By Mia Butautyte
ANUSA has a variety of subsidies and grants available to financially support ANU students, one of which is the Birth Control Subsidy. This subsidy, created by the ANU Women’s Department in collaboration with ANUSA, provides financial reimbursements for all ANU students who purchase eligible birth control. All ANU students can apply for this subsidy by following the steps outlined on the ANUSA website.
Birth control is an important aspect of healthcare, but accessibility continues to remain a major concern for those who need it. At universities, students facing financial difficulties may overlook their healthcare needs. To aid financially struggling university students and provide access to appropriate reproductive healthcare, ANUSA has created subsidies for birth control that are accessible to all ANU students.
ANUSA provides a 50 percent reimbursement for eligible birth control to all ANU students, amounting to a maximum of $250 per year. This reimbursement applies to oral contraceptive pills, implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and injectables. A full list of eligible birth control methods can be found here. The subsidy only applies to the device or pill itself, not the prescription or procedure. If a student requires financial support to obtain a prescription or pay for a procedure, ANUSA suggests students apply for a Medical Grant, which may cover the relevant costs.
In order to be reimbursed, students must complete an online application within two weeks of purchasing the birth control and provide the relevant tax invoices. If approved, the reimbursed money will be sent directly to the applicant’s bank account. The application process generally requires the student’s name, student number, and receipts of the purchase, although this may deviate in certain cases.
Condoms and menstrual products are not covered under this subsidy, but are available for free to all students at the BKSS Mutual Aid shelf.
The subsidy for ANU students comes in the context of larger reform. As of 1 January 2026, the Australian government created a new policy. This ensures that one script of a new type of birth control, now listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will not exceed $25.
At a local and national level, accessibility and availability of reproductive health is becoming a priority.
Visit the ANUSA website to find out more about the Birth Control Subsidy and other forms of support that the ANU’s Student Union provides.
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