Other Useful Information
Paying for University Study Quick Facts About the Higher Education Reforms In 2005
This information only applies to domestic students who commenced higher education for the first time in 2005 or after 2005. Different arrangements may apply to people who have commenced higher education before 2005.
This is meant only as a brief introduction to the Higher Education Reforms - check the website: www.goingtouni.gov.au for more detailed information.
Overview
The Australian Government announced a package of Higher Education Reforms effective from 1 January 2005. Initiatives developed to support the reforms are briefly described below.
Changes to Student Contributions
The Australian Government will no longer set student contributions through the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS). Instead, institutions will determine their own student contribution level for each course within ranges set by the Australian Government.
Band |
Estimated student contribution range for 2008 |
National Priorities |
$0 to $4,077 |
Band 1 |
$0 to $5,095 |
Band 2 |
$0 to $7,260 |
Band 3 |
$0 to $8,499 |
Types of Students
As a local student you will be a Commonwealth supported (CSP) student. Not all universities, nor all courses at a university, will be offering fee-paying places.
Commonwealth Supported (CSP) students
As a Commonwealth supported student you must belong to one of the following categories:
As a Commonwealth supported student, the Australian Government will contribute towards your course costs; you will also pay a ‘student contribution’. When you enrol you must complete a form to choose how you will pay your student contribution.
The amount of student contribution you must pay is determined by the institution you attend, and depends on your course of study. Each institution sets its own student contributions for each unit of study, so student contributions will vary between institutions and courses. These student contributions must be within a range set by the Australian Government (see table). You will need to contact the university(ies) of your choice to confirm the fees to be charged in 2009 for the courses you apply for. In particular, to encourage students to study mathematics and science courses the Federal government is reviewing the student contribution for those courses, with effect from 1 January 2009. You must have sufficient Student Learning Entitlement to be a Commonwealth supported (CSP) student.
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
If you are an Australian citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa, you may pay your student contribution up front or you may request a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan. If you pay the total of your student contribution up front you will be eligible for a 20% discount.
Repayments for all HELP loans are based on income. You do not have to start repaying your HELP debt until your income reaches a certain level ($39,825 during the 2007 - 2008 income year).
If you are a New Zealand citizen or the holder of another Australian permanent visa (not a humanitarian visa) you do not have access to HELP loans. You must pay your student contribution up front without a discount.
Commonwealth Learning Scholarships (CLS)
The Australian Government has established the Commonwealth Learning Scholarships (CLS) Program to provide financial assistance if you are from a low socio-economic background (see Scholarships).
For further information, contact the university you are interested in attending.
Student Learning Entitlement (SLE)
If you are an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or the holder of an Australian permanent visa, you will receive a Student Learning Entitlement (SLE), giving you access to seven years equivalent full-time study as a Commonwealth supported (CSP) student.
Additional SLE is allocated in specific circumstances, for example if you are enrolled in an undergraduate course that is longer than six years.
Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN)
If you receive Commonwealth higher education assistance (as a CSP student, through a HELP loan or through a CLS - Commonwealth Learning Scholarship), you must have a Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN). This number will stay with you throughout your academic life, allowing your eligibility for Commonwealth support to be facilitated and monitored.
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is responsible for allocating CHESSNs. If you apply through TISC, a CHESSN will automatically be allocated to you.
If you receive Commonwealth assistance, you will be advised of your CHESSN when you enrol.
Information about the student guild will be available at enrolment. Guild membership is voluntary.
Financial assistance is provided by Centrelink for students studying full-time and part-time.
Youth Allowance is available to eligible full-time students aged 16 to 24; full-time students aged 25 or over who were getting Youth Allowance before they turned 25 and are still doing the same course; and young people up to 21 who are combining part-time job search or work and part-time study. For further details and claim forms contact 13 24 90.
Austudy is available to eligible full-time students aged 25 years and over. Payments are subject to income and assets tests. For further details and claim forms contact 13 24 90.
ABSTUDY provides financial assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who undertake approved full-time and part-time study. The ABSTUDY living Allowance is a means tested payment. Other allowances are available to assist students with expenses associated with study. For further details and claim forms contact 13 23 17.
Pensioner Education Supplement is available to students in receipt of certain Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs income support payments. For further details contact 13 24 90.
