Student Opportunity Fund Frequently Asked QuestionsApplying for the FundQ) I need assistance with my general living costs. Can the Student Opportunity fund be used to help with rent?
A) The Student Opportunity Fund is not able to assist with applications made on the basis of financial hardship. If you are seeking financial aid, please contact your Faculty for advice.
Q) Can you apply for more than one activity in any given semester?
A) No. Students may submit one application to any given round of the Student Opportunity Fund.
Q) Is the grant a once-a-degree opportunity?
A) No. Students are required to advise on the application form if they have previously received funds from the Student Opportunity Fund; however success in a previous round does not automatically disqualify students from receiving further Student Opportunity Funds.
Q) Can I apply to the fund for money to purchase textbooks and laptops?
A) No. The purpose of the Student Opportunity Fund is to support students to participate in unique activities during their studies that will greatly enhance their learning experience.
Q) Would I be eligible as a study abroad student who has been here this semester? My study will end this semester, but I am staying in Australia for part of next semester.
A) No. To be eligible for the Student Opportunity Fund, you must be a current undergraduate or postgraduate student who is currently enrolled and will be enrolled during the semester in which the activity is undertaken.
Q) Can student groups apply only to the fund for events held on campus?
A) No. The fund is to allow students to maximise opportunities that are available to them during their studies that will enhance their student experience. It does not necessarily have to be an event held on campus.
Q) I have been awarded funds but can no longer undertake the activity that the funds were awarded for. Can I use the funds for an alternate activity?
A) No. The funds need to be spent on the activity for which they were awarded. If you are no longer able to undertake the activity as approved in your application, you will need to advise the Office of Student Experience that you are unable to accept the grant.
Q) I have been awarded funds but can no longer complete the activity. Can another student have the funds do the activity in my place?
A) No. The funds are not transferable and must be used by the student they were awarded to.
Application SubmissionQ) What should be included in my summary?
A) It is important that you use the space provided to clearly explain your request and include as much relevant detail as possible. Please pay particular attention to the summary section to ensure it clearly outlines the request. An example of a suitable summary might be: - To subsidise flight and accommodation costs to undertake a 4 week internship with Company X in their Melbourne office to learn duties relevant to my degree and network with potential employers. This work experience is endorsed by my Faculty.
- To subsidise costs to host an industry evening on campus titled ‘Name of Event’ for the purpose of providing career information and a networking opportunity for students, staff and the community. It is anticipated that 100 participants will attend. The grant will be used to reduce the ticket price for students.
Accessing the Student Opportunity FundQ) When will the Student Opportunity Fund payment be made?
A) The funds will be paid on a reimbursement basis. Upon submission and approval of your Completion Report and receipts, you will be notified of your payment date, typically week 5, 10 or 14.
Q) If my application is successful, how can I access my Student Opportunity Fund payment?
A) Once your payment date is determined, successful applications will have the approved funds deposited into their student account on the appointed payment date. Students will need to complete a Student Refund Form at the Cashiers Office before the funds can be transferred to the nominated bank or credit card account. Please note, any outstanding debts or charges owing on your student account will automatically be deducted from any Student Opportunity Fund credit so please ensure your account is up to date prior to payment.
Q) I will be overseas or unable to get to campus on my payment date; can I still access my Student Opportunity Fund Payment?
A) Yes. Please contact the Office of Student Experience to arrange a Student Refund Form to be e-mailed. You will need to ensure you have access to your student e-mail account.
Q) We would like our group payment to be paid into our student group or club’s bank account, is this possible?
A) Yes. For group applications we require a dedicated bank account, please provide details to the Office of Student Experience once you receive notification that your application has been successful.
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