What will Vocational Education & Training (VET) or university cost?

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Before you enter your course or degree start to organise your financial considerations. There are costs associated with attending post-secondary education and training, whether it be university or VET.

NB.You will not be charged for any adjustments made by the University or VET provider to enable your access to education and training. In many cases however you will be required to cover your own transport, personal care and diagnoses costs. It is best to contact the DLO at your preferred institution to discuss and negotiate these matters.

For a list of Disability staff in universities and VET across Central Queensland go to useful contacts page.

You may also find useful information about subsidy schemes and /or scholarships in your state or region by visiting the national RDLO/DCO website.

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Financial assistance

There is a range of assistance available for students in post-secondary education and training. The following page gives a brief outline of What Financial Assistance is Available? It is advisable to contact you local Centrelink office as well as the DLO, admissions and Student Services staff at your preferred university or VET provider.

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The cost of VET

The VET sector provide a range of government funded and fee for service courses. There is usually a nominal charge for materials etc. There are also scheduled fees for the provision of the training itself. These fees vary considerably. It is best to check with your preferred provider for a comprehensive list of fees and charges.

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The cost of University study

Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS)

In Australia, the Government pays most of the fees for the majority of University undergraduate degrees and some TAFE and Agricultural College courses. Students are still required to contribute some of their tuition fees however. This is called a HECS (Higher Education Contribution Scheme) fee. Under HECS an annual contribution charge will apply for each year of full-time study. HECS payment is calculated on the student’s study load. If you are not an Australian Citizen or resident, you may not be eligible for this subsidy and may have to pay the full cost of your tuition.

Payment arrangements:

For a full description of

go to http://www.hecs.gov.au/pubs/hecs2004/contents.htm

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Fee courses for Australian students

An increasing number of universities are offering places in courses to Australian students who can pay the full cost of the course. The OP / Selection Ranking requirements are usually different than those for HECS places. The full fees may range from $9,000 to $34,000 per year depending on the course. It may be possible for students admitted to a fee-paying place to transfer from a fee-paying place to a HECS place after their first year. See the QTAC Guide or contact the university of your choice for more information.

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International students

Students defined as International Students are required to pay full fees for their courses. See the HECS website for definitions. International Students and non-citizens/residents are covered by the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, and are entitled to disability services from universities on the same basis as local students.

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Service charges/facilities fees

Each year universities collect fees from students that go towards facilities and membership of student organisations. Usually the charges are between $250 and $450 per year, and need to be paid at or around the time of enrolment.

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Textbooks

The figures here are approximate costs taken from an investigation undertaken by Ms Olive Mallory of Central Queensland University on the cost of texts and materials for various courses during 2001. The final cost will vary depending on your individual needs/course/majors and the electives you choose in your course and should be used as a guide only.

Course Text Books

Autumn Semester
Stationery Uniforms/Lab Coats
Safety Glasses
Study Guides
lab Manuals
Lab Kits
Totals
B/Arts (This will vary depending on your selection of majors) 315 50 - - 365
B/Environmental Science 399 50 40 36 525
B/Information Technology 325 50 - 10 385
B/Social Work 349 50 - 10 409
B/Business 560 50 - 25 635
B/Education Primary 228 50 - 20 299
B/Tourism 276 50 - 10 336
B/Engineering 320 50 5 10 385
B/Communications 422 50 - - 472
B/Health(Nursing) 237 50 - - 287

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The RDLO Initiative is funded by the Department of Education, Science & Training

Disclaimer: CQU CRICOS Provider Codes: QLD - 00219C; NSW - 01315F; VIC - 0624D