Money Matters

(Expenses listed here are approximates for the year 2006.)

Course Costs

The Student Contribution to a Commonwealth Supported Place (previously called HECS) is the contribution you must make to the government to pay for your education.

Currently there are three ways that this can be paid: the up-front payment (with the added incentive of a 20% discount); lump sum payment at any time; or payment later through the taxation system once you are earning a wage. Most students choose this option.

The student contribution is charged at different rates depending on your choice of course. At the University of Tasmania, it varies between $3,920 to $6,535 for a full-time year. For more detail on these charges you can contact the Department of Education, Science and Training on 1800 020 108 or visit the Department’s website at http://www.goingtouni.gov.au

Service & Amenities Fee

The service and amenities fee is for the range of services provided by the student organisations.

Text Books & Stationery

You could expect to pay between $300 - $800 for your text books and stationery.

Accommodation

Price of accommodation varies depending on what sort you choose and whether it is fully-catered. You could expect to pay between $7,000 - $13,500 per year.

Financial Assistance

Full-time students aged between 16-24 may be eligible for Youth Allowance. Aboriginal students can apply for Abstudy. Tertiary students on Youth Allowance or Abstudy may also be eligible for a Student Financial Supplement Loan. These allowances are means tested and you would need to contact Centrelink to find out if you are eligible. For more information go to the Centrelink website.

An Accommodation Allowance for Tertiary Students (AATS) provides financial support to students who must live away from their usual Tasmanian home in order to study at a tertiary institution. The distance used in determining eligibility is 40 kilometres. This allowance is means tested. For more information about the allowance contact the Grants and Assistance Unit, Department of Education, telephone: (03) 6233 7041.