Set yourself up for success now and into the future
It is important we develop the skills, habits and knowledge that help us to take control of our finances. Having this solid financial foundation will set you up for success over the course of your studies and throughout your career.
This page has information on how to manage your money, how to earn more and who can help ensure your rights are upheld.
On this page
Engaging external services
Valuable community services exist to help with cost of living. Some are shown below with a grey background and black button.
Understanding your money
Understanding what you have, where your money goes and the rules that govern it all.
Money tips, tools and advice
A government initiative, MoneySmart is a one-stop shop for all things money-related in Australia.
MoneySmart is free to access and is full of tips, resources, information and advice.
Plan your budget
A personal budget is a roadmap for your finances—helping you understand what you need now and into the future. The Federal Government's MoneySmart site includes a free and helpful budget planner, plus an Excel version you can download.
Money and banking in Australia
Curious to learn more about money and banking in Australia?
These helpful and practical guides will tell you all you need to know.
Who needs to pay tax?
There are many ways you can get paid for the work you do and this will impact your tax and superannuation responsibilities. Thankfully the Australian Tax Office has a helpful guide to help you learn more.
Get MoneySmart
MoneySmart is a free website that helps people in Australia take control of their money. It is designed to make it easy for ordinary people to get the information and help they need.
MoneySmart contains information, tools and resources to help you:
- manage your money
- reduce your debt
- plan for your future
- grow your wealth.
These resources, combined with the supports available to you at Griffith University, will give you a solid financial foundation for your studies and into your future.
Savings goals calculator
Are you saving to pay fees, buy a new computer, holiday or car?
This calculator helps you work out:
- how long it will take to reach your savings goals
- steps to take to put your plan into action.
Rent vs buy calculator
Work out the real cost of renting electrical goods or furniture with the help of MoneySmart's rent vs buy calculator. This tool can help you work out:
- what you will end up paying in total (it could be more than you think)
- if you will own the item at the end of the term
- if you are paying more for insurance, a warranty or a damage liability reduction product.
Assistance with study expenses
Scholarships, bursaries and other financial assistance for your studies.
Griffith scholarships
Some scholarships involve cash payments or reduced university fees.
Just as importantly, some include networking, mentoring and professional opportunities.
Griffith financial hardship bursary
If you're experiencing extreme financial difficulty, you may be eligible for a student financial support bursary.
This one-off payment helps cover education-related expenses, so you can focus on your studies.
No-interest loans
Need an essential service or item and don't have the money? With a no-interest loan, you only pay back what you borrow—nothing more.
While still a form of debt, the loan is interest free with no fees and flexible repayment plans. See the Department of Social Services' Financial Resilience program for more information.
Griffith international scholarships
International students may be eligible for scholarships from a number of sources. These can significantly ease the cost of study for international students.
International student financial aid and student loans
The International Finance Office helps students who are financing their study through their home country’s financial aid or student loan programs.
Griffith student financial support
Find out more about the scholarships, bursaries, emergency and study support Griffith offers students facing hardship.
Support for students on placement
We’ve compiled a list of resources specifically for students studying nursing, midwifery and education who are required to complete long, unpaid placements.
Textbook exchange
StudentVIP is Australia's largest online second-hand textbook exchange.
Please note: This website is not affiliated with Griffith. Keep safe and make sure the edition you are buying is suitable for your course.
Smith Family: Saver Plus
Saver Plus is a free financial education program that includes a matched savings program.
Held over five short sessions via Teams, the financial education course will teach you about our financial systems, as well strategies to help you reduce your expenses, and develop savings habits to achieve your goals in life.
The matched savings program is up to $500 - so if you save (up to) $500 over 10 months, The Smith Family will match that amount for you to spend on your education. This savings program compliments the financial education by helping to develop a regular savings habit.
SaverPlus is delivered by The Smith Family, a charity that helps young Australians overcome educational inequality from poverty.
Study supports at Griffith University
Services and resources at Griffith that assist with some of the basic expenses of studying.
Computing and software
Through student computing, you can access:
- on-campus student computers
- free Microsoft Office365 software
- discounts on Dell, HP and Apple IT equipment.
News and resources
You have access to the latest news from thousands of regional, national and international newspapers and magazines from hundreds of countries.
Library Guide: News and Current Affairs
Study support
Drop into a free session with Griffith Mentors, who can help you structure your assessments and learn better study habits.
Griffith Mentors Study Support
Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
PASS sessions exist for many first-year subjects and are run by high-achieving students who've already completed the subject.
Build your study and assignment skills
Develop your study and assignment skills with the Library's range of free self-help resources.
Support for wellbeing
Check out our Online Health and Wellness Centre for affordable and accessible resources
Career and income
Supports at Griffith to help you get a job now and plan for your future career.
Careers and Employment
Griffith's Careers and Employment service can help you get a job now and start laying a foundation for the career you want.
Get experience, build your skills and set yourself up for success.
CareerHub job search
CareerHub is your one-stop shop for jobs, careers events and appointments.
You can apply for work, access training and connect with the Careers and Employment team.
The Clothing Library
The Clothing Library provides business wear to students for interviews, internships and work placements.
Working while studying
Are you an international student and looking to work while studying?
Find out what supports exist in finding work that suits your study and visa requirements.
Financial rights and safety
How to keep yourself safe, protect your rights and avoid being taken advantage of.
Beware of scams
Scams are an increasing problem and university students are a key target.
Find out about common scams and what to do if you've been caught by one.
Your rights at work
As an employee, you have the right to be paid for the work you do. This comprehensive guide explains what these rights are and how to protect them.
Debt and your rights
Find information about the key rights you have in some common debt situations such as fines, personal credit cards and loans, debt collection, utility bills, telco bills and payday loans.
Consumer rights
Consumers have the right to expect certain things when they buy a product or service. In consumer law, these basic rights are called consumer guarantees and are protected by law.
Are you being exploited at work?
Do you think your boss is taking advantage of you? Are you being underpaid, bullied or threatened? Confused about your rights as an employee?
Red Cross's Work Right Hub is a resource for people who are working in Australia for the first time. The Hub looks at types of exploitation (including modern slavery), your work rights and where to go for help.