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Commonwealth Supported Place fees

If you're eligible for Commonwealth support, your tuition fees will be subsidised.

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Australian Government. This means the Government pays part of your higher education course fee and you pay the rest (the student contribution amount). If you’re eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer this payment.

Eligibility

We'll assess your eligibility based on the full eligibility criteria set by the Australian Governement. Usually, to be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), you must be either:

  • an Australian citizen who completes at least some of the course while living in Australia, or
  • a New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent visa holder, an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder or a Pacific engagement visa (PEV) holder who studies the entire course while living in Australia

and: 

After you accept your offer, you’ll get an email with instructions to complete the form online. Even if you don’t want a HELP loan, you still need to submit an eCAF – just leave the HECS-HELP section blank.

How your student contribution amount is calculated

Your total student contribution amount will depend on the units you choose (not your overall course), your study load and the time it takes to finish your course.  

Every unit fits into a discipline, and these are grouped into bands shown on the unit detail page. Each band has a unique student contribution amount for a one-year, full-time study load (known as 1 EFTSL or 120 credit points). The Government sets the band cost each year. 

Unit student contribution amount ($) = band amount ($) x unit EFTSL value

For example, NURBN1012 is a Band 1 unit with a 0.125 EFTSL value so the student contribution amount is $4,738 x 0.125 = $592.

How much will I pay?

What if I enrol in extra units?

If you want to enrol in extra units that aren't part of your course requirements, keep in mind that the tuition won’t be covered by your CSP so you'll have to pay the full fee rate. You won’t be able to use a FEE-HELP loan to defer the payment, either. If you're thinking of taking extra units, make a booking to discuss your options first.

Commonwealth Assistance Notice

The Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN) is an official document that contains information about your enrolment, fees, payments and loans. We’ll send you an email after census date to let you know that yours is available through my Student Centre. You’ll get a new CAN every semester that you’re enrolled.

Your CAN will include:

  • the units of study you’re enrolled in
  • the student contribution amounts you’ve been charged
  • any upfront payments you’ve made
  • any HECS-HELP or SA-HELP debt you have.

It’s important to check your CAN carefully. If you notice any errors, you have 14 days to submit a written request for corrections via our online portal.