Commonwealth Supported Places

In a world that demands more from its professionals, a postgraduate degree can set you apart.

At the University of Newcastle, we make this educational journey both accessible and affordable through Government-subsidised support, commonly referred to as Commonwealth supported places (CSPs).

What is a Commonwealth supported place?

A CSP is not just a seat in a classroom; it's your gateway to a brighter future. When you enrol in one of our select postgraduate programs, the Australian Government subsidises a significant portion of your tuition fees. This support is broken down into:

• An Australian Government contribution: The government subsidises a major part of your tuition.
• A student contribution: This remaining amount can be paid upfront or deferred through a HECS-HELP loan, depending on your eligibility.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility extends to Australian citizens, New Zealand Special Category Visa holders, and permanent humanitarian visa holders. Your eligibility is automatically assessed during your application process, and your letter of offer will indicate whether the place you have been offered is a CSP. A select number of our postgraduate degrees offer this invaluable support, so it’s best to apply early.

Indigenous students

Indigenous students are eligible to CSP in all postgraduate coursework programs. On application you will be required to complete the Establishing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Status form and supply any supporting documentation.

Learn more about CSP for Indigenous students

Don’t qualify for a CSP?

For those who may not qualify for a CSP, or are enrolled in full-fee paying postgraduate program, FEE-HELP is an available option. FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that allows you to defer your tuition fees until you’re earning above a certain threshold.

Explore our postgraduate CSP offerings below and take the next step in your career journey today. Now is the time.