Care leaver support

We offer a range of support services to students who have experienced foster, kinship, residential or permanent care.

As a proud partner of Raising Expectations, we believe that everyone deserves equal access to higher education and are committed to helping more care leavers access further education.

If you are currently living in, transitioning out of or have previously lived in out-of-home care (including foster, residential, kinship and permanent), we are here to help you.

Below, you will find relevant information and resources to help you settle into university life and achieve your goals.

Need further assistance?

Please contact Laura Robson or Susan Newland at ais-studentsupport@monash.edu.

Applying to Monash

Find out how you apply to study at Monash.

Finding accomodation

Explore the accommodation options available on and off campus.

Financial support for care leavers

There are a variety of financial support services available to you at Monash and externally.

William Cooper Institute

A hub for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research, learning and engagement.

Health and wellbeing

Services, programs and resources to keep you healthy in mind and body, so you can excel at Monash

Disability Support Services (DSS)

Support services for students who have a disability, ongoing medical or mental health condition.

Achieving Potential Care Leavers Scholarship

Achieving Potential Care Leaver Scholarships will be provided to five commencing students whose educational achievements may have been affected by personal circumstances. The scholarship is awarded based on need - there is no specific ATAR requirement.

You may be eligible if you have experienced out of home care including, foster care, relative/kinship care, residential care, family group homes, or an independent living arrangement. Additional consideration will be given if you have experienced other forms of educational disadvantage.

If you have already applied through the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS), you will automatically be considered for this scholarship and will not be required to complete an additional application.

This scholarship is subject to a course offer at Monash University for one of your VTAC course preferences.

As a care leaver student, you will also receive access to:

a dedicated staff member within the Access, Inclusion and Success team to help you navigate the transition to university life.
one-on-one peer support from a senior student in the Peer Mentoring program from their faculty.

For more information about this scholarship, please visit the scholarships website.

Navigating campus

Visiting a Monash campus for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. To help guide you on campus and the resources you ave available to you, check out the links below.

Student life

As a Monash student, you’ll have access to a range of peer support programs, clubs and societies, sports, events and more! Check out a few of the options available to you below.

Peer Mentoring

Connect with a senior student to guide you through your first semester at Monash in a small group or 1:1.

Non-residential colleges

Non-residential colleges offer both online and on-campus activities for students, and you can join for free.

Clubs, societies and groups

With more than 100 student-run clubs, societies and groups, there’s something for everyone.

Student associations

The peak representative bodies for Monash students at all campuses.

Sport and fitness

Get involved in a variety of social sports, clubs and Monash Sport facilities.

Student events

From live music and free food, to day trips and social sport – check out the events calendar for the semester.

Academic support

There are a variety of academic support services available to you at Monash to help you succeed in your studies.

External support services

Raising Expectations supports young people in out-of-home care and care leavers to aspire to, access and succeed in vocational and higher education.
Find out more on the Raising Expectations website.
This government initiative provides services and support to assist young people, aged 16 to 21, to transition from out-of-home care to independent living and adulthood.
The Leaving Care hotline, 1300 532 846, provides advice and referrals for young people leaving out-of-home care in Victoria. The hotline is supported by Melbourne City Mission.
Find out more on the Leaving Care Website.
Melbourne City Mission assists people with housing, education, employment and social support. This includes accommodation options for young people under the age of 25 experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless.
Find out more on the Melbourne City Mission website.
This youth development service supports young people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.
Find out more on the Anchor website.
Berry Street offers support for young people when they leave the protection and care system.
Find out more on the Berry Street website.
This website is packed with info on support services and general life stuff that will assist you when you leave and transition from care.
Find out more on the Create your future website.
Youth Central is the Victorian Government’s website for young people with information about jobs, studying, moving out of home, getting a driver licence, travelling, managing money and your rights as a young Victorian.
Find out more on the Youth Central website.
CREATE Foundation is the national consumer body for children and young people with an out-of-home care experience. They support children and young people from 0-25 who are currently in, or have experience in foster care, kinship care, permanent care or residential care.
They run connection and empowerment programs, provide key information and resources, and create change through research and advocacy.
Find out more on the CREATE Foundation website.

Access Inclusion and Success

Access Inclusion and Success

Care leaver support