Lyla Lindsey
Australia is a popular study destination, attracting over 450,000 international students between January and April 2022. However, it is also one of the most expensive places to study, with high living costs and tuition fees that vary depending on the course and institution. While university education in Australia is not completely free, the government subsidises the cost of degrees, and citizens and permanent residents benefit from Commonwealth Support Places, which reduce fees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University fees abolished in Australia | 1974 by the Whitlam Labor government |
| University fees re-introduced in Australia | 1989 by the Hawke Labor government |
| University funding arrangements | Changed over time, with moderate-to-high government support |
| Average cost of a bachelor's degree | $8,500 to $94,000 per year |
| Average cost of a master's degree | $11,520 to $88,500 |
| Average cost of a university education | $6,888 to $101,952 per year |
| Average cost of an undergraduate degree | $20,000 to $45,000 |
| HELP loan limit for medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and aviation | $182,172 |
| HELP loan limit for most degrees | $126,389 |
| Repayment threshold for 2024-2025 | $54,435 |
| Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) | Available to citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and Australian permanent residents |
| FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses | $18,278 per full-time student in 2025 |
| Fee-free university for disadvantaged students in areas of critical national priority | Universities Australia’s call for the government to match its $493 million funding commitment |
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What You'll Learn
- University fees were abolished in 1974 to make tertiary education more accessible
- In 1989, the Hawke Labor government began re-introducing fees for university study
- The Australian government pays a portion of the tuition fee for Commonwealth Supported Places
- Students can defer payment of part or all of their tuition fees using FEE-HELP
- The cost of a university education in Australia is between $6,888 and $101,952 per year
University fees were abolished in 1974 to make tertiary education more accessible
University fees in Australia were abolished in 1974 by the Whitlam Labor Government to make tertiary education more accessible to working and middle-class Australians. This policy replaced the Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme, which provided a limited number of scholarships for students to attend university. The Whitlam Government also passed the Student Assistance Act 1973, which provided means-tested financial assistance for tertiary students. These reforms opened up access to tertiary education for those who may not have been able to afford it otherwise, creating a precedent of universal access to higher education.
Prior to the abolition of university fees, the Curtin Labor Government in 1940 had increased the number of scholarships available to enter university and allowed women to apply for these scholarships, which had previously only been open to men. In the 1960s, the Menzies Liberal Government further supported the expansion of educational opportunities by funding the establishment of new universities and offering research scholarships to encourage postgraduate studies.
Despite these efforts, there was still a push in the early 1970s to make tertiary education even more accessible. The abolition of university fees in 1974 was a significant step towards this goal, and it cemented Gough Whitlam as a Labor folk hero. However, by the mid-1980s, there was a consensus between both major parties that the concept of 'free' tertiary education was no longer feasible due to the increasing participation rate.
In 1989, the Hawke Labor Government began reintroducing fees for university study through the Higher Education Contributions Scheme (HECS). Under the original HECS, a $1,800 fee was charged to all university students, with the Commonwealth paying the remaining balance. This marked a shift away from the era of no university fees, but the architect of the HECS scheme, Bruce Chapman, argued that Whitlam's impact should not be understated. He noted that both Whitlam and Dawkins shared the goal of removing the financial barrier to enrolling in university.
Today, university fees in Australia can range from $6,888 to $101,952 per year for a bachelor's degree, depending on various factors such as the level of education and the area of study. The Australian government continues to provide support through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs), where the government subsidises the cost of tuition and students pay a contribution. Australian citizens can also access HECS-HELP loans to defer payment until they reach a certain income threshold.
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In 1989, the Hawke Labor government began re-introducing fees for university study
University education in Australia is not free. While the cost of a university education in Australia depends on several factors, including citizenship status, degree choice, and location, students are generally required to pay tuition fees.
The Hawke government's decision to reintroduce fees was not without controversy. Cabinet papers from 1988 and 1989 reveal a battle between reformers and some Labor supporters, who believed the government should provide free university education to Australians. Despite this opposition, the government pushed through with its plans, setting up the Higher Education Contributions Scheme (HECS). Under the original HECS, a $1,800 fee was charged to all university students, and the Commonwealth paid the remaining balance. Students could defer payment and repay the debt through the tax system once their income exceeded a certain threshold.
The introduction of HECS was part of a series of major economic reforms implemented by the Hawke government, including floating the Australian dollar and the establishment of universal healthcare through Medicare. These reforms changed the landscape of higher education in Australia, making it more accessible to a wider range of students.
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The Australian government pays a portion of the tuition fee for Commonwealth Supported Places
The cost of university education in Australia varies depending on several factors, including citizenship status, degree choice, and area of study. While the concept of "free" university education in Australia no longer exists, the Australian government does pay a portion of the tuition fee for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).
