What will it cost?

When preparing for university life, be aware of likely costs such as living expenses, accommodation, meals, transport and entertainment, and plan accordingly. While weighing up the expenses of studying, always remember the benefits of having the qualification you need to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Fees

Most students enrolled in undergraduate degrees at CSU have Commonwealth supported places (CSP). This means you only make a contribution towards the cost of your education (known as the student contribution). The student contribution amount is incurred by Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents who reside in Australia during their studies.

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How will I afford study?

Your degree is an investment in your future and there are various schemes, most notably HECS-HELP, to help you alleviate the upfront costs of your degree.

HECS-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible Commonwealth supported students to pay their student contribution. You may pay your student contribution upfront to CSU and receive a 10% discount, or defer payment through the Australian taxation system via a HECS-HELP loan.

• apply for scholarships to study at CSU
• Indigenous students may be eligible for ABSTUDY
• students under the age of 25 can apply for Youth Allowance
• students over 25 can apply for AUSTUDY
• sit down and work out a budget
• take on a part-time job over summer
• buy textbooks second-hand

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Cost of living

The overall cost of obtaining a degree at CSU is lower than most other universities in Australia and our students find that the cost of living is less in a regional centre compared to metropolitan locations.

When working out your budget, consider this rough guide:

• Accommodation - on campus accommodation ranges from about AUD$130-$320 per week depending on whether you choose a self-catered or catered option
  
• Books - textbook costs vary depending on your course and whether you share textbooks or buy them new or second-hand. New textbooks can cost from around AUD$100 per subject per semester
• Clothes - this will depend on personal preference. Our campus cities have some fabulous 'op shops' for the bargain hunter and a great range of clothing stores
• Groceries - AUD$60-$100 per week
• Travel expenses - if you live on or close to campus, many things you will need are in walking distance. If you live off campus, you need to consider fuel or public transport costs. Between AUD$20-$50 per week is a rough estimate
• Entertainment - usually worked out from the money left over, entertainment costs can be around AUD$50 a week. There are often free (or cheap) events held on campus and you can get student discounts at the movies.

Is part-time work an option while I study?

Our regional campus cities offer a variety of professional businesses and major department and grocery stores, plus a variety of smaller clothing and fast food outlets, providing opportunities for part-time and casual work to supplement income. The University also has some employment options for students.

Consider your study load, social life and free time and decide whether you want part-time work. If so,

• get your resume up-to-date
• consider getting your Responsible Service of Alcohol, Responsible Gaming or Safe Food Handling certificates
• consider work in the industry in which you aim to develop your career.

Where to go next:

• Fees and costs
• Orientation Week (O Week)
• Preparing for tertiary study
• Support services