What type of funding is available to help my studies?
Australian students entering tertiary education often require financial assistance. The Australian Government offers a variety of subsidised courses and loans to assist eligible students who are studying with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to gain their desired qualification.
Qualy is proud to offer courses from registered tertiary education providers and offers our students all funding options applicable to their course of study.
Study funding options
Some information provided is specific to Australian citizens who are considering Queensland tertiary funding. International students, or those studying in another state or territory, may not be eligible.
Certificate 3 Guarantee
The Queensland Government’s Certificate 3 Guarantee offers school leavers and mature-age entrants their first post-school qualification. Subsidised courses in areas deemed ‘Priority Skills’ equip Australians with the basic education they need to gain entry-level employment in a wide range of industries.
VET Loans
Vocational Education Training (VET) Loans apply to courses awarding a Diploma or higher. The loan is provided by the Commonwealth of Australia and is repaid through the Australian Tax system when the student’s income reaches a set threshold. When applying for a course, make sure you check if an RTO is also a VET approved organisation.
HECS-HELP Loans
Like VET, HECS-HELP is a Commonwealth provided loan repaid from a student’s taxable income later in life. HELP Loans are typically offered for courses providing a Bachelor degree onward.
Tertiary funding options are subsidies only and do not cover the entire cost of tuition. Student co-contribution fees, or out of pocket costs, will apply.
Certificate III subsidy, VET, and HECS-HELP loans are paid directly to the education provider for the cost of tuition. Students are responsible for the purchase of their own books, materials, and accommodation.
Strict eligibility requirements apply, including available placements, prior education, and employment status.
For details visit StudyAssist.
Additional financial support
Occasionally a student may be ineligible for RTO study funding or require additional assistance in times of financial hardship. For these students, a variety of options exist to make tertiary education more accessible.
Government assistance
Centrelink offers Austudy and ABSTUDY (for applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island origin) to assist students currently enrolled in tertiary education with the cost of living. Bonus payments also exist for students who are living away from home or experiencing a crisis. As with all Centrelink support, a series of eligibility requirements apply.
Payment plans
Many RTOs offer payment plans. These are regular payments spread out during a student’s enrolment. Most often paid by direct debit, these smaller instalments can allow a student to balance the cost of living with their education fees.
Payment upfront
If fees for tertiary education costs can be provided upfront, a discount may apply. Students should speak to their RTO to determine if this option is available.
SA-HELP Loan
If an educational campus charges a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), students may apply for an SA-HELP Loan to cover this cost. This amount is deducted from the total HECS-HELP Loan available to the student and is repaid in the same way.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL acknowledges that prior learning may mean a student has already satisfactorily completed a module or unit of their current degree. Where holding a qualification may render a student ineligible for funded tertiary education, in some situations, RPL may allow them to avoid the costs of tuition for a unit they have passed previously.
Part-time study
Part-time study does not reduce the overall cost of the degree, but may provide options to reduce the student’s initial outlay, and allow for part-time work or other income-building opportunities.
Learn more about fees here.