Other benefits are available to students receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY. Students may also qualify for a Low Income Card and Rent Assistance may be payable in some cases (including Austudy from 1 January 2008). To find out more go to any Centrelink Customer Service Centre. There are also six Centrelink Student Service Centres in WA:
Centrelink staff will assess eligibility and arrange payments. You can also visit their website at www.centrelink.gov.au.
For information or help in languages other than English call 13 12 02. For the teletypewriter service for hearing and speech impaired call TM1800 810 586.
topAll four universities offer a growing number of scholarships to assist students financially. Some scholarships are for academic excellence, others for community commitment, and others for students with educational or financial disadvantages. Some are course specific, some are campus specific, some assist with accommodation costs, some assist with fees or books. They are many and varied, and you would be well advised to investigate what may be available.
Curtin University of Technology Scholarships
The Curtin scholarships are available to all first year students studying at Curtin, regardless of age, gender and course of study. Consideration will be given to indigenous students, students from rural and regional areas and students with disabilities.
Detailed information on the scholarships, including the eligibility criteria, selection criteria and application process, is available on the Curtin website at scholarships.curtin.edu.au.
Edith Cowan University Scholarships
ECU offers a great deal of options when it comes to Scholarships. For further information on Scholarships at ECU, go to www.ecu.edu.au/scholarships or call ECU Scholarships on (08) 9273 8816.
Murdoch Scholarships
Murdoch University provides scholarship opportunities for enrolling students. They welcome applicants who meet the criteria and more detailed information can be found at www.oss.murdoch.edu.au/scholarships/.
The University of Western Australia Awards and Scholarships
There are many awards and scholarships for which UWA students are eligible to apply. Check the Scholarships Office web site at www.scholarships.uwa.edu.au/home/undergrad.
Advanced Standing/Credit Transfer
Universities Australia, to which the Western Australian universities subscribe, along with the Commonwealth Government, are sponsoring initiatives to encourage the wider recognition of studies undertaken at other post-secondary institutions. In essence, students entering a course should not be required to repeat studies or work they have already undertaken at the same level in recent years.
For further information please refer to Universities Australia website.
Applicants with previous tertiary study may be eligible for advanced standing at the participating universities in Western Australia. You should select 'Yes' for this question in your application. Full documentary evidence should be supplied as outlined in Supporting Documents. Applications for credit are dealt with on a case by case basis by each university. The credit granted will be determined by the university according to the following guidelines:
Curtin University of Technology acknowledges previous studies and relevant learning if it can be demonstrated that it meets the competencies required of the Curtin unit(s), however, the University requires students to complete a sufficient number of units to warrant the conferral of a Curtin University of Technology award. Enquiries about credit for your course should be directed to the appropriate School or Department, or visit Recognition of Prior Learning on http://www.futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.
Edith Cowan University: You can apply for advanced standing for previous tertiary study, TAFE Diplomas, or other equivalent experience and / or qualifications. The university will approve advanced standing, subject to criteria and conditions determined by the relevant Faculty Board. In general, the final year of study for the degree must be completed at Edith Cowan University. Advanced standing will not be approved for Secondary school study or TAFE certificates. For further information regarding Advanced Standing visit http://www.ecu.edu.au/student/enrolment/advancedstanding.php.
Murdoch University participates in the Universities Australia National TAFE-University Credit Transfer Scheme. Applicants who have successfully completed studies at a recognised university, or Certificate IV level studies or higher from a nationally recognised registered training organisation, may be considered for advanced standing. The amount of credit awarded for this study is not necessarily dependent on any overlap between this study and the proposed study at Murdoch University. Advanced standing may be considered on the basis of uncredentialled prior learning, such as work experience, where this prior learning demonstrates competence in the objectives of a Murdoch unit or units. For more information about advanced standing and the advanced standing process, please go to Murdoch's website.
The University of Western Australia deals with applications for credit on a case by case basis. The credit granted will be largely dependent on the overlap between your previous study and the courses offered at the University, although non-specific credit (which does not confer exemption from normal prerequisites) is also available. The amount and nature of the credit granted may be limited by particular faculty regulations governing the structure of degrees. In general, at a minimum, the final year of study for the degree must be completed at the University. For further information on credit availability, please contact the appropriate Faculty office.
