Access a range of services and resources to support your costs of living
Juggling the costs of study and life can be a real struggle, especially with increases to the basic costs of living. Here you can tap into support services, practical resources and important information to help you as you navigate your life as a student.
Griffith University provides a wide range of supports to help you survive and thrive throughout different stages of your studies. These supports can help you save money, get a better job and help you budget for the many predictable – and unpredictable – expenses that can arise. Services provided by Griffith University have a red button.
There also many vital services in our community that can help in many different ways. These are listed with a black button. We have provided some information on how to protect yourself when connecting with external services.
Cost of living support filter
Helping you connect with the help you need, when you need it.
Support filter
Please use all four filters to find services relevant to your situation.
Connect with immediate mental wellbeing support
Griffith operates a 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Line that you can contact for immediate relief for emotional distress.
As well as shorter term coping strategies, you can call or text the support line to work out next steps and explore longer-term solutions.
Student supports at Griffith University
The home of student support at Griffith University, the below link connects you to a variety of services. You can access these services in-person, online or over the phone.
Guild and SRC emergency support
Depending on your campus, either the Gold Coast Student Guild or the SRC-GUPSA can provide you with temporary practical supports to meet your essential needs and help you get back on your feet.
Emergency grocery vouchers
Depending on your campus, you can request an emergency $50 food voucher from the Gold Coast Student Guild or the SRC - GUPSA .
Advice for international students
International Student Advisors (ISA) can assist with many of the situations you may be facing as a student living, working and studying in Queensland. This includes how your situation might impact your student visa.
If you are having problems with paying your tuition fees, it is important you speak with an ISA to discuss your options.
Emergency relief
The Emergency Relief Program supports Queenslanders in financial crisis. The program provides access to food, transport and essential items to those in need.
Griffith financial hardship bursary
If you're experiencing extreme financial difficulty, you may be eligible for a student financial support bursary.
This one-off payment helps cover education-related expenses, so you can focus on your studies.
Save money on your groceries
Food Relief is a government initiative that funds organisations OzHarvest, SecondBite and Foodbank to provide cost-effective food items to those in need.
There is no shame in asking for help if you can't afford to eat—see Food Relief for details.
No-interest loans
Need an essential service or item and don't have the money? With a no-interest loan, you only pay back what you borrow—nothing more.
While still a form of debt, the loan is interest free with no fees and flexible repayment plans. See the Department of Social Services' Financial Resilience program for more information.
Money tips, tools and advice
A government initiative, MoneySmart is a one-stop shop for all things money-related in Australia.
MoneySmart is free to access and is full of tips, resources, information and advice.
Griffith scholarships
Some scholarships involve cash payments or reduced university fees.
Just as importantly, some include networking, mentoring and professional opportunities.
Griffith student financial support
Find out more about the scholarships, bursaries, emergency and study support Griffith offers students facing hardship.
Careers and Employment
Griffith's Careers and Employment service can help you get a job now and start laying a foundation for the career you want.
Get experience, build your skills and set yourself up for success.
Bulk-billed doctors on campus
Griffith University has bulk-billing GP clinics at the Gold Coast and Nathan campuses. The clinics offer a range of medical and mental health services, and study-related services for students, such as vaccinations.
Neighbourhood Centres
Neighbourhood Centres are local community hubs that provide practical support to people in need.
Everyone is welcome and anyone can ask for help.
Textbook exchange
StudentVIP is Australia's largest online second-hand textbook exchange.
Please note: This website is not affiliated with Griffith. Keep safe and make sure the edition you are buying is suitable for your course.
Low cost and free technology at Griffith
Griffith University provides the software you need to study. Information, including instructions for downloading software, can be found on the student computing webpage.
Counselling and Wellbeing services
Counsellors at Griffith provide helpful tools, strategies and perspectives on personal issues related to relationships, study or work life.
Renting in Queensland
This page by the Queensland Department of Housing is the home of information and services for people renting in Queensland.
Griffith international scholarships
International students may be eligible for scholarships from a number of sources. These can significantly ease the cost of study for international students.
Centrelink payments
Are you a domestic student and wondering if you're eligible for Centrelink payments? Whether it's Austudy, ABSTUDY or Youth Allowance, you can learn about and apply for these payments at Services Australia.
Plan your budget
A personal budget is a roadmap for your finances—helping you understand what you need now and into the future. The Federal Government's MoneySmart site includes a free and helpful budget planner, plus an Excel version you can download.
Learn how to save
Build financial skills, learn life-long saving habits and have your savings matched up to $500 with Saver Plus.
Saver Plus is a free financial literacy course free open to those receiving Centrelink payments.
Debt and your rights
Find information about the key rights you have in some common debt situations such as fines, personal credit cards and loans, debt collection, utility bills, telco bills and payday loans.
Affordable allied health
Our world-class Health Clinics offer access to affordable healthcare while providing clinical experience opportunities for Griffith Health students.
Services include dentistry, physiotherapy, psychology, speech pathology, social work and others.
In trouble with debt and need help?
