Supporting Your Child

Family situations vary, but the principle remains the same: those students who have informed and enthusiatic people supporting them will do better at uni, and in life.

There are many ways that you can help your child to study at university.

Getting Into University

Believe it or not, parents are very influential in helping their children decide upon a degree program. You can assist your child consider their options and identitify possible future careers.

Make sure you are well informed about the degree programs we offer using Degree Finder.

Remember to reference entrance criteria and prerequiste subjects, to check it is a realistic goal and/or to guide your child towards choosing appropiate subjects to study during Years 10, 11 and 12.

Be familiar with the application process and important dates so you can give guidance if needed.

Starting University

Making the transition from school to university can be exciting and challenging, and often requires a period of adjustment for your child. Be understanding and keep yourself informed about our induction programs and support services, so you can provide solutions and direction:

Orientation Week (or O'Week) is usually held the week before formal classes and can introdce your child to uni life.
Uni Step is a semester-long, comprehensive program of events, activities and information to help new students find their feet.
Our First Year site is full of information about university life.

Finances

Most parents are interested in the financial cost of studying. Don't worry! It's great if you can help out finacially, but there are also plenty of other options to cover costs - your financial situation needn't be a barrier to your child's education.

Scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help with the costs of studying at university. For more information, please visit our Scholarships website.

Tuition Fees Subsidies and Loans

Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent visas are eligible for Commonwealth Supported places, which provides access to the equivalent of seven years full-time study in a subsidised place at university.

The student pays the remainder of the tuition fees through the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS)-either upfront or by deferring payment through a HECS-HELP loan, provides by the Government (Australian citizens and holders of Permanent Humanitarian visas are eligible).

Centelink Financial Assistance

Centrelink, on behalf of the Australian Government, provides financial assistance to full-time and part-time students with approved circumstances.

These allowances are Youth Allowance, AUSTUDY, ABSTUDY and the Pensioner Education Supplement (PES). Allowances are subject to various criteria including:

initial qualification criteria
personal income and asset test
parental/spouse income and asset test (where applicable)
satisfactory academic progress

For more information, contact Centrelink.

University Financial Support

During your child's studies, the Adelaide University Union's Education and Welfare Officers are also available to help with advice and information on dealing with Centrelink and other student finance matters.

Grants and loans, ranging from short-term emergency loans and interest free student loans, are offered by the University of Adelaide and the Adelaide University Union.

Assisting students in need, the Equal Access Grant Scheme helps with study-related expenses for low income undergraduate students entering the University for the first time.