University Fees, Govt. Loans and Tax Deductions
The University of New England has put together some helpful information regarding University fees, types of Loans and Tax Deductions. There are links in the Fee Category Finder and Payment Options below if you require further information.
University fees, loans and tax deductions
We know that the cost of tertiary education is a major factor in your decision to study at university. We've broken it down, to help you navigate the jargon.
Keep in mind that your tuition fees will depend on what fee places are available in your chosen course, the year you commence, and your citizenship and residency status.
Fee Types
There are two main types of tuition fees for university study – Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Full Fee places. All the details about course fees can be found here.
Commonwealth Supported Place*
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course, where the government pays a contribution directly to the university for part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder which is known as the ‘student contribution amount.
CSPs are available for all undergraduate degrees and over 40 postgraduate courses - meaning you can save up to 83% on the cost of your study. There are quotas on the number of CSPs allocated to each course. To check if your course has CSP places available in 2023 visit 2023 CSP Availability. We recommend applying early before quotas are met.
Full Fee Place
Most postgraduate students in Australia study in a Full Fee place. These places aren’t government subsidised, which means you are required to pay the full cost of tuition fees – though there are government loans (FEE-HELP) and tax deductions for self-education expenses if you are eligible.
If you’re considering postgraduate study in a Full Fee place, and there is a direct connection between your work and study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees and general course expenses (i.e. textbook, travel & accommodation costs for intensive schools or placements, home office costs) as a tax deduction. Please check the ATO for information on self-education expenses and eligibility.
Not sure what you're eligible for?
We’ve built a “Fee Category Finder”, which is a quick online tool to help determine your fee category, government loan and payment options based on your personal circumstances.
Loans, Payments and Tax Deductions
Australian Government loans are available to pay tuition fees (Full Fee places) and student contribution amounts (if you have a CSP).
You can also make upfront payments for tuition fees or student contribution amounts, if you are not eligible for a government loan or choose to pay upfront instead.
There are a range of Australian Government loans available through the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) to assist eligible students pay the following:
HECS-HELP loans are available if you are an eligible student studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree. You can take out a HECS-HELP Loan for the student contribution amount (i.e. tuition fees) of your course, and defer payment until you are earning above the compulsory repayment threshold*.
FEE-HELP Loans are available to eligible students studying in a Full Fee place in a postgraduate degree at university. You can take out a FEE-HELP Loan for the tuition fees of your chosen course and defer payment until you are earning above the compulsory repayment threshold^.
SA-HELP Loans also known as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is invoiced per study period as part of online enrolment. If you are eligible, the SA-HELP form is built into the online enrolment process, and you can apply for a SA-Help loan when you enrol. SA-Help does not cover costs associated with study such as laptops, study materials, textbooks, or accommodation.
Tax Deductions (Self-Education Expenses)
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees and general course expenses as a tax deduction. Tuition fees (Full Fee place) can be claimed regardless of whether you paid upfront, or took out a FEE-HELP loan, but we recommend consulting an accountant or the ATO about your eligibility.