If you enrol in a degree in a Commonwealth Supported Place, the government will cover some of the cost of the degree, and whatever is left over for you to pay is called a Student Contribution Amount. But what is a Student Contribution Amount, and what does it means for your studies? Let’s find out.
What is my Student Contribution Amount?
There isn’t one flat fee for all students attending university – your Student Contribution Amount will differ depending on the type of degree you enrol in.
Every few years, the government will look at employment across the country, including areas of growth and demand in the future. This information is used to calculate how much they will contribute towards certain degrees. Think of it as an incentive to study a degree that will lead to more people working in jobs where they’re needed.
For example, nursing is currently a high-demand job area, so the Government puts more money towards their share of a Commonwealth Supported Place – and in turn, your Student Contribution Amount goes down.
In 2024, Student Contribution Amounts are split into eight clusters. How much you will need to pay depends on the cluster in which your degree falls. You can see the current bands here.
Do I need to pay my Student Contribution Amount up-front?
No – in fact, most students don’t. You’ll most likely defer the costs to what’s known as a HECS-HELP loan. Nearly every domestic undergraduate student in a CSP is eligible to apply for HECS-HELP, so you can rest easy while you study knowing your tuition fees are set.
Are there any other ways I can reduce the cost of my degree?
Absolutely! There are tons of scholarships out there than can reduce – and in some cases cover entirely – the cost of your degree. Have a browse of our free money database to see if there are any you might be eligible for.
Where can I find out more?
The StudyAssist website has tons of information about your finance options at university. You can also read more about money, fees, and budgeting on our website here.