Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40238388›Full record

ArticleInternational journal of environmental research and public health2025

Exploring Financial Challenges and University Support Systems for Student Financial Well-Being: A Scoping Review.

Joanna Russell, Kylie Austin, Karen E Charlton, Ezinne O Igwe, Katherine Kent, Kelly Lambert, Gabrielle O'Flynn, Yasmine Probst, Karen Walton, Anne T McMahon

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in International journal of environmental research and public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
8citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

8 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Placement poverty: Why it matters to all dietitians.Nutrition & dietetics : the journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia · 2026
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Joanna RussellSchool of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.ORCID 0000-0002-0223-9256
Kylie AustinStudent, Equity, and Success, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
Karen E CharltonSchool of Medical, Indigenous, and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine, and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.ORCID 0000-0002-8044-444X
Ezinne O IgweSchool of Medical, Indigenous, and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine, and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.ORCID 0000-0002-3271-7829
Katherine KentSchool of Medical, Indigenous, and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine, and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.ORCID 0000-0002-5330-7044
Kelly LambertSchool of Medical, Indigenous, and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine, and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.ORCID 0000-0001-5935-7328
Gabrielle O'FlynnSchool of Education, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
Yasmine ProbstSchool of Medical, Indigenous, and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine, and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.ORCID 0000-0002-1971-173X
Karen WaltonSchool of Medical, Indigenous, and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine, and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.ORCID 0000-0003-2382-7855
Anne T McMahonSchool of Medical, Indigenous, and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine, and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.ORCID 0000-0001-9657-6001

Funding

Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) - Curtin University NCSEHE 2024 Small Grants Round
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesFinancial stress among university students has been widely documented, impacting academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. This scoping review explores and synthesizes the existing evidence on the extent and impact of financial challenges experienced by university students in Australia and New Zealand and examines approaches implemented by universities in these countries to address these challenges.

methodsThe Arksey and O'Malley framework was utilized for comprehensiveness, structure, and reproducibility. Four scientific databases (Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Informit) were searched until 30 June 2024, and 3542 articles were identified. Following extensive screening, 19 studies were included. The studies were summarized using a narrative synthesis approach.

resultsThis review suggests that financial stress continues to be experienced by Australian/New Zealand university students. Some studies indicate that over half (8-68%) of students face significant financial issues and 96% of students report high emotional stress. Some groups are more vulnerable than others. Notably, students from low socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds and international students have increased vulnerability due to factors such as inadequate financial support and limited access to job opportunities and support services. Support services available for students included emergency grants, food pantries (including international students), and community gardens but with limited impact in addressing underlying financial hardships.

conclusionThis review highlights the persistent financial challenges faced by vulnerable university students in Australia and New Zealand. It calls for comprehensive strategies to enhance support services and address structural issues in government and institutional policies. Addressing these needs will enable improved student academic success and mental and physical well-being in these vulnerable groups.

Indexed as

Financial StressStudentsAustraliaHumansMental HealthNew ZealandUniversitiesfinancial challengesfood insecuritystudent well-beingsupport servicesuniversity students

Identifiers

PMID40238388
PMCPMC11941776

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.