Care experienced student support
Swinburne offers a range of support services to students who have experienced foster, kinship, residential or permanent care.
We offer a range of support services to students with a care experience. If you’ve experienced foster, kinship, residential or permanent care, we can help you transition to university or TAFE and achieve your academic goals.
As a proud partner of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare’s Raising Expectations project, we’re committed to helping more care experienced students thrive in further education.
Programs for care experienced students
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AccessAbility services
At Swinburne, we offer an inclusive and welcoming environment for people living with a disability, medical condition, mental illness or with primary carer responsibilities.
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Indigenous student services
Access opportunities. Get tailored support with your studies. Thrive as an Indigenous student with the team at the Moondani Toombadool Centre.
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Financial and equity support
Having money troubles or need some advice regarding your financial situation? We’re here to help. Find out more about our available grants, scholarships, and get one-on-one advice.
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Accommodation
Discover all your student housing options at Swinburne, including on-campus accommodation, shared apartments, studio apartments and short-term accommodation. -
Study and learning support
Improve your study and academic skills through our Learning and Academic Skills Centre. Attend workshops, advice sessions, and access support for students facing challenges.
Scholarships and Fee Consessions
Check if you are eligible to apply for one of the scholarships below, or explore the range of grants available:
Support services
Health, wellbeing and connection
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Psychology and Counselling services
If you’re struggling with a personal or emotional matter, our counsellors are available to help. This service is free for all Swinburne students.
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Medical Centre
Book an appointment with a doctor, nurse or specialist and find out about costs.
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Clubs and student organisations
Join a club or student organisation and meet like-minded people, explore new hobbies and get involved with the issues you care about. Find your people. -
Spiritual wellbeing
If you need a peaceful place for prayer, meditation or quiet contemplation, or wish to speak to a Chaplain for spiritual care, head to Swinburne’s Multi Faith Centre.
Study and learning support
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Library
Need to borrow textbooks or book a computer? We have you covered. The Swinburne library provides a wide range of services for our students and operates across three campuses.
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Learning and Academic Skills Centre
Visit the LAS Centre for free consultations to improve your academic and language skills. Get advice on essay writing, making presentations, researching and help with exam preparation.
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Student systems, hardware and software
Swinburne has a wide range of student systems, applications and software you can use to help with your studies, including the Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office 365.
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Student Success Coaches (Higher Education)
Student Success Coaches (Higher Education) work collaboratively with higher education students, supporting them to perform at their best and navigate university life and learning.
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Student Success Coach
The Student Success Coach program is available to vocational education students to help them overcome difficulties impacting their studies.
External support organisations
Our Skills and Job Centre at the Swinburne Hub at the Wantirna and Croydon campuses provides information about preparing for your first job, looking to retrain or taking the first step in a career change.
This government initiative provides services and support to assist young people, aged 16 to 21, to transition from out-of-home care to independent living and adulthood.
The Leaving Care hotline, 1300 532 846, provides advice and referrals for young people leaving out-of-home care in Victoria. The hotline is supported by Melbourne City Mission.
Learn more about Leaving Care.
Melbourne City Mission assists people with housing, education, employment and social support. This includes accommodation options for young people under the age of 25 experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless.
Learn more about Melbourne City Mission.
This youth development service supports young people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.
Learn more about Anchor.
Berry Street offers support for young people when they leave the protection and care system.
Learn more about Berry Street.
This website is packed with info on support services and general life stuff that will assist you when you leave and transition from care.
CREATE’s Go Your Own Way kits are a great resource for young people who are planning for their transition to adulthood and independence.
Youth Central is the Victorian Government’s website for young people with information about jobs, studying, moving out of home, getting a driver licence, travelling, managing money and your rights as a young Victorian.
Learn more about Youth Central.
Did you know?
The Transition to Independent Living Allowance is a one-off payment of A$1500 available to eligible young people leaving out-of-home care.