Course costs
The amounts listed in the course descriptions available through the course search are for one year full-time study. The fees do not include any expenses such as the cost of books, stationery, meals, accommodation and transport.
Commonwealth-supported place (CSP) courses
CSP courses used to be called HECS courses – you only have to pay part of the cost of your course (a student contribution). The Australian Government pays the remainder of the cost.
The course search lists all CSP courses available and the relevant ATAR cut-off for each course.
The amount you pay for your student contribution depends on the institution and the type of course. Each institution sets its own student contribution level for each unit of study within a range set by the Australian Government. The range varies depending on the area of study. Mathematics, science and statistics have the lowest cost range because these areas of study have been identified by the government as national priorities.
The following table shows the range of student contributions for 2011 admissions; these amounts are indexed each year. Amounts are based on a full year of full-time study.
| Student contribution band | Student contribution range in 2011 |
|---|---|
| National priorities (mathematics, science, statistics) |
$0 – $4,355 |
| Band 1 (humanities, behavioural science, social studies, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing) |
$0 – $5,442 |
| Band 2 (computing, built environment, health, engineering, surveying, agriculture) |
$0 – $7,756 |
| Band 3 (law, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science, accounting, administration, economics, commerce) |
$0 – $9,080 |
Paying your student contribution
Students who plan to pay their student contributions through the HECS-HELP scheme MUST have a tax file number (TFN). Visit the Australian Tax Office website for more information.
Australian citizens and holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa can pay their student contribution in three different ways:
- Pay all of the student contribution up front and get a discount.
- Receive a HECS-HELP loan for all of the student contribution.
- Pay some of the student contribution up front and receive a HECS-HELP loan for the balance (you will receive a discount on the amount paid up front).
All CSP students must submit a request for Commonwealth support and HECS-HELP form, regardless of their payment option (including up front payers).
Repayments for HECS-HELP loans are based on income and are made through the taxation system. Students don't have to start repaying their HECS-HELP loan until their income reaches a certain level ($47,196 for 2011–12).
New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) do NOT have access to HECS-HELP loans and must pay all of the student contribution up front (with no discount).
Institutions publish their student contributions for 2012 admissions on their websites in October 2011.
For more information about HECS-HELP loans visit www.goingtouni.gov.au.
Remember: HECS-HELP is only available to Australian citizens and holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.
Other charges and fees
Check the institution entries for more information on charges and fees at individual institutions.