Financial counsellors help you get out of trouble with and manage your current bills, fines and debts. Many community organisations across Australia are funded to provide free financial counselling.
Looking for help with your tax return?
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) offers a free Tax Help program for eligible people earning $60,000 or less lodge their tax return online.
Returning to your home country?
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has information for what to do when you leave Australia if you worked here, including lodging your tax return and claiming super.
Having issues with your tenancy?
The Queensland Statewide Advocacy and Referral Service (QSTARS) provides high quality, free, and independent information and support to help you manage and sustain your tenancy. This includes referrals, advice and assistance navigating tenancy issues.
Beware of scams
Scams are an increasing problem and university students are a key target.
Find out about common scams and what to do if you've been caught by one.
Who needs to pay tax?
There are many ways you can get paid for the work you do and this will impact your tax and superannuation responsibilities. Thankfully the Australian Tax Office has a helpful guide to help you learn more.
Working while studying
Are you an international student and looking to work while studying?
Find out what supports exist in finding work that suits your study and visa requirements.
Money and banking in Australia
Curious to learn more about money and banking in Australia?
These helpful and practical guides will tell you all you need to know.
CareerHub job search
CareerHub is your one-stop shop for jobs, careers events and appointments.
You can apply for work, access training and connect with the Careers and Employment team.
Discounted work-ready courses
The SRC and Gold Coast Student Guild offer a variety of discounted workshops, courses and qualifications to develop your casual employment skills and opportunities.
The Clothing Library
The Clothing Library provides business wear to students for interviews, internships and work placements.
Your rights at work
As an employee, you have the right to be paid for the work you do. This comprehensive guide explains what these rights are and how to protect them.
Consumer rights
Consumers have the right to expect certain things when they buy a product or service. In consumer law, these basic rights are called consumer guarantees and are protected by law.
Free on-campus computers
Griffith University provides computers in libraries and computer labs across all campuses—some are open 24/7.
Some computers have specific software installed to meet the needs of certain study areas.
Support for students on placement
We’ve compiled a list of resources specifically for students studying nursing, midwifery and education who are required to complete long, unpaid placements.
Nathan-Altandi free shuttle bus
Travelling between Nathan campus and the Gold Coast?
Our free shuttle bus runs every half hour from Altandi train station to Nathan.
Nathan and Mt Gravatt intercampus bus
The Griffith intercampus bus is a free service provided for staff, students and clients of the University travelling between the Nathan and Mt Gravatt campuses.
Transport to your campus
Depending on your campus, we have a range of ride-share and low-cost options for getting to campus, thanks to RIIDE, Beam and Liftango.
Public transport discounts
Catching the tram, bus or train? Apply for student concession rates on your goCard to travel at a discounted rate.
Unlimited public transport for a flat monthly fee
Griffith has partnered with OdinPass to bring students at the Gold Coast access to unlimited public transport and other mobility options for a low monthly fee.
$5 Market day lunch vouchers
$5 lunch vouchers are available at Market days on all campuses.
Free pancakes
Griffith Chaplaincy host free weekly pancakes across most campuses.
Cooked by local faith groups, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a free breakfast and connect with your fellow students.
Free dinner on campus
Each fortnight Griffith Chaplaincy host free dinners that build connections between local and international students and to build friendship.
Connecting Cultures, growing community. All students welcome.
Student Guild Tuesday Cook-Up
The Gold Coast Student Guild provides free dinner every Tuesday.
Registration is compulsory.
GUGC Student Guild free breakfast
Cereals, fruit and other goodies are available to all Gold Coast students every morning between 7am and 9am.
Recipes for healthy eating on a budget
Developed by the Health and Medical Service at Griffith University, this student cookbook is your guide to healthy eating.
SRC free fruit and vegetables
Across the trimester, the Student Representative Council (SRC) will provide free fruit and vegetable boxes to students at Nathan, Mount Gravatt, South Bank and Logan.
GUGC Campus Cupboard
The Gold Coast Student Guild provides free groceries to all Gold Coast campus students from its Campus Cupboard (G07). The Campus Cupboard is open Mondays from 2pm until stock runs out. Please bring your own bag and student card.
Free meals in emergencies
The Queensland Government funds free emergency meals that are provided by charities across Queensland. You can search the Vans And Kitchens (VAKS) website for the options closest to you.
Griffith Repair Cafe
Broken belongings? Don’t toss it—fix it! The Griffith University Repair Cafe is a student-led initiative to bring new life to broken items that would otherwise be thrown away.
Get a discount on your bills
Explore the range of Queensland Government-funded savings and support services. The Queensland Savers page includes a concession and rebate finder to help you save money.
Free period care on campus
Libra has partnered with the Gold Coast Student Guild and the SRC to provide free period care products on all Griffith University campuses as part of their Period Positivity Program.
Feeling lost? Need someone to talk to?
Everyone hits tough times. Whatever you are facing, chaplains are an open and non-judgemental space to talk through what is on your mind and heart. No religion required.
