University fees and how to pay
Explore fees, other study costs, and payment options
How much will I pay?
When studying through Open Universities Australia, you pay tuition fees for your learning which are set by the university offering your subject or degree. The exact fee depends on the subject or course, the university, your citizenship or residency status.
You can find the fee for the study you're interested in by visiting the individual subject or degree page.
It costs how much?
Find a subject or degree you're interested in to see the cost.
There’s no cost to use Open Universities Australia
We’re a not-for-profit, so you won’t pay extra to use our services. We’re here to help you compare your options, enrol and navigate your study, at no additional cost to you.
How it works
Choose your study
Find a subject or degree that's right for you.
Check the fee
See the pricing information on the subject or degree page for an indication of what you'll pay.
Explore payment options
On that same page, we'll show if financial assistance such as HELP loans is available (if eligible). You can also pay upfront.
Enrol and pay
Follow the steps to enrol in your subject or degree. You'll see exactly what needs to be paid now, or later, once we have worked out your circumstances.
How can I pay for university fees?
Use a HELP loan
If you’re eligible, you may be able to use an Australian Government HELP loan to defer some or all of your tuition fees. The loan that applies depends on the type of place and study you have.
Pay upfront
Depending on what you study, you may be able to pay your fees upfront by credit card. Payment arrangements can differ for Commonwealth supported places and full-fee study.
Other fees and study costs
In addition to tuition fees, there may be other costs to consider.
Some universities charge a student services and amenities fee (SSAF) for services such as career advice, wellbeing support and financial advice. If your university charges an SSAF, it will invoice you directly. Eligible students may be able to use a loan from the Australian Government, called SA-HELP, to defer this fee.
Check your university's website for more information about SSAF.
Your tuition fees do not usually cover textbooks, stationery or other materials you may need for study.
Some subjects may have additional costs, such as equipment, art materials, lab clothing, placements or other study requirements. Course and subject pages will offer more detail into the additional costs you might expect. For eligible students, they Australian government offers financial support to help with living and study costs.
Learn more about government allowances →
For subjects that require in-person attendance (for things like exams or lab work), you may need to factor in travel costs. For eligible students, Open Universities Australia can offer a travel subsidy to help you cover the costs of compulsory travel during your studies.
What happens to my fees if I withdraw?
The date you withdraw from a subject can affect whether you’re eligible for a refund and whether a university withdrawal fee applies.
It all depends on the date you make your request:
On or before close of enrolment
There are no financial penalties and you’re eligible for a refund of your subject fees.
After close of enrolment
Your university may charge a withdrawal fee. You may still be eligible for a refund of your subject fees.
Before or on the census date
Your university may charge a withdrawal fee. You may still be eligible for a refund of your subject fees.
After census date
Your university may charge a withdrawal fee and your subject fees will generally not be refunded, unless you’re eligible for Special Circumstances.
Unsure what you’ll need to pay?
Everyone’s circumstances are different. Our dedicated student advisors can help you understand fees, HELP loans and payment options, so you can work out the next step for your study goals.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the fee for my course?
You can find fee information on the relevant course or subject page.
The amount you pay can depend on what you study, the university, your citizenship or residency status, and whether you have a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full-fee place.
Do I have to pay university fees upfront?
Not necessarily. Depending on your circumstances and the type of study you choose, you may be eligible for a HELP loan that lets you defer some or all of your university fees.
If you’re eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, the Australian Government pays the eligible amount directly to your university. You repay your HELP debt through the Australian tax system once your repayment income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
You may also be able to pay your fees upfront.
Can I use HECS-HELP?
You may be able to use HECS-HELP if you’re eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP).
A CSP is a university place where the Australian Government pays part of your tuition fees. The amount left for you to pay is called your student contribution. If you’re eligible for HECS-HELP, you can use the loan to defer this amount instead of paying it upfront.
Eligibility requirements apply.
What is the difference between HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP?
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP are both Australian Government loans that can help eligible students defer the cost of university study. The main difference is the type of university place they apply to.
HECS-HELP | FEE-HELP | |
|---|---|---|
Generally applies to | Eligible students in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP). | Eligible students in a full-fee place, including many postgraduate courses and single subjects. |
What it covers | Your student contribution amount. | Eligible tuition fees for your full-fee study. |
Do you pay upfront? | Not if you’re eligible and choose to defer your student contribution through HECS-HELP. | Not if you’re eligible and choose to defer eligible tuition fees through FEE-HELP. |
Does the government help pay university fees?
