well.

Budget Your Money is a Government website budget calculator that helps check:

• where your money is going
• if you are spending more than you can afford
• that your money is going towards your priorities.

This electronic budget is ideal as it allows you to enter weekly, fortnightly, monthly and annual expenses without the need to convert.

Estimate your cost of living in Melbourne with our guide to everyday expenses or check out our cost of living estimates for international students. 

Environment Victoria has some terrific information in relation to reducing your living costs and ecological footprint. Download the 'Victorian Green Renters Guide: Sustainable Living Tips for Renters'.

Accommodation & your finances

Our staff can help with rental advice to help you rental advice that can help you work out budgets for living while studying.

It's important to factor in rental costs for accommodation in Melbourne. Our handy table allows you compare weekly rental prices in various locations close to our campuses.

Loans, scholarships and other financial help

Low Income Health Card - this card provides concessions for health care, public transport and living costs eg. gas, electricity and water. It is issued to students who receive Youth Allowance, Austudy or Abstudy. If you are not eligible for one of these payments you can still apply for a Low Income Health Care Card if you are:

• an Australian resident
• receiving NO or low income (less than $4008 over 8 weeks) immediately prior to your application.

To apply you will need to:

• download a Low Income Health Care Card application form
• lodge the completed form at your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre with the required supporting documentation.

Scholarships – Victoria University has a range of scholarships to assist Higher Education and TAFE students with their living and education costs. If you are studying Higher Education and receive Youth Allowance, Austudy, or Abstudy, you may also be eligible for a Start-Up Scholarship and a Relocation Scholarship.

Centrelink Advance Payment - can be used to assist with living and study costs. If you receive Centrelink payments (including Youth Allowance, Austudy, Abstudy, Sole Parent Payment and Disability Support Pension) you are eligible to apply for a Centrelink Advance Payment.

Student Loan - up to $500 interest free is available as a last resource. Strict conditions apply. Contact Student Welfare Services on +61 3 9919 5400 for an appointment.

Contact Student Welfare

If you would like free and confidential support and assistance to help you develop practical skills to better manage your money, contact Welfare services.

ASKVU Find answers and ask questions
Phone: +61 3 9919 5400