Contents. University study is within your reach 2

Transcription

1

2 About this guide This guide provides general information about financial support for those considering university study. There is a range of cost considerations, such as course fees, textbooks, transport, accommodation, food and, of course, a social life, however with a bit of planning and the right information, you can make it happen. Many initiatives may change during the year, it provides some ideas to help make decisions about the affordability of going to university and tips on where to look for help. We hope you find it useful.

3 Contents University study is within your reach 2 Help with the cost of study 3 - HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP 3 - Youth Allowance 3 - Austudy and ABSTUDY 3 - Upfront discount 3 Scholarships and grants 4 Reducing the cost of study 5 - Study on campus 5 - Study by distance education or part-time 5 - Combine your qualifications 5 Benefits of studying in regional Australia 6 Benefits of distance education 7 Subject costs 7 Support for you 8 - A helping hand 8 - Finding work 8 - Access to clinics 8 - Access to library and leisure facilities 9 - Student discounts 9 - Indigenous community 9 Planning for life on campus 10 Budgeting 10 School students what you can do 11 Already working? 12 Not working, but want to be? 12

4 University study is within your reach When weighing up the expenses of studying, always remember the benefits of having the qualification you need to achieve your personal and professional goals. You can t afford not to go to University... BOOST YOUR SALARY Here are some examples of the average starting salary for Bachelor graduates in their first full-time employment in a range of fields in 2014 (aged under 25) (AUD): education - $59,000; accounting - $50,000; dentistry - $75,000; agricultural science - $51,000; psychology- $50,000; social work - $55,000; paramedical studies - $55,000 (GradStats, 2014). Salaries for university graduates are generally higher than those in fields like retail, hospitality or starting out in a trade, and your earning potential will increase throughout your career. IMPROVE YOUR EMPLOYABILITY A recent survey showed that more than 84% of CSU domestic graduates find employment within four months of completing their Bachelor degree. Many positions in the workforce require a degree to have your application considered or meet accreditation requirements. GAIN EXPERIENCE Most CSU undergraduate degrees contain learning experiences in workplaces, laboratories, studios or clinics, which can put you ahead of other job applicants and help keep up your enthusiasm for your course. This also means CSU graduates appeal to employers for their workplace knowledge. BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS University study whether on campus or by distance education brings you together with people from many cultures and provides opportunities to discover new viewpoints.you benefit from a broader world-view and different ideas on a whole range of topics. DEVELOP LIFE SKILLS A university degree teaches you more than just the skills and knowledge required for your career. You will learn how to become more disciplined, organised, motivated and independent, capable of developing informed opinions and solving complex problems! MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD The skills and experience you gain at university will ensure you become a globally aware citizen, committed to lifelong learning and ready to make a difference in the world. You ll have opportunities to volunteer, join a club or even travel overseas. 4 Charles Sturt University UNI GRADUATES HAVE A HIGH RATE OF WORK SATISFACTION

5 Help with the cost of study Your degree is an investment in your future and various schemes are available to help you afford to study. The most notable of these is HECS-HELP, however there are also government allowances, support schemes, scholarships and loans to help make study achievable. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP HECS-HELP is a loan scheme that helps you pay for a degree by deferring your fees until you are earning a salary. All undergraduate and some postgraduate degrees at CSU have Commonwealth supported places, where your fees are subsidised by the Australian government and paid upfront on your behalf to the university. A debt is noted against your tax file number and once you are earning more than a set amount ($53,345 in the financial year), repayments are deducted from your pay through the taxation system. A similar loan scheme is also available for postgraduate students enrolled in full-fee paying courses, called FEE-HELP. To find out more about these schemes, visit: Youth Allowance You could be eligible to receive Youth Allowance payments from the government if you are from a low socio-economic background or have to move away from home to study (particularly if you are from a regional area). Youth Allowance is available to full-time students under the age of 24 who meet eligibility criteria. When you apply, you will be assessed as either dependent (when your parents income will also be considered) or independent (where only your own circumstances are taken into consideration). Austudy and ABSTUDY If you are over 25, you can apply for Austudy payments to help while you re studying full-time. Indigenous students of any age may be eligible for ABSTUDY. These allowances are income and assets tested for the person receiving the payment. To see if you are eligible, visit: or contact: Youth Allowance: Austudy (students over 25): ABSTUDY: Upfront discount If you d like to pay some of your tuition fees upfront, you may be eligible for a discount (at time of printing). One option is to pay $500 or more and receive a 10% discount if you pay your fees before the census date, about four weeks after the start of each session. You can choose to pay some of your fees upfront, receive the discount on that portion if it is over $500, and then defer the rest through HECS-HELP. HECS-HELP arrangements depend on federal government legislation. To check the latest arrangements, visit: Making university affordable 5

