News

When COVID-19 struck, she lost all her employment due to the restrictions. Whitney was struggling both financially and mentally when she learnt about the Emergency Student Fund from QUT academics and a fellow student. Within only four days of applying for the fund and undergoing a phone interview with QUT staff, Whitney received an emergency bursary of $1000.  

During such a turbulent year, an emergency bursary allowed Whitney to pay for her car registration and ensure she could purchase food and pay rent before the government COVID-19 supplement was introduced. 

“I felt so supported by QUT, as they understood my circumstances and approved funding to assist with my education,” Whitney said.  

“I would like to thank QUT donors for assisting me in a time of considerable hardship. Receiving a bursary meant I was able to continue my studies and complete my degree. Now I can focus on my career and changing the world, one day at a time.”  

Whitney graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from QUT in December 2020 and plans to work as a social worker.  

QUT was one of the first universities to launch a student-focused appeal in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The QUT Emergency Student Fund Appeal was conceived, prepared, and launched in five days, following the first nation-wide lockdown announcement.  

This rapid response was to meet the unprecedented demand from students needing financial assistance due to lost income and casual employment from COVID-19. 

QUT donors demonstrated incredible generosity, with more than 500 coming together to help 342 students continue with their studies. Bursaries were distributed to students as soon as their applications were approved.  

Thanks to the generosity of the QUT community, we helped 342 students continue with their studies in 2020, despite the significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

To help students like Whitney continue their studies during this challenging time, visit the QUT website.