Zackary Boundy drastically changed the way he lived after losing his university scholarship.
The Ngiyeempaa man began skipping meals and limiting his spending when he lost the funding after transferring to an undergraduate degree.
"It was actually pretty devastating," the 19-year-old told AAP.
"It was pretty much a tight schedule of money."
That financial stress lifted from his shoulders on Thursday after learning he had become eligible for a new scholarship - extended to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate students at the University of Sydney.
"I feel I can probably eat tomorrow and the next day," the economics student said.
"It's reassuring that I can put half to my rent, and I don't have to be worried about where I have to stay.
"I'm very thankful that they have directed it to all the Indigenous attendees of uni."
Hardship among university students remains widespread in Australia, with one in three students experiencing financial insecurity, according to a 2026 report by the University of Wollongong.
The report found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students were "disproportionately impacted" in the statistics, many often skipping meals and struggling to secure stable and affordable accommodation.
University of Sydney deputy vice-chancellor of Indigenous strategy and services Reuben Bolt said the new scholarships will be critical for many Indigenous students.
It's the most generous scholarship of its kind delivered at scale, according to the university.
"It will provide assurance that they will have the funds to pay for essential bills such as rent, electricity, gas and for essential items such as toiletries, transport costs and medical costs, where necessary," he said.
"Having the peace of mind that large bills such as rent for accommodation are covered will give students the opportunity to spend more of their time on study."
The support applies to all eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate students at the university, providing them up to $8500 a year for the duration of their degree.
The MyGadigal Scholarship runs alongside other programs that lower minimum entry requirements for students applying through certain programs.
About 400 students are expected to receive a scholarship in the coming semester.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare welcomed the initiative, saying it helped remove barriers and open doors to opportunity.
"It will help more students get the skills and qualifications they need and build the life of their dreams," he said.
Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are also offered by other leading universities including the University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, Monash University and Charles Darwin University.