6 Scholarships and grants You don t have to be the smartest student in the class to get a scholarship, as CSU has scholarships for a wide range of criteria even some for where you live! CSU students have access to a huge range of scholarships and selection criteria vary from academic achievement to motivation to succeed. You can increase your chances of receiving a scholarship by being involved in school committees or local sporting teams, or participating in community services such as charity events. New scholarships are being introduced all the time so check the website regularly. Scholarships from alumni and industry: Scholarships offered by the university and business community could be awarded for one year or for the duration of your course, and could provide payments ranging from $1,000 to $20,000. Some industry-sponsored scholarships also include work experience. Accommodation scholarships: If you re moving away from home to come to CSU, you could be eligible for a scholarship to help with the cost of accommodation. TAFE scholarships: Students from a TAFE background could be eligible for scholarships to make the transition to University a little easier. Equity scholarships: These scholarships support students who have come from low socio-economic backgrounds, Indigenous students, or students from rural and regional areas, to get you started on the right foot at CSU. Grants: If you have to attend a residential school, buy computer equipment, relocate to study at CSU or need some help with travel and accommodation costs to go on a professional placement, CSU offers one-off grants to put towards these costs. Travel grants: Get some help with the cost of adding an international flavour to your degree with a travel grant from CSU Global. Scholarships and criteria, including information on how to apply for a scholarship, can be found on the CSU scholarships website: or you can phone us on More information on grants and other forms of financial assistance can be found online at: Spending your scholarship money Scholarships are designed to help make it easier for you to meet the cost of study. Some will give you payments or instalments you can use in any way you see fit, like buying textbooks or stationery, computer equipment or living expenses if you have moved away to study. Other grants and scholarships are for a specific purpose, and may be paid directly off the costs of your accommodation or international experience. You don t have to have the highest IQ to gain a scholarship! 6 Charles Sturt University

7 Reducing the cost of study Studying at a regional university can offer real savings throughout your degree, whether you study on campus or by distance education. Study on campus CSU s campuses are located in vibrant regional centres, and while expenses like tuition and textbooks may be similar, the cost of living is usually much lower than major cities. Accommodation on campus or private rental off campus is generally cheaper, and living expenses like food, entertainment and public transport can often be more affordable too. If you drive, most places you want to go are just minutes away, reducing your fuel costs, and parking on our regional campuses is free! Plus, you ll have a great social life with lots of free or cheap student events on campus, and plenty of clubs you can join that offer special activities too. Study by distance education or part-time Distance education allows you to keep working while you study for your degree. Most distance education students complete their degree part-time, which allows them to spread out study-related costs. You could study just one or two subjects in each session, rather than a typical full-time study load of four subjects. You can even vary your study load depending on your circumstances each session. Tuition fees can still be deferred through HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. Best of all, as an enrolled student, you ll still have access to all the sport, recreation, library and support facilities if you choose to visit a CSU campus. To find out more about how you can fit study into your life, visit: Combine your qualifications TAFE study can be a great way to get a head start on a university degree. If you already have a TAFE qualification, you could be eligible for credit when you enrol in a related degree, cutting down your study time and helping you get the qualifications you need to advance your career more quickly. Some courses at CSU combine TAFE and University study at the same time, so you could graduate with a number of recognised qualifications - great value for money! For more information, visit: Distance education or part-time study can be the perfect solution to help you get the degree you have always wanted, even if you have family commitments or work full-time. IF YOU RE A TAFE GRADUATE, YOU RE IN A FANTASTIC POSITION TO FURTHER YOUR STUDY AT UNI. Making university affordable 7

