Parents on Campus

How GSA Represents Parents and Guardians  

The Graduate Student Association represents the interests of all graduate students at the University of Melbourne, including parents and those with dependents. GSA recognise the unique challenges faced by student parents and are committed to advocating for policies and resources that support a balanced academic and family life.
 
This includes a GSA Families Officer in our Representative Council, dedicated family study rooms in the 1888 Building, student aid initiatives, ongoing advocacy and specialised events like GSA Family Day.

GSA’s Family Rooms

The 1888 Building has baby changing facilities and two family friendly study spaces.
GSA’s Family Rooms are a dedicated space for students with children, who may need a quiet and safe place to study. 
The room is equipped with toys for children to play with, and plenty of desk space.
 
These are available from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
 
If you would like to use one of the GSA Family Rooms you can book them via Direct Booking System (DiBS).
Alternatively you can book by emailing the GSA reception desk.
 
You must come collect the keys for these rooms at the GSA reception desk and return them after use.

Please note: The family rooms are only available for Students with their children or dependents present. 

Parents Resources and Information

We have compiled a list of resources and information for student parents to help you with your studies and parental responsibilities. 

GSA conducted research to understand challenges faced by graduate student parents at the University of Melbourne. 

Read more about what GSA is doing to support parents on campus

For parents who need some private space on campus, there are a number of parent rooms/breastfeeding rooms available to current students and staff. 

The University of Melbourne provides long day care and kindergarten programs for children of staff, students and alumni, as well as children from the wider community. 

The University offers a Student Rebate Scheme to assist low-income and international student families with long day care costs. This rebate is available in addition to any Child Care Subsidy (CCS) support you’re already receiving.​

To learn more and see if you’re eligibility, you’ll need to email childcare-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au

The Get Active Kids Voucher Program is a Victorian Government initiative that provides vouchers of up to $200 per child to assist eligible families with the costs of participating in organised sport and active recreation activities.
Application periods are held at multiple points during the year. 

Click here to learn more and check eligibility

The school saving bonus is a one-off payment from the Victorian Government to assist families with school-related expenses for the 2025 academic year.

This initiative aims to alleviate financial pressures by covering costs such as uniforms, textbooks, camps, excursions, and other school activities.​

Eligibility

  • All students enrolled from Prep to Year 12 in a Victorian government school by 28 February 2025 are eligible.​
  • Exclusions apply to full-fee international students, home-schooled students, and TAFE students.​
  • Eligible families will receive an email from the Department of Education containing
  • Students attending non-government schools who are recipients of the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) in 2025 are also eligible.​

Click here to learn more information about the bonus eligibility.

An initiative by the Victorian Government’s free school dental program, offering comprehensive oral health services to all students in government primary, secondary, P–12, and specialist schools across the state. No Medicare card or health care card is required to access these services.​

Services Provided

  • free oral health promotion
  • free dental health check-ups
  • free follow-up treatment as needed.

Click here to learn more about about Smile Squad and eligibility 

  • What: Two years of free kindergarten for all children in Victoria at participating services.
  • How: No need to apply—funding goes directly to services.
  • Types of Services and Benefits:
    • Sessional Kinder: Free (save up to $2,563); 3yo: 5–15 hrs/week, 4yo: 15 hrs/week.
    • Long Day Care: Offset up to $2,050; pro-rata for <15 hrs/week. 

 For more information, click here