Hardship Fund
Support when it matters most
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Here when it matters As the number one university for student support in WA, we firmly believe that every student should have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. But sometimes life changes without warning. A sudden medical expense, an unsafe home, the threat of homelessness or simply not having enough money for food can quickly turn financial pressure into crisis. And when someone is already overwhelmed, the last thing they need is another lengthy form to complete or another hurdle to overcome before they can ask for help. That is why the ECU Hardship Fund is designed to provide flexible, immediate and dignified support when it is needed most. By removing unnecessary barriers to accessing help, we can respond to the situation in front of us – whether that means putting food on the table, helping a student find safety or meeting an urgent essential expense. Your support gives us the ability to be there in those critical moments. It can provide more than financial relief; it can give a student breathing room, stability and the chance to keep moving forward with their education. Because a moment of hardship should never determine a student's future. Susan Schofield Director, Office of Development and Alumni Relations
Front cover image: Gloria, Master of Engineering (2026) and ECU Hardship Fund recipient
Edith Cowan University acknowledges the Traditional Owners, Custodians and Knowledge-Holders of these unceded lands upon which students and staff live, learn and work, and pays its respects to the ancestors and Elders of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
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When staying at uni becomes a struggle Our students come from all walks of life, but they have one thing in common: the passion and drive to succeed in their chosen course and career. Many balance study with work, caring responsibilities and significant financial commitments. For some, there is very little room when something unexpected happens. Rising living costs, food insecurity and housing pressures are placing even greater strain on students.
44%
34%
of ECU students considering leaving cited financial difficulty (QILT SES 2024)
have cut or skipped meals due to lack of money (SSAFE Sept 2025)
For a student already under financial pressure, an unexpected medical bill, the loss of secure accommodation, an unsafe home environment or simply not having enough money for food can quickly become a crisis.
The ECU Hardship Fund exists for these moments. It provides flexible, immediate support for students facing acute financial hardship, helping address the urgent problem in front of them and giving them greater stability to continue their education.
Meet Gloria Master of Engineering (2026) and ECU Hardship Fund recipient When Gloria reached out to ECU during a period of significant hardship, support was there when she needed it most. Through practical assistance, financial relief and compassionate support, Gloria was able to regain stability and continue moving forward.
“The Hardship Fund payment came at a point when I was desperately gasping for safety and survival. Not only did it provide financial relief, but it made me feel supported, seen and believed." Since then, Gloria has obtained permanent residency and begun a successful career in the resources industry. She credits ECU’s support with helping her reach where she is today.
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“I hope my story serves as a model of resilience, hope and perseverance. My wish is to see this program scale and flourish because I know first-hand that such a gesture of humanity and support is a lifeline to those in dire need.” Gloria, Master of Engineering (2026) and ECU Hardship Fund recipient
(L-R): Gloria with ECU Student Wellbeing and Respect Coordinator Lisa Gibb in front of the Student Hub at ECU City Campus.
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ECU Hardship Fund in action Designed to act as emergency relief, the ECU Hardship Fund provides flexible assistance of up to $3,000 per student.
$41,500
from the ECU Hardship Fund has already been put to work in 2026, supporting students in the following areas:
Food security
Safety
$20,000
$12,000
Helped establish the ECU Guild Food Pantry, providing students experiencing food insecurity with access to free food and everyday essentials.
Provided financial assistance to students experiencing gender-based violence, particularly those needing support to leave unsafe or unstable circumstances.
Housing
Immediate relief
$5,500
$4,000
Supported students experiencing or at risk of homelessness, helping address urgent accommodation and housing needs.
Provided flexible, just-in-time assistance for students facing unexpected essential expenses, including medical costs.
Whether it is food, a safe place to stay or help with an unexpected expense, the Fund allows ECU to respond to the individual circumstances of a student.
It provides a lifeline to students when it matters most.
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Putting food on the table For students already balancing study, work and family responsibilities, rising living costs can turn everyday essentials into difficult choices. Established with an initial $20,000 contribution from the ECU Hardship Fund, the ECU Guild Food Pantry provides free food and everyday essentials to students experiencing food insecurity. Students can access groceries, fresh produce and personal care items in a welcoming environment designed to make seeking help as easy and dignified as possible. Importantly, the Pantry is intentionally designed as a low barrier service. There is no means testing or financial qualification process. ECU students are automatically members of the Student Guild unless they choose to opt out, and Guild members can access the Pantry once each week, with items intended to assist them for approximately one week. Students who disclose more significant financial hardship or food insecurity can also be connected with additional services, including Foodbank WA.
Growing to meet student needs Current 2 days per week Volunteer run Joondalup Campus library
Target 9am - 3pm, 5 days per week Paid staff Multiple locations, including ECU City Campus Support the ECU Hardship Fund and open the Pantry to more students in need.
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Be there when it matters most Your support will provide immediate, practical help when our students need it most – offering stability, breathing room and the chance to keep moving forward. The right support at the right moment can make all the difference.
Gifts of any value will be gratefully received and will make a difference in growing the ECU Hardship Fund. Importantly, for our students, your donation is more than a dollar figure; it’s a message of belief, of encouragement and of hope.
Donations are fully tax deductible and can be made as a one-off gift or via regular instalments either online or through invoicing arrangements.
Donate online today giving.ecu.edu.au/hardshipfund
Continue the conversation Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Edith Cowan University E giving@ecu.edu.au
P (+618) 6304 2761 W giving.ecu.edu.au/hardshipfund
8 CRICOS Provider No. 00279B RTO Code 4756 | TEQSA ID PRV12160, Australian University