University Fees
The fees a student is required to pay will depend on whether their enrolment is in a Commonwealth Supported Place (known as CSP) or a fee based place. Check Student Administration's website if you need more information about types of course places and the fees involved:
Course Fees
Visit the Future Students website to ascertain the cost of your course.
Usually course fees are payable at the beginning of each semester. However, installment payment plans are sometimes approved. For further information on these options visit the Future Students website payment arrangement page for Australian full fee students and International students.
Australian students paying full fees are able to defer payment of their course fees via the Government loan scheme FEE-HELP. Currently there are very few remaining local full-fee places at the University.
Fees for Australian students
Most Australian students will be able to defer their fees until after they graduate via HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and SA-HELP loans. Further information on fees can be found on the future students website.
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens are eligible to apply for a government subsidised University place, known as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). This means the government subsidises approximately three quarters of the course cost. The student is expected to pay the remaining cost.
Australian citizens and some holders of permanent humanitarian visas have the option of deferring the repayment of their part of this fee using a HECS-HELP loan. Once their income reaches a compulsory repayment threshold - usually when they leave University, repayments are then made through the taxation system. New Zealand citizens and all other Australian permanent residents are not eligible for HECS-HELP loans, and must pay their CSP fees at the beginning of each semester.
To find out more about CSP, visit the Federal government website.
Should I pay my HECS-HELP upfront?
Many Australian students and families are tempted to pay HECS fees immediately so that they can claim the discount. This may not be the best course of action for every student.
Some things to consider:
- Would the money be better used paying for living or course expenses while studying? Students who have to do part-time work to pay for their costs often do so at the expense of their course participation, and getting the most out or their short time at University.
- Does it make sense financially? HECS and FEE-HELP loans do not attract compound interest, unlike a savings account or other investment (the initial loan does increase with inflation, but so do wages). Over three or more years compound interest may negate the benefit of the discount, with the added advantage of having the money available if required during the course.
General Course Costs
As a general estimate students will need to budget about $500 per year for course costs, such as text books, stationery, printing costs and other expenses.
For some courses students will need to budget for much higher costs. Expenses can include things such as travel, special equipment or tools, protective clothing, uniforms or professional clothing for placements.
It is important to check with your Faculty or Department about any additional special costs that will be incurred during your course. In some cases, it may be possible to receive some financial assistance from your faculty or Student Financial Aid.
While some of these costs can be daunting to some, students receiving a Centrelink study payment will usually receive an automatic scholarship each semester to assist with the cost of academic materials.