Postgraduate study costs

Postgraduate coursework programs

From 2008, coursework studies at JCU will be much more affordable. Australian* postgraduate coursework students will have two fee options for most courses:

• Commonwealth supported places will be available for many postgraduate courses. Commonwealth supported students only pay the student contribution amount and can defer payment by accessing HECS-HELP – the same option as for undergraduate studies, for details see Postgraduate assistance. View the 2008 student contribution amounts.
  

• Postgraduate tuition fees are set for all courses. Some students may wish to choose this option because they can claim their fees as a tax deduction if there is a direct connection between the course and their work activities. Furthermore, tuition fee paying students will not use up their Student Learning Entitlement (access to Commonwealth supported study for the equivalent of seven years of full-time study). Postgraduate tuition fees for 2008 are now available. Tuition fee paying students can defer payment by accessing FEE-HELP, for details see Postgraduate assistance.

New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent resident visa holders must pay their student contribution amounts or tuition fees upfront, and cannot access HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

International students pay international tuition fees and should visit JCU’s International Student Centre for fee information.

Research higher degrees

Australian and New Zealand PhD and Masters by Research students will usually be Commonwealth supported under the Department of Education and Science Training (DEST) Research Training Scheme (RTS), and as such are exempt from paying tuition fees. These places are fee exempt for a defined period (four years full time equivalent for a PhD; two years full time equivalent for a Masters).

For further info, contact the Graduate Research School ResearchHigherDegrees@jcu.edu.au

International students pay international tuition fees and should visit JCU’s International Student Centre for fee information.

Other study expenses

• Books – it’s not difficult to spend $600 each year on text books. The JCU Bookshops on the Townsville and Cairns campuses offer student discounts on textbooks. Second-hand texts for most subjects are also available from Student Association Shops on both campuses.

• Computer equipment – whilst there are many computer work stations in the libraries and laboratories around campus, you may want to factor in owning your own computer. The Student Association has discount arrangements with some suppliers, see www.unidiscounts.com.au/

• Miscellaneous expenses – photocopying and printing can add to study costs. Depending on your course, there may be other miscellaneous expenses including workshops, subject handbooks, reading material, laboratory manuals, stationery, calculator, lab coat and laboratory breakage deposit.
  

• Field trips and placements – some courses have field trips and out-of-town placements with extra expenses such as transport, accommodation and food. Students with children may also need to consider additional childcare expenses for times they will be away.

• Living costs – these are generally lower innorthern Queensland than in larger metropolitan areas. However, students will need to factor in the cost of accommodation, transport, food and miscellaneous items.

JCU produces a helpful publication, Dolla r Notes (pdf file, 600kb), which provides sample budgets and information on taxation and financial assistance. To receive a print copy of Dollar Notes, contact the Student Enquiry Centre.

Association services fee (ASF)

The JCU Student Association maintains a range of services and facilities for students including student eateries, sporting facilities and student advocacy services, as well as a Postgraduate Student Association group. Membership for 2008 is voluntary and costs $40.

* Australian students refers to Australian citizens or holders of permanent humanitarian visas.