8 Benefits of studying in regional Australia Job opportunities While the job market is still competitive, there are often shortages in key professions in regional areas. Working in a smaller team, you could also gain broader experience or take on more responsibilities in your career than your city-based counterparts. This gives you a great start to your career and the potential to apply for more senior positions sooner. CSU has developed strong partnerships with a variety of industries in regional Australia, allowing students access to work placement opportunities and part-time work while completing their studies. Many of CSU s courses offer practicum opportunities from the first year of study, ensuring you are industry-ready. And remember, CSU consistently ranks highly for graduate employment. Lower cost of living While living in major cities can be fun and exciting, they can be expensive places to live while you re studying. CSU offers courses in some of NSW s fastest growing regional cities: Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga, and Wangaratta in Victoria. CSU also has campuses in Canberra and Parramatta, and operates the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security at Manly. CSU s campuses offer a unique study experience you ll have access to the best of city living along with the benefits of a regional lifestyle, including affordable accommodation and transport. Sharing accommodation off campus in a regional area is much more economical than in a metropolitan city as you may only need to budget about $90-$280 for rent per week. For the price of squishing into a tiny apartment in Melbourne or Sydney, you could live on campus with meals included at CSU! Living on campus is also affordable, with various meal plans available on some campuses, and transport costs are minimal as you can walk to lectures. Accommodation packages include furnishings and internet, plus all your power and water costs, and prices in 2015 range from about $5,900 per year for accommodation during session only, to less than $12,000 per year for accommodation with all meals provided, including access to your room during session breaks. For package information and other costs, please visit: For more information on financial assistance options, visit: ALBURY-WODONGA NEW SOUTH WALES BATHURST PORT MACQUARIE DUBBO ORANGE BATHURST PARRAMATTA MANLY SYDNEY CANBERRA WAGGA WAGGA ALBURY-WODONGA ACT CANBERRA VICTORIA WANGARATTA MELBOURNE DUBBO ORANGE PORT MACQUARIE WAGGA WAGGA WANGARATTA 8 Charles Sturt University

9 Benefits of studying by distance education Courses offered by distance education at CSU offer similar learning opportunities to on campus courses, but can provide more flexibility. You will also reduce incidental costs, like accommodation in a new city, or travel to campus each day. Most of your study materials will be provided online, so you don t have to attend classes on campus. Grants may be available to help with costs if your course has residential schools, and as an enrolled CSU student, you will have access to all the facilities and services offered on campus too. So if you re worried that you can t afford to quit work to study, or that your busy schedule won t allow you the time to study, consider online study. The benefits include: the ability to continue to work while completing a degree that could lead to the pay rise or career progression you always wanted the opportunity to remain employed while you study to make a career change flexibility to choose where and when you study a range of tools to interact with fellow students in an online environment and build strong industry networks the option of getting a taste of a new career area by studying a single subject before committing to a full degree lower costs as you avoid travel to campus or having to relocate to one of CSU s campus cities. Distance education tuition fees can still be deferred through HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. For more information, visit: Make sure you check the online forums and noticeboards on campus once you start your degree to see if you can buy textbooks second-hand. Subject costs Sometimes when you look at the cost of university as a whole it can seem overwhelming, however if you take it piece by piece, things can be manageable and affordable. Most students will defer their fees under HECS-HELP scheme, and start to repay their tuition fees only after reaching the income threshold of AUD$53,345 ( financial year) when they are employed. Subjects could cost between $770 and $1,280 depending on the discipline. You can defer that amount under HECS-HELP and, once you reach the income threshold, you will start repaying your loan at the set rate (currently 4% of your earnings). Check out the calculator at: In the meantime, you will have boosted your knowledge, skills, friendship and professional networks, and your employability. A UNIVERSITY DEGREE WILL PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO EARN A HIGHER SALARY Making university affordable 9

