The Australian Government has introduced changes to the way tertiary education is funded from 2021.
What this means for you
If you enrol in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Under these changes, the amount of money the Government provides RMIT (the Commonwealth contribution) for different courses will change in 2021. This means the amount of money you will be charged (the student contribution) is also likely to change compared to the 2020 rate.
Students studying courses in key growth areas will see reductions in their student contributions, including for science, engineering, health, architecture, education, nursing and mathematics, compared to 2020 fee rates.
These changes will commence on 1 January 2021.
Commencing students
Students commencing study in 2021 in arts, law, economics, creative arts and communications courses will see increases in student contributions for those units compared to 2020.
Commencing students studying courses in disciplines where there has been a decrease to student contribution from 2021 will see a reduced student contribution for those units compared to 2020.
Important note: Under Government rules, applicants who deferred a 2020 offer are commencing students in 2021 and their fees will be charged accordingly.
Continuing students
Continuing students will contribute the same amounts for arts, law, economics, creative arts and communications courses as they would have done before this policy was implemented. For more information, see the section below 'Grandfathering arrangements for continuing students'.
Continuing students studying courses from disciplines where there has been a decrease to the student contribution from 2021 will see a reduced student contribution for those units compared to 2020.
• www.studyassist.gov.au/news/job-ready-graduates-package-higher-education-reforms-0 - Job-ready Graduates package FAQs for students
Important note: Under Government rules, applicants who deferred a 2020 offer are commencing students in 2021 and their fees will be charged accordingly.
Commonwealth supported places and HECS-HELP
A Commonwealth supported place is not the same as HECS-HELP. Eligible students in a CSP may also apply for a HECS-HELP loan from the Australian Government to pay for these fees. If you are approved for a HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan, the Australian Government will pay RMIT on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
Any queries?
Please contact Study@RMIT