ECU Essential Computing Loan - Application Information
Before applying for an ECU Essential Computing Equipment Loan please read the information below for applicants.
With the aim of assisting Students to successfully complete their course and in order to reflect ECU’s commitment to improving students’ financial situations the University offers loans to students for the purchase of essential computing equipment. Loans are available for amounts between $200 and $1500.
Who is eligible?
Who is not eligible?
Attempts to gain funds from another source
For what reasons will ECU consider granting me a Loan?
How do I repay my loan?
What happens if I don’t keep to my Loan Agreement?
When will I be contacted regarding my application?
Information for International Students
Can I request a Review or Appeal?
How do I apply?
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for an ECU Essential Computing Loan you MUST:
- be a currently enrolled student in an award course at ECU at time of application; and
- have completed at least one unit in a teaching period of study towards completion of your course; and
- have at least two semesters of study remaining in their course; and
- have an academic progression status of good standing or probation; and
- be able to demonstrate that you are making adequate progress towards completing your course; and
- have no current student debts or encumbrances against your student record; and
- be enrolled in a course of study where it is essential for you to have access to a laptop OR you do not have ready access to computing facilities; and
- demonstrate a genuine need; and
- meet all requirements as requested in the application process.
In addition to the above eligibility requirements, if you are applying for an ECU Essential Computing Equipment Loan, you may be required to provide:
- Information in relation to your current financial position; and/or
- Additional evidence related to your application (for example: written quotes, invoices, statements, or other documents as requested).
Please note: International students will only be considered for an ECU Essential Computing Loan in extreme circumstances.
Who is not eligible?
Students will be restricted from applying for an ECU Essential Computing Loan in the following circumstances:
- Where students are not enrolled in an award course (this includes VET students);
- Where a student has less than two semesters left of study;
- Where a student has placed themselves in considerable financial hardship (e.g. continued non-payment of debts and expenses);
- There is no evidence that an attempt to gain funds from another source has been made.
What attempts to gain funds from another source do I need to make?
In your ECU Essential Computing Loan Application you will be required to advise ECU of your attempts to gain funding from other sources. Before applying for an ECU Essential Computing Loan it is essential that you attempt to gain funding from within the broader community. There are many organisations who may be able to provide you with funding, in fact, a number of banks and credit unions provide student loans.
Click here to view contact information for organisations that may be able to assist you with funding.
For what reasons will ECU consider granting me an Essential Computing Loan?
ECU will consider granting an ECU Essential Computing Loan to students enrolled in courses where it is deemed essential that the student has a laptop as part of their course requirement. Additionally, ECU may consider granting the loan to students who can demonstrate a genuine need and where extenuating circumstances prevent the student's access to an ECU campus. Extenuating circumstances may include, but not limited to:
- Rural practicum; or
- Significant carer responsibility; or
- A disability or ongoing illness; or
- Distance from campus.
Please note that in addition to meeting one of the above criteria, students must also meet all other eligibility requirements.
How do I repay my loan?
If your ECU Essential Computing Loan Application is successful you will be required to enter into a Loan Agreement with ECU. Your ECU Essential Computing Loan will need to be fully repaid within twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months of the advance and you must make regular fortnightly repayments. Your loan can be repaid either via Centrepay deductions from your Centrelink Allowance/Pension OR via Direct Debit from your nominated bank account.
What happens if I don’t keep to my Loan Agreement?
If for any reason you can not keep to your Loan Agreement you MUST contact the Scholarships Office immediately. Your Loan Agreement is a legally binding document and you must remember that you have made a commitment to repay the ECU Essential Computing Equipment Loan. If you do not uphold your Loan Agreement an encumbrance may be placed on your student record and any outstanding loan balance and cost to recover the loan amount may be referred to a Debt Collection Agency.
When will I be contacted regarding my application?
All applicants will be contacted within two (2) business days of the supporting documentation for their application being received. Please ensure that the phone number(s) listed on your application are correct. If you prefer to be contacted at a certain time please make this clear in the free text areas in your application.
Information for International Students
ECU Essential Computing Loans are generally only available to domestic students. However, in extreme circumstances, an ECU Essential Computing Loan may be offered to an International Student. If you are an International Student, please Contact Us prior to making an application.
Can I request a Review or Appeal?
Yes, you can request a Review or Appeal where your ECU Essential Computing Loan Application has been declined. A review or appeal must be lodged within ten (10) days of the date of the letter of notification. For further information please Click here.
How do I apply?
To apply you will need to;
Step 1:
Complete the Online ECU Essential Computing Loan Application by clicking on “APPLY NOW ‿ below. If you are having problems please Contact us.
Step 2:
Upon submission of the completed application a confirmation page will display, please print this page for your records. This page will show the following information:
- Your application reference number; and
- The time and date your application was submitted; and
- A list of supporting documentation that you will need to provide in order for your application to be assessed.
Step 3:
Lodge your supporting documentation within five (5) business days of submitting your application. All documents must be originals and can be submitted at your nearest Student Central. An ECU Student Central staff member will view your original documents and make certified copies to forward to the Scholarships Office on Joondalup campus.
If you are an Off-Campus student who lives outside the Perth/Bunbury metro area you will need to have your documents certified by a Justice of the Peace, before forwarding to the Scholarships Office.
Applications are now open click on the 'apply now' button to begin your application.