10 Support for you A helping hand Many support services are available for CSU students, often free or at a subsidised rate. There is ongoing help available to you while you study at university, including Learning Skills Academic Support; free counselling, health and welfare services; careers assistance; student loans and support to manage your finances; social and sporting activities; access to student representatives and councils; accommodation and Student Equity and Disability Support. Student Services also has an extensive online support environment, and staff can make contact with you in person or virtually, regardless of where or how you re studying. CSU Outreach is also available to all CSU students studying by distance education and can assist with your orientation to CSU and DE study; study skills; preparing assignments; time management; online learning; and any other questions you may have. The team hits the road to visit various towns each year, so catch up with them at an outreach session or Regional Study Centre near you, on the phone or online, or connect to an online workshop. You can contact the CSU Outreach team on: deoutreach@csu.edu.au Finding work No doubt you will want to look for work to help with expenses and to get experience while you re studying. The student employment online forum is available for you to advertise your skills and/or look for work. The Careers Office also has an online tool called the Career Hub, which can help with building your resumé, interview skills and sourcing job opportunities, work experience and employment scholarships. You can also use Career Hub to keep in touch with upcoming events such as recruitment presentations, career fairs, industry networking events and employment preparation workshops. You may even be able to secure some casual work on campus, such as tutoring, retail positions or conducting campus tours. Access to clinics Depending on where you are located, as a CSU student you and your family can access a range of subsidised or reduced cost services and you don t have to be an on campus student. These may include: Community Engagement and Wellness Centre (Albury-Wodonga) Dental and Oral Health Clinics (Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga) Veterinary Clinical Centre and Veterinary Teaching Hospital (Wagga Wagga) for your pets. ACCOMMODATION CSU offers a wide range of accommodation on campus. You can select a package that suits your needs and budget, and save money on travel costs to attend classes. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES CSU provides a range of social activities for students and offers clubs to suit a wide variety of interests. You can also show your student card to receive discounts at places like the movies. 10 Charles Sturt University

11 Access to library and leisure facilities All CSU students have access to facilities on campus, so if you can get to any of our campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie or Wagga Wagga, you can use the facilities there. You are also welcome to play for our university sporting teams or represent CSU at the University Games. library in addition to academic resources, CSU s libraries offer students DVDs and books, newspapers and a wide range of magazines for their leisure recreation our main campuses offer recreational facilities, which are available to all students, whether they study on campus or by distance education. These facilities vary on each campus, and may include: - gymnasiums - swimming pool - basketball, squash, netball, volleyball and tennis courts, walking and bike tracks - football, soccer and hockey fields. Student discounts Many businesses in our campus cities offer discounts to students, and the University supports our students through provision of food, drinks and other items, often at much lower costs than available in town. You can also apply for a travel concession for student prices on government and private-run rail and bus networks. Indigenous community If you have an Indigenous background, you may be able to access grants or community support. Discuss your aspirations with your family and community, or with the Indigenous support services available at the university. Some CSU campuses also have Indigenous Student Centres, where you can drop in to access computers and free printing, relax with a cuppa, or get advice on accessing financial assistance or scholarships. For more information on how CSU supports its Indigenous students, visit: CLINICS Students can access subsidised or reduced cost services by visiting clinics on campus for things like dentistry and oral health, allied health or nutrition advice. Students enrolled by distance education are welcome to access services and facilities on CSU s campuses. Making university affordable 11