It can. If you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), the Australian Government subsidises part of your tuition fees. You don’t need to repay this subsidy.
You pay the remaining amount, known as your student contribution. If you’re eligible, you can pay your student contribution upfront or defer it with a HECS-HELP loan.
How much you pay depends on the subjects you study. Subjects are grouped into government funding clusters, with maximum student contribution amounts set for each field of study.
2026 maximum student contribution amounts
Field of study | Maximum student contribution per subject* | Government contribution per subject* |
|---|---|---|
Law, accounting, administration, economics, commerce, communications, society and culture | $2,175 | $165 |
Education, English, mathematics and literature | $592 | $1,987 |
Allied health, other health, built environment and computing | $1,192 | $1,987 |
Visual arts and graphic and design studies | $1,192 | $1,987 |
Nursing and languages | $592 | $2,437 |
Engineering, surveying, environmental studies and science | $1,192 | $2,437 |
Agriculture, horticulture, forestry and fisheries | $592 | $4,050 |
Medical studies | $1,695 | $4,050 |
Fee-Free Uni Ready courses | $0 | $2,340 |
*These are indicative amounts per subject for new CSP students. The amount you pay may vary depending on your university and subject. These amounts don’t include student services and amenities fees, incidental costs such as lab coats or art supplies, or textbooks.
How do I pay upfront?
If you'd like to pay upfront, there are different processes depending on your enrolment:
Single subjects and degrees without a Commonwealth supported place
Pay upfront using a Visa or Mastercard in the Student Hub during your enrolment.
Commonwealth supported place degrees
Complete the HECS-HELP form during your enrolment in the Student Hub. Then you can pay your student contribution amount by invoice directly with your university.
Will I get a refund if I withdraw?
It depends on when you withdraw.
If you withdraw on or before the close of enrolment, there are no financial penalties and you’re eligible for a refund of your subject fees.
If you withdraw after the close of enrolment but on or before the census date, your university may charge a withdrawal fee, but you may still be eligible for a refund of your subject fees.
If you withdraw after the census date, you generally won’t receive a refund and your university may charge a withdrawal fee. If unexpected circumstances beyond your control affected your ability to study, you may be able to apply for Special Circumstances.
Fees glossary
Not sure what something means? These are some common terms used when talking about university fees.
- Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
This is a place at a university that’s for a specific degree which is also subsidised by the Australian Government.
If you’re considering this type of enrolment, the CSP fees are split in two parts. The Australian government pays one part of the tuition fee, the subsidy. The other part is left to you, and it’s called the student contribution amount.
- Higher Education Contribution Scheme-Higher Education Loan Program (HECS-HELP)
An Australian Government loan that eligible students with a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) can use to defer their student contribution.
- FEE-Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP)
FEE-HELP is a Commonwealth Government loan scheme. If you’re eligible, it lets you defer payment of your subject fees. You’ll repay the loan through your future taxes, and it’s based on income, so you’ll pay it back as you can afford it.
- Student services amenities fee (SSAF)
This is a fee charged by your university for student services and amenities of a non-academic nature and includes services such as employment and career advice.
- SA-HELP
An Australian Government loan that eligible students can use to defer all or part of their student services and amenities fee.
- Census date
The date that determines whether you'll owe tuition fees for a subject if you withdraw. Check your subject's census date before making changes to your enrolment.
Explore your financial options
How to pay for university
There's more than one way to pay for university. This guide explains the main options available in Australia, so you can understand what may work for you.
How much does university cost in Australia?
Tuition fees in Australia vary widely by course, study area and what type of place you’re enrolled in. This guide explains what drives the cost, breaks down the different fee types, and shows you where to check what your own fees could be.
What is HECS-HELP and how does it work?
If you’re thinking about enrolling in a uni course, you’ve no doubt considered getting a HECS-HELP loan. But how the HECS does the scheme actually work? Here's everything you need to know.
Student allowances explained: What payments can you get?
If you’re studying full-time, you may be eligible for income support. Find out about the three main types of Centrelink payments for students, Austudy, ABSTUDY and Youth Allowance.