Education & Training
Preparing for further study: the practical considerations
this information has been adapted from the Uws.edu.au/ndco/getready/preparing/ready.htm site
Calculate the likely expenses involved in going to further study.
For Uni students the University of Western Sydney's Student Support Services has developed an excellent resource that explains the costs likely to be involved in full-time study at uni. The guide is called 'Dollars and Sense'.
Think about whether you would be likely to pay your uni fees upfront or via a government loan., For further information see the 'Going To Uni' website
Financial Assistance
Investigate which income support benefits you might be entitled to as a student with a disability. Centrelink will be able to advise you about your likely entitlements.
For more information about the Centrelink income support for students see Fact sheet: Centrelink support for students
Find out about scholarships that you could be eligible for. Scholarships can be awarded based on academic achievement, educational disadvantage (such as disability, family circumstance or living in a remote area). For Utas scholarships go to www.utas.edu.au/scholarships
Whether you live at or away from home may affect your Centrelink entitlements. Ask Centrelink what effect the decision to either stay at home or move away will make on the benefits you may receive
Part-time employment
Consider whether you would be likely to work part-time during your studies. The option of working part-time has both pros and cons. One of the big advantages of working part-time while studying is gaining work experience, which is very important when job hunting as a graduate, particularly for people with disability. However working while studying may not be a realistic option for some students with disability due to a need for extra time to organise their studies and complete assignments.
Check with Centrelink about the maximum wage you can earn before affecting any income support or other benefits you are entitled to.
Transport
Think about how you will travel to and from your place of study. For students with disability travel is an important issue that requires careful consideration and planning.
Find out about arrangements such as on-campus parking, especially disabled parking (if needed) and special permits needed to use these spots. Most campuses have designated parking places for eligible drivers who have a temporary or permanent disability. For further information on guidelines and eligibility requirements, contact Student Services at the institution you intend to study at.
If appropriate, check out how close the campus is to public transport and how accessible the public transport facilities are. Travel concessions for public transport are normally available only to full-time students, but students who study part-time because of a disability can also be eligible.
Taxi Transport subsidies
If you have a permanent and severe disability which affects your mobility, you may be eligible for the Taxi Transport Subsidy through which users receive a subsidy of between 35-60% depending on what type of taxi you require. For further information, contact your nearest office of Service Tasmania.
Mobility Allowance
A mobility allowance may be paid to anyone who, because of a disability, is unable to use public transport without substantial assistance from others, and is working or undertaking training for at least eight hours per week. People with disabilities who work for a public charity on a voluntary basis for at least eight hours per week may also be entitled to receive a mobility allowance. Further information and an application form may be obtained by contacting the Disability Officer at your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre or calling 13 2717.
Travel Assistance
This allowance may be available to Polytechnics tudents who are studying full-time and must travel daily more than 40km from their usual home in Tasmania. This assistance does not include reimbursement for petrol expenses or weekend bus travel. Metro bus concessions (10 trip or monthly cards) are available. Contact the Polytechnic Student Services for further details.