CSPs are available for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Australian universities and approved higher education providers. The government subsidises a portion of the fees for students enrolled in a CSP, and the student is responsible for paying the remaining "student contribution" or "domestic tuition fee" (DTF). The amount of the government subsidy varies depending on the course, with the government setting minimum and maximum amounts for each area of study. For example, the government may subsidise a higher proportion of fees for degrees in fields with plenty of job opportunities, such as environmental science, health, teaching, agriculture, and nursing. On the other hand, degrees in fields like commerce, communications, law, and visual arts may have lower government subsidies and higher student contribution amounts.
For undergraduate degrees, most Australian students are enrolled in CSPs, and the government ensures that Australian students gain entry to university based on merit rather than their ability to pay. The cost of a CSP for an undergraduate degree can range from \$20,000 to \$55,000, with the lower range for three-year degrees in arts or sciences and the higher end for degrees in law or medicine, which typically take more than three years to complete.
For postgraduate degrees, CSPs are more limited and typically only available for select courses. Students enrolled in a CSP for a postgraduate degree can expect to pay between \$11,520 and \$88,500. It is important to note that CSPs are not available for higher degrees by research.
Students enrolled in a CSP have the option to pay their student contribution upfront or defer payment through a HECS-HELP loan, which they will repay once their income reaches a certain threshold. The HELP loan limit for most degrees is \$126,389, while it is \$182,172 for medicine, dentistry, veterinary science leading to initial registration, and certain approved aviation courses.
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Students can defer payment of part or all of their tuition fees using FEE-HELP
University education in Australia is not free. The cost of a university education in Australia is between $6,888 and $101,952 per year for a bachelor's degree, and between $11,520 and $88,500 per year for a master's degree. The cost of a university education in Australia depends on several factors, including citizenship status, degree choice, and where you live.
Most Australian undergraduate degrees are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs). These degrees are subsidised by the government, with students paying a contribution instead of the full price. If it can’t be paid upfront, Australian citizens can defer payment with a HECS-HELP loan. Most postgraduate degrees have few or no CSPs, so most students pay full fees.
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The cost of a university education in Australia is between $6,888 and $101,952 per year
The cost of a university education in Australia varies significantly depending on several factors. These include the student's citizenship status, degree choice, and area of study. While university education in Australia is not completely free, the Australian government provides moderate-to-high levels of support compared to other countries.
For Australian citizens, the cost of an undergraduate degree can range from $20,000 to $55,000. This range reflects the difference in costs between a 3-year basic arts or sciences degree and more expensive subjects like law and medicine, which require more than 3 years of study. The cost of a university education in Australia is generally between $6,888 and $101,952 per year for a bachelor's degree. This wide range is due to the different levels of education and areas of study pursued by students.
Most Australian undergraduate degrees are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs), where the government subsidises the fees, and students pay a contribution. Australian citizens can also defer payment through a HECS-HELP loan, which does not need to be repaid until the student earns a certain amount of taxable income. The repayment threshold for the 2024-2025 income year is $54,435. Additionally, the Australian government has introduced FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses, investing $350 million over four years to help students from underrepresented backgrounds prepare for university without financial burden.
Postgraduate degrees, on the other hand, often have few or no CSPs, so most students pay full fees. A postgraduate master's degree in Australia can cost between $11,520 and $88,500. It is worth noting that HELP loans, which include HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP, have limits. The 2025 HELP loan limit is $126,389 for most degrees, with higher limits for specific fields like medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and certain aviation courses.
The cost of university education in Australia has been a dynamic issue, with the Whitlam Labor government abolishing university fees in 1974 to increase accessibility. However, the Hawke Labor government reintroduced fees in 1989 with the Higher Education Contributions Scheme (HECS). Over time, the fee structure has evolved, and the federal government's funding changes in 2021 significantly impacted the cost of certain degrees, making some more expensive while decreasing the cost of others to encourage students to pursue careers with more job opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
No, university in Australia is not free. The cost of a university education in Australia is between $6,888 and $101,952 per year for a bachelor's degree, and between $11,520 and $88,500 per year for a master's degree. However, there are some fee-free courses and government-subsidized training available.
The cost of university in Australia depends on several factors, including the level of education, the area of study, and the student's citizenship status. For domestic students, a bachelor's degree can cost anywhere from $8,500 to $94,000 per year, while a master's degree can range from $11,520 to $88,500 per year.
Yes, there are scholarships and financial aid available for university students in Australia. The Australian government offers HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loans, which can be used to defer the payment of tuition fees. There are also support payments such as the Youth Allowance or Austudy Payment, which are means-tested.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a higher education place where the Australian government contributes a portion of the tuition fee. The student is then responsible for the remaining cost, known as the "Student Contribution" (SC). CSPs are available to citizens of Australia and New Zealand, as well as Australian permanent residents.
University fees in Australia are considered expensive, but the country still enjoys a moderate-to-high level of government support compared to other countries like the USA. The Australian government has also made efforts to increase accessibility to university education, such as through the recent introduction of fee-free TAFE and Uni Ready courses.
