ECU introduces Legal Gender Affirmation Bursary

Edith Cowan University (ECU) has introduced a new Legal Gender Affirmation Bursary to support trans, gender diverse and non-binary students to affirm their gender through legal name and/or sex or gender changes.

The one-off $500 bursary recognises that preferred or affirmed name use is not yet consistent across all systems and provides financial support for students who wish to legally affirm their gender.

In doing so, it helps reduce barriers to participation and minimises the risk of deadnaming or misgendering, while supporting students' safety, dignity and sense of belonging.

Professor Matthew Allen, Executive Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities and Executive LGBTIQA+ Ally, said the bursary reflects ECU's commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable student experience.

"Being recognised for who you are is fundamental to feeling safe and supported at university," Professor Allen said.

"We know that legal name and gender changes can be complex and costly. This bursary is one practical way we can reduce those barriers and support students to engage more fully in their studies and university life."

Professor Sophia Nimphius, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Sport) and Chair of the Pride at ECU Sub-committee, said the initiative acknowledges both the diversity of student experiences and the structural challenges that continue to shape them.

"We recognise that not all trans and gender diverse students will want or need to legally affirm their gender," Professor Nimphius said.

"But for those who do, it can involve navigating multiple systems, requirements and costs, particularly where preferred or affirmed names are not yet consistently supported. We are continuing to improve our systems and advocate for change, but in the meantime, this bursary helps bridge that gap."

The launch of the bursary sits alongside the release of ECU's Preferred or affirmed name use in student systems resource, which provides guidance on how names are used across different university systems, where preferred or affirmed names can be applied, and where legal names may still be required.

Across the higher education sector, students have long advocated for more consistent and respectful use of affirmed names. National campaigns such as the Stop Deadnaming at Universities Petition have highlighted the ongoing impact of "deadnaming" on student wellbeing, safety and belonging.

The bursary has also been introduced in the context of broader cost-of-living pressures, which can make legal processes such as name and gender changes even less accessible. For TGDNB students, these costs are often directly tied to their ability to navigate systems safely and with dignity.

Professor Allen said this context makes institutional action even more important.

"At a time when many students are under financial pressure, and when trans and gender diverse communities are often facing anti-trans sentiment in public discourse, the barriers can become even more pronounced," he said.

"As an institution, we have a responsibility to respond. If there are practical steps we can take to reduce barriers and provide support, then we should be taking them."

The Legal Gender Affirmation Bursary is now available to eligible ECU students, alongside dedicated support through Student Hub.

Further information: LGBTIQA+ students