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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.

The total of new and ongoing scholarships funded in 2012 exceeded $5 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?

The cost of your study will depend on which degree you are accepted into and which courses (subjects) you study as part of that degree. Costs will also alter depending on how many courses you take at any one time.

If you are an eligible domestic student, you have the option of taking out a loan for your uni fees under a HELP scheme such as HECS-HELP.

Subject to legislation passing, from 1 January 2014, the Australian Government will remove the upfront HECS-HELP discount of 10 per cent for eligible students that pay their student contributions upfront and the voluntary ATO HELP repayment bonus of five per cent.

Remember that your budget will need to allow for things such as textbooks and specific resources associated with your chosen degree - buying second hand can save you a lot of money.

For more detailed info visit our fees 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 pages.

Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

The Student Services and Ammenities Fee (SSAF) is one way the Univeristy of Newcastle delivers an outstanding experience for students across our campuses and online.

Following extensive student consultation and feedback, in 2013 we are directing $5.5 million into programs and initiatives that look after the health and welfare of students, provide advice and support, and deliver recreational services.

For 2013, full-time students will be charged SSAF to a maximum of $273 p.a. Students enrolled part-time will be charged a partial fee to a maximum of $204 p.a. Eligible domestic students are able to take advantage of a SA-HELP loan to cover this expense.

Find out more at our fees 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.

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.

New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent resident visa holders do not receive a discount and are required to pay their student contribution in full to the University by the census date in each term of study.

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 a Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF).
  • Supply the uni with your tax file number to enable the University to report your HELP loan to 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 repayments start when you are earning over $49,095 (this payment threshold is based on a 2012-13 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.

If you are eligible, you can choose to defer all or part of the fee 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 Department of Human Services website.

HECS-HELP Benefit

The HECS-HELP Benefit aims to encourage graduates of maths, science, education and nursing 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 information visit the government website study assist.

Scholarships

The University of Newcastle offers scholarships ranging from $500 right through to $15,000 per year.

In 2012, we awarded more than $5 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.

While many of the scholarships we offer consider academic performance, we also award scholarships for sport, specific degrees, Indigenous students or even travel.

See all of the scholarships on offer and find out how to apply at our scholarships pages.