The Commonwealth government subsidises a specified number of Commonwealth-supported places in courses at UWA for students who are Australian or New Zealand citizens or holders of an Australian permanent resident visa.
Commonwealth-supported students are required to make a contribution to the cost of their course. This contribution ensures that the quality of the University's degree programs is maintained at the highest level, and provides support for a range of access and equity initiatives.
For Australian citizens and humanitarian visa holders, the contribution can be deferred through the Australian taxation system through the Federal Government's HECS-HELP loan scheme, or paid directly to the University. Students who are offered a HECS-HELP loan do not need to pay any of their student contribution directly to UWA but may, if they choose, make partial payments. Partial payments of $500 or more and full upfront payments qualify for a 20 per cent discount.
For New Zealand citizens and other permanent residents of Australia, the contribution must be paid in full, directly to the University. Direct payments do not attract a discount.
How much is the student contribution?
At UWA, courses comprise a number of units. A standard unit is worth six (6) credit points. Full-time students usually study four 6 credit point units in a semester for a total of eight 6 credit point units in a year. Fees are billed on a semester basis.
The table below provides indicative costs for various discipline areas. The amount of an individual's student contribution each semester depends on the mix of units in which they are enrolled. Full details of costs of units are available on the Unit Costs website.
2010 Student Contribution Rates - Commonwealth supported students
| Unit discipline | Annual contribution for a standard full-time load (48 credit points) | Approximate student contribution for a 6 credit point unit | Discounted amount for upfront payment for a 6 credit point unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Priority: mathematics*, statistics*, science* (natural & physical) | $4,249.00 | $531.00 | $424.80 |
| Humanities, behavioural science, foreign languages, social studies, visual and performing arts, education*, nursing*. | $5,310.00 | $663.00 | $530.40 |
| Agriculture, built environment, computing, engineering, health, surveying | $7,567.00 | $945.00 | $756.00 |
| Accounting, administration*, commerce*, dentistry, economics*, law, medicine | $8,859.00 | $1,107.00 | $885.60 |
| * These rates are for new students commencing in 2010 - some rates differ for existing students | |||
