Student Welfare Advisors

What can a Student Welfare Advisor help with?

Student Welfare Advisors are trained to provide advice and assistance to RMIT students on a range of matters including finance, accommodation, crisis support as well as guidance with university processes. They can also provide referrals to support services outside the University. 

They help students who are feeling overwhelmed and require complex or urgent support and, in each appointment, Advisors prioritise student health and safety before helping you to navigate through your matter. 

Support includes: 

• Urgent emergency financial assistance including food and travel vouchers 
• Understanding eligibility and application process for Student Hardship Assistance Grants 
• Budgeting and debt management, including applying for Work Development Permits (WDP) 
• General guidance around Centrelink e.g., eligibility for student income support payments, claims, appeals and supplementary payments such as rent assistance, Student Start Up Loans, etc. 
• Accommodation advice including rental and tenancy issues and finding housing that suits your needs, plus help securing emergency accommodation 
• Crisis support through urgent welfare and wellbeing assistance due to critical incidents and natural disasters 
• Helping international students settle into RMIT and Melbourne through opening bank accounts, finding accommodation, understanding important academic dates and connecting with Clubs and Societies  
• Welfare support for international students under 18 to ensure they are meeting their care arrangement requirements and are well supported whilst at RMIT. 
• Navigating university processes and the supporting documentation required including special consideration, leave of absence, reduced study load, applications for transfer to other education providers, fee remission under special circumstances, appeals and complaints and more 
• Holistic support with studies and life in Melbourne, including referrals to other RMIT and external government and community services for support with budgeting, accommodation and more

What can’t a Welfare Advisor help with?

• Apply for Centrelink or other government support on your behalf 
• Provide financial assistance for tuition or material fees at RMIT 
• Provide references for accommodation or other applications 
• Provide counselling or psychological support (but we can connect you to the right service) 
• Assist students to apply for programs of study at RMIT or other institutions