How you are going to support yourself financially and meet the costs involved in studying at TAFE or university are likely to be major issues that you need to consider.
Is there any financial assistance available?
Government assistance schemes
ABSTUDYThe Australian Government may provide assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are studying an approved course and who are not receiving other government help. Conditions apply. For further information telephone Centrelink on 13 2317 or TTY 1800 810 586.
AustudyThe Australian Government may provide financial assistance to students aged 25 years and over who are intending, or are doing, an approved course of study, and undertaking a full-time or concessional study load. There may be concessions for people with a disability. Conditions apply. For information about eligibility, rules and benefits call 13 2490 or TTY 1800 810 586.
Youth AllowanceThe Australian Government may provide financial assistance to students aged 16 – 24 who are enrolled at an approved educational institution and are undertaking at least a 75 per cent full-time study workload, and undertaking at least 15 hours a week face-to-face contact in their course.
Students under 21 years of age who are studying part-time and also working part-time, looking for suitable part-time work, or doing voluntary work or another approved activity can also apply for Youth Allowance. Conditions apply. For information about eligibility, rules and benefits call 13 2490 or TTY 1800 810 586.
Because of a disability you may qualify for Austudy, ABSTUDY or the Youth Allowance for up to twice the normal length of your course.
If your disability affects your ability to study full-time you may still receive Austudy, ABSTUDY or the Youth Allowance as long as your workload does not fall below 25 percent of the normal full-time load.
If you get a Disability Support Pension from Centrelink or an Invalidity Service Pension from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs you may get the Austudy Pensioner Education Supplement as long as your workload does not fall below 25 per cent of the normal full-time workload.
NewstartThe Australian Government may provide financial assistance to part-time students aged 21 or more. Conditions apply. For information about eligibility, rules and benefits call 13 2850.
For further informationTelephone 13 1021 to make an appointment to talk with staff at your local Centrelink office.
Students aged 25 or more — to talk about Austudy, telephone 13 2490.
Under age 25 — to talk about allowances, telephone 13 2490.
For information in languages other than English telephone 13 1202.
For TTY enquiries telephone 1800 810 586.
Other financial assistanceIn some instances financial assistance is available by way of grants or loans through the student associations of TAFESA or university.
Does it cost anything to study at university?
Commonwealth supported places. HECS - HELP loans
Most university students have to pay the government’s Student contribution amounts. How much you pay depends on the course you enrol in. Student contribution amount is paid either:
upfront — in full or park, when you enrol - you receive a 20% discount; or
progressively through the taxation system when you earn above a designated income threshold (in 2005 the threshold was $35,001).
It is important that you have a good understanding of the debt you will incur through Student contribution amounts. It would be a good idea to read the booklet which is available from the Australian Taxation Office. A new edition is published each year, so make sure you read the latest one. If you need more detail than that provided by the booklet, you can contact one of the universities, and the Department of Education and Youth Affairs (DETYA).
http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/Main/Quickfind/PayingForYourStudiesHELPLoans/Default.htmDoes it cost anything to study at TAFE?
FeesAll South Australian TAFE students pay the regulated fee for accredited, Government purchased courses in TAFE. Concessions on the regulated fee will be provided to students who hold a current Health Care Card, a pensioner Concession Card or a Veterans Affairs Pension Card. Some students may also be eligible to pay their fees via instalment. For further information contact the Student Services Officer at the TAFE campus at which you will be studying.
What other costs will I need to pay?
Course related costs
In thinking through your financial situation you will need to take into account costs including:
- student association fees
- stationery needs
- materials that are required by the course
- textbooks
- uniforms.
In some courses such as visual arts, course-related costs can be considerable.
There are also some university courses that attract up-front fees — you will need to check with the university for information.
Transport costsThere may be extra transport costs to and from TAFESA or university that you will need to consider. Some students with physical disabilities may be eligible for financial assistance via the Access Cab Scheme. For information contact the South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme on email
satss@saugov.sa.gov.au or call 1300 360 840.
This information was correct at the time of printing (August 2005). Applicants are advised to check the information with the relevant institution.