Cost of study
When enrolling into a course, a number of factors determine how much your course will cost and the payment options available to you, including your:
- citizenship
- the number of units (subjects) that you enrol in
- when you commence your course
- course level.
Start off on the right track - familiarise yourself with the costs of studying at university.
On this page
Course tuition fees & payment options
International students
Tuition fees can be found on the international version of course pages. Course fees are subject to change. Contact us to confirm the amount.
All domestic students enrol in one of two ways, either as a:
- government subsidised student, or
- full-fee paying student.
There are a number of government loan schemes available that will help cover the cost of study.
It is a good idea to understand what fees are involved before you enrol, so that there are no surprises!
Vocational Education (VE/TAFE) courses
VE/TAFE courses are generally either:
- Government subsidised VE/TAFE , where the course cost is reduced with the Victorian Training Guarantee OR
- Full-fee paying VE/TAFE, where those eligible may apply for a VET FEE-HELP loan from the Australian Government to cover the cost of study, or pay fees via instalments.
Higher Education (HE) courses
Higher Education (HE) undergraduate and postgraduate course pages show the fee type in the Course Essentials section.
Students enrolling in HE courses generally enrol in a:
- Commonwealth-Supported Place (CSP), where you only make a contribution towards the cost of your education, while the Australian Government contributes the rest (your student contribution can also be covered by a government loan known as HECS-HELP). Most undergraduate (bachelor degree) courses are CSP fee type.
- Full-Fee paying place, where those eligible may apply for a FEE-HELP loan from the Australian Government to cover the cost of study. Postgraduate courses are generally full-fee paying however there are some exceptions.
Pathway to a degree
Our Certificate & Diploma courses can offer you a taste of university life at a fraction of the cost of a degree.
If you are not certain that undertaking a degree is the best option for you, we have alternative paths available where you can try a study area without the financial commitment required of a degree.
Successful completion can also be a pathway into higher education so that, should you choose to pursue your interests further, you may be able to complete your next course faster through recognition of prior learning.
Read more about our study pathways and credits for skills & past learning.
Other course types
Non-accredited short courses
Short courses are a fantastic way to study if you want to:
- upgrade your business, communication and computer skills
- gain credits for your next qualification
- have fun learning something new.
Corporate training
We provide customised learning and development workshops to meet your company's specific requirements.
We can run the courses at our state-of-the-art training facilities across Melbourne, or in-company at your workplace.
Balancing study & living costs
Along with your course tuition fees, there are some other study-related costs you may need to include in your budget:
- textbooks & other course materials (tuition fees usually don't cover these costs)
- Student service & amenities fee (SSAF) (an annual fee charged by all universities in Australian improving services & amenities for all students)
- late enrolment/payment charges (make sure you enrol and pay your fees on time!)
- Library fines for overdue items
- obtaining transcripts outside of the free period
- graduation fees.
While not all of these may apply to you, it's important that you be aware especially if you are a student living away from home.
Read more about balancing your study & living costs.
Fee assistance & advice
There are many ways we can help if you need support paying your fees.
- If timing is an issue, eligible students may request a fee extension.
- A student loan may help with purchasing books, computers & course related materials.
- Consider applying for a scholarship to help with living and education costs.
- Our Payment Plan Option for eligible Vocational Education (VE/TAFE) students allows you to pay your fees via instalments.
- If you are a full-time student, you may be eligible for income support payments from the Department of Human Services.
Our Student Welfare team can also provide free and confidential advice with difficulties of a financial, study or personal matter.
Contact us
Ask questions & find answers through Ask VU.
Phone: +61 3 9919 6100
Visit: Student Service Centre