Students
With Disabilities or Chronic Medical Conditions
Many persons have disabilities or chronic medical conditions which affect their mobility, sight, hearing, ability to communicate, manual dexterity and so on. Difficulties for individual students will depend upon factors such as the nature of the course, the design of a particular campus and the nature of the disability.
Under equal opportunity legislation, applicants cannot be discriminated against in the selection process on the grounds of their disability medical condition or learning difficulty. Each of the tertiary institutions will use its available resources to assist students with disabilities, wherever possible, to complete whatever course they choose.
Applicants unable to undertake a normal full-time workload because of severe physical disability may still qualify for Youth Allowance/Austudy. For details contact Centrelink.
Persons with disabilities desiring to pursue a course of tertiary study are invited to seek advice or assistance and to discuss their particular interests and needs by contacting the relevant institution. The appropriate contact persons and their telephone numbers are as follows:
Curtin University of Technology
Counsellor (Disability) (Jennie Benjamin or Jackie Weinman)
Telephone (08) 9266 7850
Fax (08) 9266 3052
Email J.Benjamin@curtin.edu.au or J.Weinman@curtin.edu.au
Website http://disability.curtin.edu.au
Edith Cowan University
Equity and Diversity Officer
Telephone (08) 6304 5669
Fax (08) 6304 5886
Email studentequity@ecu.edu.au
Website http://www.ecu.edu.au/student/student-equity/rights.php
Murdoch University
Disability Support Officer (Helen Makeham)
Telephone: (08) 9360 6152 or (08) 9360 6084
Email: h.makeham@murdoch.edu.au.
Website http://equityaccess.murdoch.edu.au/disability
The University of Western Australia
Disabilities Officer
Telephone (08) 6488 7864 / 3809 / 4630
Fax (08) 6488 1119
Email: uniaccess@uwa.edu.au
Website http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/disability
If you would like to recieve information from the universities about facilities available for students with disabilities or chronic medical conditions please indicate on the TISC application. This service is confidential.
Alternatively, check the website of the relevant universities for further information.
Student Housing
Most metropolitan students live at home, particularly during their first year of tertiary study. Others, however, find they need to live away from home. Important factors in the choice of accommodation are transport costs, daily travel time, the suitability of the residence as an environment in which to study and the actual services (eg meals, laundry) provided.
Curtin University of Technology
The University provides accommodation at several of its campuses as a means for our students to be more integrated with their fellow students, and to enjoy the convenience of accessing campus facilities.
Bentley Campus: There are seven residences on the Bentley campus. All are furnished, self-catering and are within walking distance of a large shopping centre, as well as Curtin’s many cafeterias and facilities. For more details, and for assistance in finding off-campus accommodation in Perth, contact the Housing Advisory Service on (08) 9266 4430 or website: www.housing.curtin.edu.au.
Kalgoorlie Campus: Agricola College offers a choice of semi-board or self-contained units. For more details, contact the Administration of Agricola College Kalgoorlie on telephone (08) 9088 6600.
Northam Campus: The Muresk Halls of Residence offers full-board, individual study/bedrooms with shared facilities. For more details, contact the Housing and Conference Manager at Muresk Institute on telephone (08) 9690 1518.
Edith Cowan University
ECU has on-campus accommodation on the Joondalup, Mount Lawley and South West (Bunbury) campuses. The Student Villages provide a modern, friendly environment in self-catering units for a total population of 366 full-time students.
Contact the Housing Officer at:
Telephone within Australia: 134 328
From overseas: (618) 6304 0000
Email: housing@ecu.edu.au
Applications for 2009 should be submitted by the first week in December 2008. Priority is given to first year students and will be offered subject to confirmation of main round offers. You may download an application form at our website www.ecu.edu.au/fas/village/ or phone/email the Housing Officer direct.
Students seeking private off-campus accommodation should contact the Off-Campus Housing Officer on (08) 9370 6266 or refer to our website for more details.
Murdoch University
Murdoch University provides residential facilities on-campus for over 800 students in self-contained flats of four to eight study bedrooms. All the flats are fully furnished. Priority is given to first year students. Applications should be received by mid-January and applicants will be offered places after Main Round Offers.
