Local student Emaan Dewanyang wins Yugo Accommodation Support Scholarship with RMIT

Yugo, the first global student housing brand and operator, has awarded six new accommodation support scholarships to Victorian students studying at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) this year – with local Emaan Dewanyang among the group.

The scholarships offer a 50 per cent discount on rents at Yugo University Square, Melbourne for the 2025 academic year, valued at just under $60,000.

The aim of this annual scheme is to help students who wish to pursue a Certificate IV, diploma, degree or postgraduate by coursework program relocate to Melbourne to study at RMIT. Emaan, who is from Warrnambool, is studying an Associate Degree in Legal Practice (Paralegal). The scholarship has allowed her to start university in 2025 instead of undertaking a gap year to raise funds for accommodation while studying, and to reduce cost of living pressures.

“I found living in Yugo very comfortable and convenient, as it has facilities like a gym, but it is also walking distance from RMIT and Melbourne Central, as well as multiple tram stations around my building,” Emaan said.

“The staff at Yugo and my housemates have also made my experience a lot better, they’ve helped and supported me through this massive change of moving far away from home for the first time.”

The scholarships were open to students from an interstate or rural region, to help remove some of the financial and educational barriers to accessing further study - including but not limited to circumstances impacting the ability to study and financial hardship. Indigenous students, those from non-English speaking backgrounds and current and former refugees were also encouraged to apply.

Facilities at the Yugo property include a range of elegant apartments plus a cinema and games area, designated study pods and a modern communal kitchen.

Students at Yugo properties also benefit from the Live Your Best Life program, a holistic living experience, which offers training and events centred around sustainability, professional development and community.

Tim Klitscher, SVP Operations for Yugo for APAC and the Middle East, said:

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our six new accommodation support scholars to Yugo University Square in 2025.

“The cost of living is particularly high at the moment, and we know rents keep increasing, so it’s wonderful to be able to support those who might otherwise miss out on furthering their education.

“Yugo University Square in Carlton is within walking distance of RMIT and the Queen Victoria Markets, and our new residents will have the chance to live with students from around the world in an emotionally supportive, vibrant setting.”

Yugo University Square was developed by Global Student Accommodation (GSA) and is operated by Yugo.

RMIT Coursework Scholarship Coordinator Kristie Nevill said one of the biggest barriers interstate and regional students faced was finding affordable accommodation close to campus, and it was not uncommon for students to defer their program offer and take a gap year because they simply could not afford to move to Melbourne and needed another year to save to relocate.

“The cost of private rental and the risks associated with moving into share housing in an unfamiliar area can be daunting,” Ms Nevill said.

“Purpose built student accommodation, such as Yugo University Square, is a safe and supportive option and provides students a way to transition to life in Melbourne with other students in a similar situation. “Student accommodation scholarships make moving to Melbourne a viable option as these students would not be able to afford the non-scholarship rate. Many are in receipt of low-income support payments so these scholarships are often the only way some students can attend university.”

Ms Nevill said the cost of living in Melbourne far outweighed what many of these students were currently earning. Even with Centrelink support, rental assistance and casual work, it was difficult for students to cover the cost of renting, study materials and living expenses.

To find out more about Yugo University Square, click here.