There are many financial elements to consider when undertaking university study. The cost of studying at TAFE is not free and students will need to budget for costs associated with their course. These costs may vary depending upon the course of study, the education provider and miscellaneous factors such as the cost of transport to attend classes. Examples of the financial considerations that students must take into account include:
Refer to the following worksheets to assist you plan your course of study:
To study at TAFE students must pay tuition fees. The exact amount of these fees is determined by the number of student contact hours. Tuition fees are calculated at a set cost per contact hour of teaching and up to a pre determined maximum amount. The amount of fees charged varies between TAFE institutes and students that receive Centrelink payments are eligible to receive significant discounts.
TAFE students are not included in the commonwealth governments Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) and do not have to pay HECS-HELP. TAFE fees are generally charged per semester but can vary between TAFE institutes. To find out about the fees charged for your course contact the course coordinator or refer to the TAFE course guide.
Refer to Worksheet 2 - Finding a course that is right for you (worksheet 2 as text 27KB or worksheet 2 as PDF 85 KB) to assist you identify the questions that you need to ask a course coordinator when investigating the requirements of a particular course.
TAFE students are also required to a pay a compulsory general services or service fee which contributes to the cost of services, activities and facilities. The amount charged differs between TAFE providers and students may be eligible for a discounted fee depending on their enrolment circumstances and the level of access they have to facilities and services. The amount charged varies each year. Some TAFE providers base this fee on the amount of teaching hours each student receives.
The general services fee or service fee is NOT deferrable and students must meet this cost upfront by the due date. Students that fail to pay the fee will not be given access to essential services and may be barred from receiving exam results and graduating. Examples of circumstances where the general services fee or service fee may be discounted include non award students, limited 'on campus' attendance, off campus students, leave of absence or cross institutional enrolment.
Some TAFE providers charge students an enrolment fee. The cost of this fee varies and is generally charged per semester. If students enrolled at TAFE have paid the requisite fee they may be exempt from paying it again if they enrol in another course with a second TAFE provider.
In addition to the cost of course fees students will be required to pay for extra materials associated with their course. Course materials can include a wide range of items such as art canvases, sketch books, paint, bound reading materials. The cost and amount of course materials depend solely on the course. Some TAFE courses charge students a flat 'materials fee' and purchase the materials. Other education providers require the student to locate and purchase the items. To find out about the extra materials that may be required for your course contact the course coordinator before applying so that you can budget for any unforeseen expenditures. Once you have enrolled in your course your lecturer will inform you of any extra materials or material fees that you may be required to pay.
text books, photocopying, transport and parking
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Students need to consider the cost of text books and related study expenses such as photocopying, parking permits, stationery and internet access when setting their budget.
Parking permits
Most TAFE providers that have parking facilities sell annual parking permits to students that allow them to park on campus. To find out the cost of these permits contact the TAFE provider or log onto their website and search under 'parking permits'. If you have a mobility impairment you may also be eligible for a Disability Parking Permit that is issued by the transport department in each State and Territory. This permit allows holders to park in any parking space that is allocated to people with disabilities. The cost of these permits vary between jurisdictions and supporting documentation must be provided.
Refer to disability parking permits for further information.
Photocopying
During the course of their studies most students will need to photocopy various material. Photocopying services are available at most TAFE libraries but the service is not free. Discounted rates per page are charged for students but the cost does add up. Therefore it is important to budget for this expense.
Text books
Most courses require students to use text books. Libraries do provide copies of text books but student numbers can outweigh the number of books available in the library. New editions of text books are also being continually published and some library book versions can be out of date. To save money on the purchase of text books ask your lecturer if there are any second hand text books for sale. Many courses run second hand text book sales with students from the previous year selling their text books at discounted rates.
Transport
Transport costs to and from campus such as the cost of petrol, bus, train, tram tickets or taxis need to be considered. Students with physical disabilities may be eligible for financial assistance via access cab schemes or transport concession cards. Recipients of Centrelink payments may also be eligible for transport subsidies.
For further information see transport subsidies and financial assistance.
Many TAFE courses have practical components that students are required to undertake for example field trips and 'on the job' placements. These placements are often at the expense of the student so it is important to find out about these costs in advance. Many TAFE institutes provide students with essential equipment such as tents but students will be required to meet any outstanding costs such as uniforms, travel, food expenses and appropriate safety clothing.
To find out if your course has practical components that are funded by the student contact the course coordinator in advance. This will assist you budget for extra expenses associated with your course.