VU Thrive Grant

The VU Thrive Grant is an ongoing support program offered by Victoria University in Melbourne for students who experience financial hurdles during their studies. Funded and managed by the university through its scholarships office, this grant aims to ease pressures that might otherwise disrupt a student's ability to complete their qualification.

This grant is open to both domestic and international students enrolled in an eligible course at VU. It helps cover everyday study expenses, such as books, technology, transport, and accommodation, which many students find hard to budget for, especially without significant family support or part-time income. The focus is on practical needs, not merit or academic standing alone. If you’re struggling to pay for internet, textbooks, equipment or other costs essential to your course, this support is meant for you.

Supporting Ongoing Study and Retention

The primary goal is to reduce the risk of students dropping coursework due to money worries. The grant is often awarded to those at risk of deferring or withdrawing. Applicants provide supporting documentation to demonstrate need, and while the payment does not cover full tuition, it helps fill urgent gaps so students can continue attending classes and working towards graduation.

How it Fits with Studying at VU

For international students, receiving a VU Thrive Grant does not affect student visa status but can help manage the costs of settling in Australia and keeping up with requirements for the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and the student visa (subclass 500). Domestic students, including those from diverse backgrounds and equity groups, also routinely benefit. All recipients remain responsible for ensuring visa and enrolment conditions are met, and financial wellbeing can be a big part of that.

• Currently enrolled at Victoria University in a degree, diploma, or certificate-level course (domestic or international student).
• Demonstrated financial need—examples include limited income, sudden expenses, personal or family hardship, or unexpected living costs.
• Evidence of satisfactory academic progress, as requested (though selection prioritises financial need).
• Not currently on academic suspension or exclusion.
• Not receiving a similar or overlapping grant from VU that already covers the same expenses.
• Willingness to provide documentation such as bank statements, income details, or letters from social services or counsellors.
• For international students: must hold a valid student visa and meet ongoing visa enrolment conditions.

• One-off payment directly supporting study-related and living expenses (book/course materials, travel, technology, rent, utilities, etc.).
• May help alleviate immediate financial pressures, allowing students to continue with their studies uninterrupted.
• No requirement to repay the grant — it is not a loan.
• Available to both full-time and part-time eligible students.
• Does not affect eligibility for most other forms of support, unless those overlap in covering the same costs.
• Confidential and non-judgmental process, with support from VU’s welfare and scholarships teams.

• Check the VU scholarships website for full eligibility rules, required documents, and application windows.
• Gather evidence of your financial need (bank statements, receipts, letters, pay slips, Centrelink statements, visa conditions, etc.).
• Prepare a short statement describing your situation, the impact on your studies, and what costs you need support with.
• Complete the VU Thrive Grant application form online, ensuring all details are accurate and honest.
• Upload all required supporting documents as specified in the application instructions.
• Submit the application before the intake closes (check the official site for deadlines, which are subject to change).
• Monitor your university email for updates from the scholarships team. Respond promptly if they request further information.
• If successful, follow instructions to accept the grant and manage payment; if not successful, you may be able to reapply in the future if circumstances change.