Health and Community Services - Careers

Parents

Help your child succeed at university or TAFE...

Helping young people to successfully adjust to University or TAFE life begins with knowing what to expect. Some adjustments might include:

Changing from being a school student, to a tertiary student and having to be more self-organised
Going from being financially supported at home, to having to budget and making ends meet
Being known and surrounded by friends, to not knowing anyone

Find information:
All colleges and universities have a website as well as printed information. The information includes course details and how to access student services including health facilities and well-being services.
Join Clubs and Societies:
University and College life is rich. There are many clubs, societies and interest groups. Joining these groups is a great way for new students to meet others in similar circumstances.
Go to Orientation Day:
Orientation Day provides an opportunity to learn about the multitude of resources and supports available on campus and is a great way to meet other new students. Encourage your child to attend.
Check out the Student Union:
Check to see what services and supports are offered, and become involved with student decision-making. This is a great way to meet new people and become fully involved in tertiary life.

Student Services:
Universities and TAFEs have a large range of internal services to help students including, counselling, financial assistance, careers and employment advice, course advice, healthcare facilities, housing assistance and more. Financial planning and sometimes interest-free student loans to cover the cost of university and living expenses are available. Contact the uni or TAFE college and ask for the Student Services department. A brochure may also be available so that you can give it to your child for handy reference.
Centrelink:
Financial Assistance, in the form of Youth Allowance, AUSTUDY and ABSTUDY can be provided by Centrelink to students that fit a criteria and study full-time. Eligibility and application information is available from Centrelink, www.centrelink.gov.au, or phone the Youth and Students line: 13 24 90

HECS-help:
Students enrolled in University courses (and some TAFE courses) are required to pay some fees to contribute to the cost of their education, under the Australian Government’s Higher Education Contribution Scheme. A loan is available to eligible students enrolled in Commonwealth supported university places. A HECS-HELP loan allows student to defer the payment for their university course until they have finished studying and/or start earning over $39,824 (2007-08). They will then have a part of their wage taken from each pay to cover the cost of the HECS-HELP debt. You can find comprehensive information on HECS-HELP. Visit www.goingtouni.gov.au

Students studying full time at University or TAFE can apply for a Victorian Public Transport Student Concession Card. This card entitles students to discounted public transport. Students must get a form from the website listed below, and follow the instructions to obtain the card. Once students have this card they must carry it with them whenever they travel on public transport to avoid a fine. For more information visit: www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

Help young people avoid financial traps, become money wise, and create a Personal Budget Plan.

Remember, financial assistance and student loans are sometimes available from Student Services
Information on scholarships is available here.

For more information, download PDF below

The careers and employment offices at universities and TAFE colleges usually keep a database of part-time work opportunities suitable for student employment. Young people can also look for jobs via the internet and newspapers. Students need a resume or a personal profile showing skills and attributes relevant to the type of work they are seeking. Go to Workplace Learning in the students section of this site to create a Personal Profile online or link to Resume Builder.

Young people need to look carefully at accommodation options and become aware of their rights and responsibilities when they live away from home.