Modified flats which are adapted for people with disabilities are available in the Student Village. Assistance is available for those seeking off-campus housing.
Apply online via www.murdoch.edu.au/village or contact us on telephone (08) 9360 2909 or fax (08) 9360 2977 or email village@murdoch.edu.au for further information.
The University of Western Australia
The University of Western Australia has four residential colleges and a hall of residence. St Catherine’s College, St George’s College, St Thomas More College, and Trinity normally only offer places to students from UWA, while Currie Hall only offers accommodation to UWA students. For more detailed information on services and facilities available and how to apply, please refer to their websites.
The University’s Housing Office can assist students who would like to secure off-campus housing. The Housing Officer maintains lists of rooms, flats and houses available for rent in the areas surrounding the campus. There are also a range of pamphlets and brochures available from the Housing Office, designed to assist students understand the legal aspects of negotiating property leases, bonds, property condition reports etc.
For further information or assistance, please contact the Housing Office by telephone on (08) 6488 3547 or by email at housing@uwa.edu.au or access the website: www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/housing.
Child Care
Curtin University of Technology
A purpose-built childcare centre is operated on the Bentley Campus for children of students and staff. Qualified childcare professionals run the centre, which caters for children from ages 0-6 years. Hours of operation are 7.30am to 6pm. The Centre has a Qualified Chef and conducts a number of parent support programs that ensure your return to work or study is assisted in every possible way. Enrolment is made through the Centre and early application is advised due to high demand. The Centre has been accredited by the National Child Care Accreditation Council and is known for its high quality care. For further information and a Registration Form contact the Centre on (08) 9266 7459 or visit www.curtinchildcare.com.au.
Edith Cowan University
Child Care Centres are located at the Churchlands, Joondalup and Mount Lawley Campuses. Places are available for children aged 0–5 years. At Bunbury, a cooperative arrangement with the South West Regional TAFE jointly offers some 42 places for children aged 0-6 years.
Demand for child care is extremely high and it is necessary to apply to the Director of one of the centres for enrolment information. Placement of children is wholly dependent on vacancies being available. Parental enrolment at the University does not automatically guarantee child care. All centres are funded by the Federal Government. Details of fees are available from Centre Directors.
Murdoch University
A purpose-built child care centre is located on campus. It can accommodate 48 children: 8 babies, 10 two-year olds and 30 children over the age of three years. The centre conforms with Federal and State regulations and has been accredited for three years by the National Child Care Accreditation Council. The University supports the centre and subsidises students’ use. For further information contact the Director of the centre on (08) 9360 2610 or visit http://www.murdoch.edu.au/childcare/contact.php.
The University of Western Australia
UWA Child Care is situated at 7 Monash Avenue, Nedlands. It caters for up to 47 children aged from 6 weeks to school age. Care is provided on a daily or weekly basis 7.55am-5.55pm. Child Care Benefit is available to all Australian residents by applying with the Family Assistance Office. The Centre offers the following priority of access: 1) UWA Staff; 2) UWA Students; 3) General Community. There may be waiting lists for some age groups. For further information contact the Centre Director, telephone: (08) 9389 9511, email childcare@uwa.edu.au or website www.childcare.uwa.edu.au.
An Out of School and Vacation Centre Service is also provided by the University. The facility is available from 3.00pm to 6.00pm on school days, and children can be collected from their schools by UWA bus. In addition, a Vacation Centre is open during Department of Education and Training school holidays and local pupil free days. Contact the Child-care Manager, telephone (08) 9389 9433, mobile 0412 904 614 or email childcare@admin.uwa.edu.au for advice.
Full-time and regular part-time child care facilities are also provided by Unicare. Unicare is a purpose-built child care centre operated on campus caring for 100 children from 0-6 years. Children of students, staff and the community are eligible to attend. The centre is run by qualified staff. Hours of operation are 7:30am-6:15pm, as well as some public holidays. Enrolment is made through the centre. The centre is known for its high quality care and has been accredited by the National Child Care Accreditation Council. For further information and an enrolment form contact the centre on (08) 9389 8111 or e-mail unicare@bigpond.net.au or visit the website: www.unichildcare.com.au.