Thank you for your generosity: Student Support Fund

Thank you for your generosity in supporting the Student Support Fund.

Your gift empowers students to continue pursuing their dreams through study. This vital support continues to be transformational for the 260+ recipients in 2025.

Please read on to learn more about what your support means to students:

Tina

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)

I am deeply grateful for the generous support provided by the Student Support Fund.

At the time I received it, I was going through a very difficult financial period, struggling to afford basic necessities like food and bills. This support gave me relief from that stress and allowed me to focus fully on my studies.

Being able to meet my basic needs has made a huge difference to my academic performance and overall wellbeing. It’s allowed me to stay motivated and present in my learning without the constant worry about finances.

I am currently working toward my goal of becoming an art therapist and plan to continue into postgraduate study in this field. I’m passionate about using art to help people heal and communicate in ways that words often can’t.

Your kindness has made a real and lasting impact on my life. Thank you for supporting not just my education, but my future.

Viet Truong

Juris Doctor

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors who have made the Student Support Fund possible. This grant has provided crucial support during my Juris Doctor studies and has made a real difference in both my academic and personal life.

Thanks to this support, I have been able to focus fully on my studies without the added stress of financial pressure. The grant has helped cover essential expenses such as textbooks, transport, and other academic materials, all of which are necessary for staying engaged and performing well in my coursework.

Beyond financial relief, this scholarship has given me the confidence and stability to participate in extracurricular activities such as mooting and volunteering at legal clinics. These experiences have strengthened my skills and deepened my passion for the law.

I aspire to build a career in public interest and criminal law, with the aim of supporting individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds who often face significant barriers to justice.

The support from this fund brings me one step closer to achieving these goals, and I am incredibly thankful to the donors who make this journey possible. Your generosity is an investment in my future.

Alysia

Doctor of Philosophy - Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

I want to express a heartfelt thank you for the Student Support Fund grant I received recently. Your generosity has made a difference; the grant came at a time when my family was feeling quite financially stretched.

As a mum of two young children, a partner, a student, and someone who works part-time, life can be overwhelming. This support eased some of the pressure, both financial and emotional, and gave me a little breathing room that helped me stay focused on what I’m trying to achieve through my research.

My research focuses on improving how families are prepared for death in intensive care. This is important because many poor mental health outcomes experienced by families are preventable. The grant helped me spend focused time analysing data, refining a developed intervention by engaging with intensive care clinicians and consumers. Ultimately, my goal is to reduce some of the distress and long-term mental health impacts that so many families currently face.

After completing my PhD, I hope to continue working in this field—trialing and refining the intervention, collaborating with ICU teams, and contributing to better support for families during end-of-life care.

Thank you again - I’m truly grateful for your generosity.

Delgermaa

Master of Management (Accounting and Finance)

I am truly grateful for the generous support I have received through this grant. I come from Mongolia, a small and developing country where the average yearly income is around AU$12,000. I was raised in a town of just over one thousand people, and while I have received some prior support, studying at the University of Melbourne has been the most financially challenging experience.

My situation became more difficult when my mother suffered a serious brain stroke. Her treatment placed a heavy burden on my family. After my first semester, I seriously considered returning home, as my parents had already spent the savings they had built over many years.

This grant arrived at a critical time. It helped me cover essentials like rent, giving me the stability I needed to continue studying. While I also work part-time, the support allowed me to focus on my education without overwhelming financial pressure.

I am currently completing a Master of Management and hope to become an executive leader who can create positive change. In the future, I also want to give back by helping students who are going through the same kinds of challenges I have faced.

Thank you for believing in me and giving me the chance to continue pursuing my career.

How can we help?

Find helpful answers to common questions and specialised contact details.

Learn how you can support students and researchers.

Explore the varied and meaningful ways you can give towards a brighter future for all.