12 Planning for life on campus While it is affordable to go to university, it often takes planning and commitment. There is a range of costs to consider when preparing for your first year of study - accommodation, public transport, meals, and of course funds for socialising! To make sure you have enough money to cover living costs and have some fun at the same time, try following a budget to keep track of how you are spending your money, and find ways to save. The cost of your first year of study depends on what course you are completing and whether there are additional costs for workplace learning, special equipment, travel, etc. The following is a simple guide to help you consider your budget for your first year: Budgeting AREA OF EXPENSE HOUSING if you are studying on campus, or need to relocate to study, there are several options; catered and self-catered on campus; boarding with a local family; renting on your own, with friends or other students. All have their benefits, however remember to consider all costs involved in renting like paying a bond, bills or buying furniture and appliances. These estimates are for the accommodation only. TEXTBOOKS you can save money by purchasing second-hand textbooks as they are often around half the price of new books. You may also have the opportunity to share with other students or borrow textbooks from the library. Members of the Co-op Bookshop also get discounts on all purchases. GROCERIES if sharing a house with flatmates, the best option is to organise weekly joint grocery shopping trips, allowing you the opportunity to share the cost of common foods and take turns making meals. This is a great way to save money - and time! TRANSPORT if you live on or close to campus, many things you need will be within walking distance. If you live off campus, you could car-pool with other students to save on fuel costs, otherwise consider public transport. Local services run buses between CSU s campuses and the city. CLOTHING some courses require students to purchase uniforms or special clothing for practical experience, such as working in campus clinics or during internships. For casual clothing, our campus cities have a range of stores that offer clothing and footwear to suit all budgets. If you re a bargain hunter, you might even find some unique pieces in local op shops! HEALTH AND WELLBEING you may need to consider costs such as visiting a GP or dentist, purchasing prescription medications, and private health insurance. ENTERTAINMENT AND PERSONAL COSTS these are usually worked out from the money left over! There are often free or cheap events held on campus, or join a student club. You may be able to take advantage of student rates at some local businesses. Food and drinks on campus are also cheaper. BILLS accommodation on campus includes a private telephone and internet connection. You may also have a mobile phone. If you live off campus, consider costs including your telephone and internet, gas, electricity and water bills. APPROXIMATE AVERAGE COST (per week AUD$) Self-catered on campus $172-$267 (36 weeks / year) Catered on campus $261-$333 (36 weeks / year) Off campus board or rent $90-$280 (52 weeks) $100-$300 per subject, per session (new textbooks) $30-$50 (catered on campus) $80-$120 (self-catered or off campus) $25-$50 Varies depending on course and personal choice Cost will depend on health and personal preferences $30-$100 $20-$80 For more information about the costs you may expect while studying at university, visit: or: Other useful budgeting websites include: 12 Charles Sturt University

13 Worried about the cost of a computer? Some organisations, such as GreenPC, or Workventures can supply refurbished or recycled computers to people with a low income. CSU also has computer labs on campus and computers available in campus libraries, many with 24-hour access through the Learning Commons. School students what you can do It s never too early to start thinking of and planning for study at university. It is becoming increasingly important for young people to have a university degree in order to get a job, and to succeed in the workforce. Talk with your Careers Adviser at school, your principal or church leader, a mentor or person you look up to, and keep your eye on the prize a university degree. Also, talk to your parents and let them know what you want to do. They may be able to help by matching your savings or put you in contact with others who might be able to offer you work. You could put your name up on local shopping centre or community noticeboards to mow lawns, wash cars or clean windows. Tutoring other students through high school might also be an option. If you are a sportsperson, check to see whether there are any sporting clubs or associations that might be able to assist through sponsorship or bursaries. Remember, when you are getting closer to applying, seek out and apply for as many scholarships available to university students as you think you are eligible for. Keep an eye out for new scholarship and grant opportunities throughout your degree. Start saving To help you build up your bank balance, you could find a casual job. Even if you pick up one shift a week in Years 11 and 12, you will be able to start saving for your future. If you put half the amount of money you earn each week into a savings account starting today, you will be one step closer to making university more affordable. Keep in mind even a small amount saved each week can add up over time. If you save just $25 a week while you re in Year 10, 11 and 12, you could have close to $4,000 to get you started for university. If you manage to save a little more, or can add money from birthday or Christmas gifts to your savings, your balance could be even higher! Deferring your offer If you receive an offer of a place in a university degree, you can usually defer. This means a place will be held in the course for you, but you may not have to start for up to two years. Some students use this time to work extra hours (or even find a full-time job) to save extra money before moving away to start university. However, Session 1 doesn t start until late February so you may feel the break between finishing Year 12 and starting at uni is long enough for you to get prepared. IF YOU DECIDE TO WORK, YOU SHOULD: update your resumé consider some volunteer work in the career area that interests you to show your enthusiasm get your Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) (once you are over 18) or Safe Food Handling certificates so that you have extra skills look for part-time or casual work in a related industry to your dream career. Making university affordable 13

