Loan Options for Unemployed Students

Getting a loan while unemployed can be difficult and this is the case for many students throughout Australia. Depending on what university you decide to go to, fulltime and part time job opportunities may be limited. This is where student grants can assist with cash flow.

A great example in how to get a loan of grant if you are a unemployed student is to look at what opportunities may be available based on your field of study.

As an example, artists have a difficult time earning money when studying. Deciding to pursue a career in the arts can be a challenge, as it can take a significant amount of time and energy to build a strong portfolio, get your work seen, and ultimately become successful. However, if you are a practicing artist that exhibits a particular level of talent, you may be eligible for a career development grant from the Australia Council for the Arts. Here’s what you need to know about the program.

Application Eligibility Requirements
The primary eligibility requirements include being a practicing artist and an Australian citizen or permanent resident. To be considered a practicing artist, that does not necessarily mean you need to be currently making any income from your work. However, it requires that you intend to make your chosen art a career with the hope of supporting yourself based on your work. You also cannot have successfully received funds in the previous round of awards, which isn’t a concern if you have never applied before.

 
Your application must describe how you plan on using the requested funds if they are awarded, as well as supporting material that demonstrates your current capabilities. Supporting materials can include video and/or audio recordings, images, or written materials that meet the specific limitations set forth in the process. Letters of support may also be submitted as well as an artist’s bio to highlight yourself.

Each application is reviewed by a peer panel to determine whether the quality of the work meets the necessary standard. Applicants can choose which peer panel reviews their work. The available options include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts, Arts and Disability, Community Arts and Cultural Development, Dance, Emerging and Experimental Arts, Literature, Multi-Art Form, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.

During the review, your application is assessed to determine your potential based on demonstrated skills, artistic merit, public response to your work, and more. You also must show your proposal is viable and that the activity in which you plan to participate can have a notable impact on your career.

What Can the Funds be Used For?
The intent of the career development grant is to improve your skills or have your work seen in a manner that can help you become more successful. This means you can use an award to take courses for professional skills development, attend applicable forums or workshops, participate in mentorship opportunities, complete residencies, fund showcasing opportunities, and attend arts markets.

While these funds aren’t designed to serve as support during your time of unemployment, they can be used to develop your skills so you can further pursue a career as an artist. The hope is by providing the grants, the Australia Council for the Arts can promote these subject areas and help talented and skilled individuals reach their goals while supporting the field.

Do a Bit of Research
As you can see, there are great opportunities to access cash to help you regardless of what type of industry you want to work in. Below are a few tips and resource on how and where to look to see what type of loans, grants, scholarships and benefits may be available for your area of study.

– Search online for grants and scholarships (for your industry)

– Take advantage of benefits such as Student Income Support or Student Allowance

– Speak to the financial department of your University for help.

Below is a list of government back resource to help with unemployed loans for students.

 
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) – This includes four components to it which includes HECS,  Fee Help, OS Help and SA Help. Get full details of these programs here.

Student Loans Scheme Procedure – Get student loans up to $2000 a year via the SLSP program. Qualifying is fairly straightforward as long as you are currently enrolled in school, have completed at least one semester of study and are in good academic standing – Learn more and how to apply here.

Most universities also have a voucher which students can apply for, this is generally for amounts of around $200. In addition there are other income assistance programs that are offered via Centrelink.

To review a list of general loans for people who are unemployed visit our page on loans for the unemployed. It is updated frequently and provides genuine options for those in need.