Tuition fees
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) place
To receive an RTP Fee-offset scholarship you need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, permanent humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen and accepted into the Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy or Research doctorate or masters by research.
If accepted, you are exempt from paying tuition fees for your course. This exemption is valid for up to four years if you're enrolled in a doctoral program and up to two years if you're enrolled in a masters course.
If you enrol in additional subjects or courses during your enrolment, you may incur an additional cost, such as a student contribution if it's a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), or tuition fees if it's an Australian fee-paying place.
The Australian Government has recently passed the Higher Education Support Amendment (Job-Ready Graduates and Supporting Regional and Remote Students) Bill 2020. The legislation will impact the costs of some CSP-funded subjects, and therefore, the cost of your student contribution may change for additional subjects you choose to do.
However, the Government has not made any changes to RTP, and graduate researchers will continue to be funded under the current scholarship scheme.
Australian fee place
If you’re enrolling in an Australian fee place, tuition fees are calculated based on your course and study load per semester.
It's also important you read and understand the University's current tuition fee terms and conditions before accepting your offer and enrolling in a course.
Student Services and Amenities Fee
You'll also need to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) that goes towards providing you with essential services and support when you study. The amount you're charged will depend on whether you're a full-time or part-time student.
If your study less than 75% of the normal full-time study load, you'll be charged as a part-time student. If this changes to a full-time load your SSAF charge will be recalculated.
Other expenses
You also need to factor in additional expenses associated with your course, including the cost of textbooks. There will also be additional costs living in Melbourne, including accommodation, food, weekly bills, transport, social activities and club memberships.
For help budgeting for study at Melbourne, see Financial aid.
Payments
Tuition Fees
If you're eligible for an Australian Government Research Training Program place, your tuition fees are covered by the Australian Government.
If you're doing additional subjects on a Commonwealth Supported Place, you can pay your course fees up front when you enrol or defer part or all payment through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme that helps eligible students pay all or part of their tuition fees.
Please note: The Higher Education Support Legislation Amendment (Student Loan Sustainability) Bill recently passed in parliament. This will result in a loan limit for FEE-HELP loans as well as lower income thresholds for loan repayments.
SSAF Fees
You can also pay your Student Services and Amenities Fee up front.
You can pay from your student account or if you're eligible you can defer payment of the SSAF by applying for SA-HELP assistance.*
*Graduate researchers who submit their theses on or before 31 March (early completers) will be exempted for SSAF liability for that academic year. Similarly, candidates who commence their research after 1 October (late commencers) will be exempted.
Up-front payments
If you want to pay any fees up front, you can pay online or over the phone using BPAY®. To find out how, login to your student account, view your Statement of Liability and follow the instruction on how to pay.
Unpaid fees and refunds
If your fees remain unpaid, your enrolment will be cancelled and you'll need to reapply for the course. You'll remain liable for any outstanding debt. There are some circumstances you may be able to request a refund.
To find out what these are, see Section 3: Refund policy - Terms and conditions.
Funding your studies
There are financial loans, scholarships and bursaries that can help you pay your student fees and other living expenses.
Financial aid
To help with the cost of living while you study, you may be eligible for Australian Government financial aid, including Youth Allowance, Austudy or Abstudy. To find out how these could help your situation, visit the DHS – Centrelink payments and services.
Our financial services can also give you advice on scholarships, grants and how to budget for living and studying at Melbourne.
Tax deduction on your fees
If your course is closely related to your current employment, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for the cost of your tuition fees.
To find out how to claim this, talk to your accountant or the Australian Taxation Office.
Scholarships and bursaries
We also offer a range scholarships and bursaries to help with tuition and living costs while you're at Melbourne.
Some scholarships cover part or all of your course fees. Others are one-off grants to help with the cost of living while you study. Faculties and Graduate Schools also offer a number of other scholarships and bursaries.
You can also find out more about research scholarships and funding opportunities on our Research website.
Financial aid and support
Our financial services can also give you advice on scholarships, grants and how to budget for living and studying in Australia.
Visit our Research website
If you need more information on research funding, applications, faculties, industry connections and more, check out our University of Melbourne Research website.