Costs and financial help

Study costs will vary depending on the type and length of your course and where you choose to study. Generally, course fees are unavoidable but you may be eligible for financial help.

Some other common study costs include:

• transport – you may be eligible for student discounts
• textbooks and equipment
• study materials like stationary and assignment resources.

Universities

If you study at university or an approved higher education provider you will be offered either a:

• Commonwealth supported place where the Australian Government pays for part of your costs and you pay a student contribution
• or
• full-fee-paying place, where you will need to pay the costs.

Fee help

Government support includes:

• student loans (known as HECS-HELP) for students in a Commonwealth supported place
• help with tuition fees (known as FEE-HELP).

Visit Study Assist to find more financial help for your tertiary studies.

Vocational education and training (VET)

Help with tuition fees could be available if you are studying:

• at diploma level or above
• through an approved training provider.

VET Student Loans is available to assist eligible students studying higher level vocational education and training qualifications to pay their tuition fees.

Government funded training

The Queensland Government offers a variety of free and reduced-cost training programs to assist eligible Queenslanders to increase their skills to move into employment, re-enter the workforce, advance their career or transition to further study.

Search for funded training on the Queensland Skills Gateway. Check your eligibility for funded training by completing a simple questionnaire.

Apprentices and trainees

See what costs you could have to meet if you are an apprentice or trainee. You may be eligible for financial help.

Other financial support

Centrelink provides numerous income support programs for students, including:

• Austudy and ABSTUDY
• Youth Allowance
• rent assistance
• fares allowance
• remote area allowance.

Scholarships and grants

There are a number of scholarship, award and grant programs for students of all levels.

• scholarships and grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
• awards and scholarships for school students and graduates.

Some universities and other organisations offer their own scholarships. Check with your preferred institute.