Costs & Scholarships
Costs and scholarships
There are costs involved in studying at uni but don’t let this deter you from achieving your dream, there are systems in place to help you.
In 2011, we offered approximately 2000 scholarships with a collective value of more than $6 million. Scholarships are a great confidence boast and can greatly ease financial pressures – check out all the info on scholarships below and remember there’s no need to stop at one application.
How much does uni cost?
Different degrees are assigned different fees, so you'll need to do some specific research. Costs will also alter depending on how many subjects you take at any one time.
If you are eligible, you have the option of taking out a loan for your uni fees under a HELP scheme - FEE HELP or HECS-HELP. You’ll need to budget for things such as textbooks and specific resources associated with your chosen degree – buying second hand can save you a lot of money.
The Australian Parliament recently passed legislation allowing universities and other higher education providers to charge a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
During 2012 Australian Universities, including the University of Newcastle, will be introducing a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) to improve the services offered to all students.
For 2012 full time students will be charged half the fee, a maximum of $132 from July. Students enrolled part-time will be charged a partial fee of $99. Eligible students are able to take advantage of a SA-HELP loan to cover this expense.
For more detailed info visit our fees web pages.
If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder, or New Zealand citizen residing in Australia, visit our international web pages.
Payment options
If you are a domestic undergraduate student, you will be offered a Commonwealth Supported Place for your study. This means that the Australian Government pays for the cost of some of your degree, and you pay the rest in the form of a student contribution.
You can pay your student contribution in-full, partially or, if eligible, defer it completely through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full payment of your student contribution, and partial payments of $500 or more, paid to the University before the census date means you can receive a 10% discount on the amount you pay.
Eligible students who make partial payments or who choose not to pay will have any outstanding balances deferred to the Tax Office (ATO) via a HECS-HELP loan.
Payments of $500 or more paid to the Tax Office at any time after the HELP loan has been deferred will attract a 5% discount on amounts paid.
New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent resident visa holders do not receive a discount and are required to pay their student contribution in full.
HECS-HELP loan
To make uni more affordable, the Australian Government offers students a loan under the HECS Higher Education Loan Program (HECS-HELP) scheme.
This loan is available to Australian citizens and Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders enrolled in Commonwealth Supported Places.
You won’t actually get the money – the government covers the cost of your contribution by paying the loan amount directly to the uni on your behalf.
How it works:
- As part of your enrolment you will need to complete an application for Commonwealth Assistance.
- Supply the uni with your tax file number and the debt is recorded for you with the Tax Office.
- When you start working and your income reaches a certain threshold, your HELP loan will be repaid each year through the taxation system.
- The amount you have to pay each year depends on how much you earn (from 4% to a maximum of 8% of your income).
When do I pay my HECS-HELP loan back?
If you defer part or all of your student contribution, compulsory repayment starts when you are earning over $47,195 (this payment threshold is based on a 2011-12 income – income thresholds are adjusted annually).
SA-HELP loan
SA-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay their Student Services and Amenities Fees. Eligible students can choose to defer all or part of their fee for each year.
To receive a SA-HELP loan, you need to:
- Be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa
- Be enrolled in a degree – non award students are not eligible for SA-HELP
- Complete a Commonwealth Assistance form for SA-HELP
- Provide your tax file number details to the University
You can take out a SA-HELP Loan if you do not have a HECS-HELP loan provided you meet all other eligibility criteria.
Abstudy, Austudy and Youth Allowance
Support schemes are available from the Australian Government to help you continue your studies.
Specific criteria must be met to be eligible. Phone Centrelink on 13 24 90 for more info or visit the Centrelink website.
HECS-HELP Benefit
The HECS-HELP benefit aims to encourage graduates of maths and science undergraduate degrees to take up employment in specified occupations, and to encourage early childhood education teachers working in specified locations.
Graduates need to apply for the benefit annually. It is not a cash payment but reduces your compulsory HELP repayment or accumulated HELP debt.
For more info visit the government website study assist.
Scholarships
The University of Newcastle offers scholarships ranging from $500 right through to $14,000 per year.
In 2011, we awarded more than $6 million in scholarships to approximately 2,000 students.
A scholarship can help with all kinds of study costs including textbooks, fees, accommodation and living expenses.
Whilst many of the scholarships we offer consider academic performance, we also award scholarships for sport, specific degrees, Indigenous students or even travel.
To see all of the scholarships available and to find out how to apply visit our scholarships web pages.