14 Already working? Maybe you ve already been in the workforce for a while, but aren t sure if you can afford to study. Look at these ideas: is your proposed study a tax deduction? If the study is related to your work, or will help you advance in that same line of work, the cost of tuition and materials may be tax deductible. Talk to your accountant. will your employing organisation help fund part of the cost? Maybe they will just allow you some time off for study, and that can be helpful too. Remember that the knowledge you gain at university will help your employer too. will a degree in another area expand your employment possibilities? This may be the motivation you need to make a real difference in your own life and, step-by-step, you can achieve great things! is working part-time or fewer hours a financial possibility? Perhaps dropping one day of work will allow you the time you need to complete subjects at university and take that next step in your career. is starting off with a TAFE qualification the way to go? Some TAFE pathway courses are offered in the evening, so you can keep working during the day, then build on that qualification later with credit towards a university degree. remember that distance education study keeps overheads down, as you choose when and where you study without having to move away from home or travel to class every day! think about what you spend your money on now. Perhaps you could go without your daily coffee, or hire a DVD instead of going to the movies. Revisit your budget and you might find you have more money to save towards university study. Not working, but want to be? If you are currently out of work or receiving government benefits, there may still be a way to earn a degree: use TAFE as a pathway. If you study at TAFE first, you may be able to gain credit towards your degree and reduce the time you spend at university investigate whether there are any charitable or community organisations that may be able to assist through bursaries, grants, or other forms of financial assistance apply for all scholarships and grants you are eligible for: some larger organisations may offer scholarships or cadetships to people who are studying consider the benefits of studying through the Defence Forces. Remember, every step on the path to a degree puts you in a new light with potential employers, showing your commitment and reliability, your organisational skills and your willingness to work. Take the first step and call a student adviser at info.csu to discuss how you can make study affordable for you (free call within Australia)

15 This publication is intended as a general guide. Information in this publication is current as at January Prospective students should contact the University to confirm admission requirements, fees, services and availability of courses or scholarships and grants. The University reserves the right to alter any programs, courses or scholarships and grants herein without prior notice. Charles Sturt University, its representatives and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the possession, publication or use of or reliance on information obtained from this publication. It is provided in good faith without express or implied warranty. This document is published by the Division of Marketing and Communication, Charles Sturt University. Editors: Contributor: Design: Print House: ISSN Laura Cohalan, Brooke Durigo Carissa Perkins (Equity Officer) Rebecca Layton Focus Print Group The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) Provider Number for Charles Sturt University is 00005F. Charles Sturt University, JB F4075

16 Scholarships at CSU As every student has different needs, talents and ambitions, CSU offers scholarships that help with access and equity, assist with travel, textbooks or accommodation, or reward excellence and achievement. No matter what your interests, background or circumstances, there really is a CSU scholarship for you! We want to see all our students succeed in their studies; to go on to thrive and make a positive impact on their communities and in their own lives throughout their careers. At any level of study, a scholarship can help ease university costs or simply provide you with the budget flexibility you need to focus on your study. Our scholarships are funded by government as well as private industry and professions, individuals, CSU alumni (past students and staff), and community groups to provide our students with the support they need, while providing valuable links and opportunities. Access and equity scholarships provide support to those who may have experienced educational disadvantage, live in rural or remote areas, people from Indigenous backgrounds, refugees, and students with low socio-economic circumstance or who have disabilities. For more information on current scholarships, visit: Winning one of CSU s huge range of scholarships can really set you up for achieving your very best in your field of endeavour. A scholarship can take away some of the financial pressures and give you peace of mind so you can focus on important aspects of uni like participating in lectures, tutorials and workshops, engaging more in the area you are passionate about, and still being able to relax and enjoy your life! IN 2014 CSU GAVE AWAY MORE THAN $3 mill ion IN SCHOLARSHIPS! Connect with us (free call within Australia) (callers outside Australia) facebook.com/csufuture twitter.com/charlessturtuni