Commonwealth supported students

For domestic students who are offered Commonwealth supported places, the Australian Government pays some money directly to universities, but there is also a student contribution amount which varies depending on courses undertaken. With regard to student contribution amounts, Commonwealth supported students fall into two categories:

  • Australian citizens and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa are eligible for an Australian Government loan – called HECS-HELP (formerly HECS). These students do not have to pay their student contributions amounts up front - they can defer the liability and only begin repaying their loans when they earn above the threshold amount. This is indexed annually and is $41,595 for the 2008/09 financial year. However, if these students elect to pay up front, they receive a 20% discount.
     
  • New Zealand citizens and holders of a permanent non-humanitarian visa must pay their student contribution amounts up front and do not qualify for HECS-HELP loans or the 20% discount for up front payments. This is not a UQ policy, but a decision of the Australian Government.

Students must also have sufficient Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) to be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place.

For more information, view the Australian Government's booklet Information for Commonwealth Supported Students (PDF)

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