Emergency accommodation
The Gold Coast Student Guild and SRC have a limited amount of funding for short-term emergency accommodation for students in crisis. Contact them to find out more.
International student financial aid and student loans
The International Finance Office helps students who are financing their study through their home country’s financial aid or student loan programs.
Get help from a local charity
There are hundreds of charities in Queensland that support our local communities.
The site below includes a searchable list of local charities and the types of support they provide.
My Community Directory
My Community Directory is a database of up-to-date information for community organisations in Queensland. Search for local services in your area.
Griffith Tax Clinic
The tax clinic is a student-lead service offering free tax advice and information to the public.
They can provide assistance regarding dealing with tax issues, penalties and negotiating payment plans.
Free legal advice
MoneySmart provides links to free legal services, which can assist with issues such as fines, credit and debt, parenting orders, family violence and child protection.
Free legal support and advice
Queensland’s community legal centres provide free information, legal assistance and referral, representation and casework, community education and advocacy.
Legal Aid Queensland
Legal Aid helps financially disadvantaged people with criminal, family and civil law matters. They work with and fund lawyers who deliver legal services to people in Queensland.
Challenging a Centrelink decision?
Basic Rights Queensland provides information and advice on how to deal with Centrelink issues and appeal decisions.
Queensland Ombudsman
The Queensland Ombudsman investigates complaints about the actions and decisions of Queensland agencies, including state government departments, local councils, public universities and government authorities.
Confused by the law? Looking for a clear explanation?
These resources explain how the law works, your rights and obligations and what to do when you believe an incorrect decision has been made or you have been discriminated against.
Need help fighting for your consumer rights?
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority helps those in financial hardship sort out disagreements about loans, insurance, banks, investments and superannuation. They also have information on rights and processes for dispute resolution.
Are you being exploited at work?
Do you think your boss is taking advantage of you? Are you being underpaid, bullied or threatened? Confused about your rights as an employee?
Red Cross's Work Right Hub is a resource for people who are working in Australia for the first time. The Hub looks at types of exploitation (including modern slavery), your work rights and where to go for help.
Need short-term accommodation in Brisbane or Logan?
If you are new to Brisbane or between rental agreements, you may need to find temporary accommodation.
The SRC has compiled a list of short-term options near the northern Griffith campuses.
Griffith accommodation
Find information on accommodation options and supports for students of Griffith University.
Need accommodation on the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast Student Guild has information about student and private accommodation on the Gold Coast.
Moving to study at Griffith? Wondering where to live?
International Student Experience has developed this website about accommodation options and support in Queensland.
It is useful for anyone who is moving to study.
Guides for accommodation while studying
Insider Guides aims to answer your questions about moving to Australia, such as what accommodation options exist, what to consider, where to go for help, plus tips on how to do this on a budget.
Student accommodation in Queensland
Study Queensland provides a brief summary of student accommodation, homestay and rental options available in Queensland.
Discover your rental rights and how to protect them
The Residential Tenancy Authority (RTA) is the state government statutory body that oversees Queensland's rental laws and processes. The RTA provides tenancy information and support, bond management, dispute resolution, compliance and enforcement, and education services.
Are you LGBTIQ+ and having issues at home?
Open Doors Youth Service has youth workers, case managers and counsellors across several programs who can provide a range of support to LGBTIQ + young people aged 12 to 24.
This includes assistance with homelessness or unstable accommodation.
Changes to rental laws in Queensland
New laws are commencing in Queensland that give new rights to tenants. These relate to rent and increases in rent, balancing privacy and access, rental bond processes and others changes.
Rent Assistance payment
Rent Assistance is an extra payment the Federal Government provides eligible people on welfare payments.
While Rent Assistance is applied automatically, it is important you notify Centrelink if your circumstances change to prevent underpayment or the accruing of debt.
Moving in with your partner?
Who you are living with can have a major impact on your eligibility for different welfare payments. It is important you inform Centrelink of any changes to ensure you are not over or underpaid.
Supports in the community
To complement the supports provided at Griffith University we have included some of the many supports that exist in the wider community.
These range from government services and large-scale charities, through to specialist advocacy for specific communities or topics.
We have also included information to help you identify and address scams and other illegal behaviour, as well as where you can go for help.
If you find yourself in this situation, we encourage you to reach out to services listed on our student support page.
External links
Supports outside of Griffith University are shown with a grey background and a black button that links to their websites.
While care has been taken to only link to reputable Government services and Government-funded supports, Griffith University is not responsible for their opinions, advice and actions.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to addressing the global challenge of poverty and promoting sustainable development by leveraging our resources, expertise, and partnerships to have a meaningful impact.
Prioritise self-care
It's important to maintain your health and wellbeing as you navigate cost-of-living challenges.
Our Online Health and Wellness Centre offers affordable and accessible resources to get better and stay well, regardless of your financial situation.
Information for staff supporting students
If you're a Griffith staff member, you can access a range of training, tools and resources to help support student mental health and wellbeing.
See the guide to supporting student wellbeing to find out more.
