CDU Student Assistance Grant 2026
We understand that rising living costs are continuing to affect students across Australia.
To help support students experiencing financial hardship, CDU offers a once-off Student Assistance Grant of $150 to eligible students.
The grant is intended to assist students experiencing pressure arising from living costs such as food, fuel, transport and other day-to-day expenses while studying.
Eligibility requirements
The application period is open from 15 June until 28 June 2026.
To be eligible for the grant, you must:
- Be enrolled in a CDU award course - Enabling, TAFE, Higher Education (Undergraduate and Postgraduate), or Research course
- Be enrolled in one or more units in a current teaching period (including Semester 1, Intensive 3, TAFE Term 2, Research Period 1, Medicine 1)
- Submit a short statement (up to 250 words) outlining your current financial circumstances and need for support.
Exclusions apply. Please note the following cohorts are not eligible at this time:
- Students enrolled in a non-award course (including miscellaneous, TAFE short courses, international preparation courses, study abroad, exchange, cross-institutional)
- Students commencing their studies after 26 June 2026
- Students who are not currently enrolled.
How to apply
Eligible students can apply online through Scholarship Finder. Click the 'Apply Now' button for the CDU Student Assistance Grant 2026 and complete the application form.
Applications will be assessed against the eligibility requirements and available funding.
Additional support
CDU offers a range of free support services throughout the year, including wellbeing and student support services.
Scholarships are open to all CDU students
First Nations students
Away from Base program
The Away from Base program helps to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students when they are studying from a remote location. The program helps to cover the costs of travel, meals and accommodation when students need to travel to complete parts of their course.
Other financial support
Centrelink
Youth Allowance
If you're a full-time student or Australian Apprentice under the age of 24, you might be eligible for Youth Allowance. You'll receive payments from Centrelink to help cover the costs of living while you're studying, and you don't have to pay this back.
To work out if you're classified as a full-time student, visit Study loads for Austudy and Youth Allowance.
To find out more about eligibility for Youth Allowance and how you can apply, visit Services Australia - Youth Allowance.
Austudy
Austudy is similar to youth allowance but is for full-time students and Australian Apprentices aged 25 or older. The amount you can get from Austudy depends on how much you earn.
To work out if you're classified as a full-time student, visit Study loads for Austudy and Youth Allowance.
To find out more about eligibility for Austudy and how you can apply, visit Services Australia - Austudy.
ABSTUDY
ABSTUDY is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enrolled in an approved full-time Australian Apprenticeship.
To find out more about eligibility for ABSTUDY and how you can apply, visit Services Australia - ABSTUDY.
Discounted services
As a student at CDU, you can get discounts on a range of services on and off-campus.
Childcare
The Goodstart Early Learning Childcare Centre CDU is located near Casuarina Campus and offers discounted rates to students.
77 Lakeside Drive, Charles Darwin University, Brinkin
Monday - Friday: 6.30 am to 6 pm
Hair and beauty salons
CDU has hair and beauty salons in both Darwin and Alice Springs. These are first-class training facilities where you can get services at competitive prices.
Training restaurants
CDU has two restaurants where wait staff, bar staff and cookery apprentices are trained. The Karawa Restaurant is located at the Palmerston campus and the Desert Lantern Restaurant is located in Alice Springs. Both offer excellent food and service at very competitive prices.
Textbooks
Keep an eye on the CDU notice board and general mailing lists for second-hand textbooks for sale.
Some scholarships can also be used to purchase textbooks.
Did you know you can reduce your university fees through fee help?
This is available for eligible students in Higher Education and TAFE.
Need other support?
Learn how to manage your money by developing four habits and building your financial fitness.
Finding work
Finding casual or part-time work while you're studying can help cover the costs of living. Keep an eye on online recruitment pages such as Career One and Seek.
My Career Centre
Local businesses that have employment opportunities for students will often advertise through CDU's Career and Employability service My Career Centre.
My Career Centre can help you build your resume and learn how you can increase your employability. If you register with My Career Centre, you'll receive weekly emails about current job vacancies too.
You can also find out about upcoming career events including employer talks, workshops, seminars and careers fairs. This can help to grow your understanding of different industries and careers.
Work at CDU
CDU employ students across a range of different areas through the university. You can check out CDU Jobs for current vacancies and to sign up for the employment register.
Responsible Serving of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate
Getting your RSA can help increase your chances of employment in hotels, bars and restaurants. You can complete your RSA at CDU's Palmerston campus. For more information, contact Student Central.