Away from Base (AFB) Program
The Away from Base (AFB) Program assists eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who need to travel away from home to participate in compulsory face-to-face components of their UniSQ studies, such as placements and residential schools. The program is funded by the Australian Government and administered by UniSQ.
Applying for AFB
The Away from Base Program may provide assistance for approved expenses associated with compulsory study activities, including:
- Travel costs to and from approved activities
- Accommodation while attending approved activities
- Meals and incidental expenses during approved study periods.
- AFB does not provide income support and is not intended to cover everyday living expenses such as groceries, rent, or general household costs.
Support is assessed on a case-by-case basis and funding is subject to program guidelines and available funding.
You may be eligible if you:
- Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- Are enrolled in an approved UniSQ course that includes eligible placements or residential school requirements
- Are receiving, or eligible to receive, ABSTUDY support during your period of study
- Are required to travel away from your usual place of residence to attend a compulsory placement or residential school activity.
All applications are assessed individually in line with AFB program guidelines.
Eligible study activities
AFB support may be available for approved:
- Professional placements
- Clinical placements
- Teaching practicums
- Residential schools
- Field-based learning activities.
UniSQ has a range of approved placement and residential school courses across areas including:
- Education
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Allied Health
- Psychology
- Counselling
- Social Work
- Paramedicine
- Physiotherapy
- Speech Pathology
- Agriculture
- Engineering
- Science and Environmental programs.
Please have the following ready:
- Confirmation of Aboriginality or a Statutory Declaration confirming your heritage
- Evidence of ABSTUDY income statement showing same year of placement activity
- Inplace confirmation of placement activity
- If driving to placement, students must supply proof of comprehensive car insurance
- Any supporting documentation requested as part of your application process.
Tip: Gather all evidence and supporting documents before you start to make it easier.
Complete the UniSQ First Nations Program Support Away from Base application form well before your placement or residential school commences. This will allow sufficient time for eligibility checks, documentation review, and any required approval processes.
As a guide:
- Applications should be submitted at minimum 15 business days before the activity start date.
- Where a placement or activity is longer than 10 business days per trimester, applications must be submitted at least 25 business days before the activity start date to allow time for any additional approval requirements.
- If you are experiencing delays in obtaining required documentation or are awaiting confirmation of your placement or residential school details, please contact us as early as possible so we can work with you where feasible.
As applications submitted close to, or after, the commencement of an activity may not be able to be assessed or approved, even where a student may otherwise meet eligibility requirements.
Please note: If your placement or activity falls within these timeframes and you have not yet submitted an application, please contact the First Nations Support Unit as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances and explore whether any alternative support options may be available.
First Nations Student Support and Engagement Unit
Email | cfn.support@unisq.edu.au
Phone | +61 7 4631 2133 or Freecall 1800 005 137
Toowoomba Campus | T- Annexe, TA114
Ipswich Campus | Q Block Level 1, Q112C
Springfield Campus | A Block Level 1, A101
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Student Central (R Block), Toowoomba
Atrium (B Block), Springfield
Library (H Block), Ipswich
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Phone: +61 7 4631 2285
Freecall: 1800 007 252
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