The administration of the Student Support Fund is guided by the following principles:

• Pastoral care and compassion – reflecting the Christian calling to care for those in need with love, prayerfulness, and discretion.
• Equity and justice – financial assistance is provided based on demonstrated need, without favouritism.
• Stewardship – funds are managed responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with donor intent and the College governance.
• Student wellbeing – recognising the interconnection between financial stress, mental health, academic progress, and spiritual formation.
• Confidentiality – student information is handled sensitively and in accordance with privacy obligations.
• Supplementary support – the Fund complements, but does not replace, government assistance, family support, or other external aid.

1. Types of Assistance
Subject to availability of funds, financial assistance may be provided for, but is not limited to, the following:

1.1 Bursaries and Financial Hardship

• Emergency financial assistance for unexpected or acute hardship.
• Assistance with essential living expenses (e.g. food, utilities, rent, transport).
• Short-term support arising from loss of income, illness, family crisis, or significant personal disruption.

1.2 Education-Related Costs

• Tuition fee assistance or partial fee relief.
• Textbooks, required learning resources, and course materials.
• Compulsory field education, placement, practicum, or ministry training-related costs.

1.3 Technology and Digital Access

• Laptops, tablets, or essential computer equipment (purchase or loan).
• Software or digital tools required for study.
• Internet access or connectivity support where this presents a barrier to participation.

1.4 Wellbeing, Accessibility, and Caring Responsibilities

• Disability-related supports or reasonable adjustments not otherwise funded.
• Counselling or wellbeing support where financial barriers exist.
• Childcare or caring-related costs that directly affect the student’s capacity to engage in study.

1.5 Other Exceptional Needs

• Other essential expenses which, in the judgement of the College, are necessary to enable the student to continue their studies and align with the purpose of the Fund.

2. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for assistance, students must:

• Be currently enrolled in an award;
• Demonstrate genuine financial need or hardship;
• Show that the requested assistance is necessary to support continued academic progress and participation:
  • evidence that the financial difficulty is directly impacting the student’s ability to attend classes, complete assessments, access learning resources, or meet course requirements. For Instance, a student is unable to attend a compulsory placement, practicum, or ministry training costs, placing progression at risk due to inability to afford petrol or transport.
  • risk of withdrawal, deferral, reduced study load, or failure of one or more units if assistance is not provided. For instance, a student facing eviction, utility disconnection, or food insecurity that is affecting attendance, concentration, or assessment performance.
  • inability to meet essential study-related costs (e.g. fees, textbooks, technology, placement expenses) required for progression. For instance, a student unable to purchase required textbooks or access online learning platforms, resulting in missed or incomplete assessments or a student lacking access to a reliable computer or internet connection necessary for online classes or submissions;
  • a reasonable expectation that the assistance will stabilise the student’s circumstances sufficiently to enable continued participation and academic progress.
• Be willing, where appropriate, to engage with Student Services or pastoral support;
• Have explored, or be willing to explore, other available support options where appropriate.

Priority may be given to students who:

• Are experiencing sudden or unforeseen hardship.
• Have limited access to alternative financial support.
• Are at risk of withdrawing, deferring, or failing units due to financial pressure.

3. Application Process

• Applications must be submitted using the approved Student Support Fund application form in Appendix B.
• Students may be asked to provide reasonable supporting documentation (e.g. evidence of hardship, invoices, quotes).
• Applications may be submitted at any time, subject to fund availability.
• Students may be supported in the application process by Student Services or pastoral staff.

4. Assessment and Approval

• Applications are assessed by an authorised officer(s) appointed by the College, which may include representation from Student Services and the Executive Team.
• Decisions are made prayerfully and responsibly, considering demonstrated need, available funds, donor intent, and alignment with the purpose of the Fund.
• The College may approve full or partial assistance or decline applications.

5. Delegations and Financial Thresholds
To ensure appropriate governance, accountability, and separation of duties, the following financial delegations apply:

• Up to AUD $200
  May be approved by the Dean of Students
• AUD $201 – $1,000
  Requires approval by two authorised officers, normally the Dean of Student and another member of the Executive Team.
• AUD $1,001 – $2,500
  Requires approval by the Chief Operating Officer in consultation with Dean of Students
• Above AUD $2,500
  Requires approval by the Principal and Chief Operating Officer or the Executive Team.

No individual may approve assistance to themselves or where a conflict of interest exists. All conflicts of interest must be declared and managed in accordance with the College’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

6. Form of Assistance
Assistance may be provided in one or more of the following forms:

• Direct payment to the student’s bank account following submission of invoices and/or application
• Direct payment to a third-party supplier or service provider based upon invoices or receipts provided.
• Provision for loan of equipment or resources
• Credit applied to the student’s account with the College.

Assistance is normally provided as a grant and is not required to be repaid, unless otherwise specified.
7. Conditions of Support

• Funds must be used solely for the approved purpose.
• Misuse of funds may result in repayment being required and/or disciplinary action under relevant policies.
• Receipt of assistance does not create an ongoing entitlement to future funding.

8. Student Wellbeing and TEQSA Alignment
The Student Support Fund forms part of the College’s broader framework for student wellbeing and support, consistent with the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.
In particular, this policy supports:

• Standard 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 – by addressing factors that may impede academic progress
• Standard 2.3 – by providing access to appropriate student support services
• Standard 2.4 – by promoting student wellbeing and minimising foreseeable risks to student progression

Where financial hardship intersects with wellbeing, academic, or pastoral concerns, students may be encouraged to access additional supports such as counselling, academic advising, or pastoral care.

9. Confidentiality and Privacy
All information provided by students will be treated as confidential and managed in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and the College policies. Information will be shared internally only on a need-to-know basis.

10. Stewardship and Donor Accountability
The College recognises that the Student Support Fund is made possible through the generosity of donors and the faithful stewardship of entrusted resources.
Accordingly:

• Funds are administered in accordance with donor intent, where specified.
• Clear financial records of allocations and expenditure are maintained.
• Regular oversight is provided by the Executive Team.

The College affirms that all funds are applied prayerfully, wisely, and ethically, in a manner consistent with its Christian mission and values.