How to fund your postgraduate study

At the University of Melbourne, we’re committed to helping students through every step of their journey. Here are a few ways you may be able to finance your graduate study and get the support you need to succeed.

Financing your degree: fees and scholarships

In this webinar, the Future Students Team discuss how to finance your degree, including fees and scholarships available for graduate students.

Your fees will vary depending on the graduate coursework degree you choose, whether you're a domestic or international student, and the type of enrolment or place you're offered.

Domestic graduate coursework fees
International graduate coursework fees

Australian fee place

If you’re offered an Australian fee place, tuition fees are calculated based on your course and study load per semester. You can pay your course fees upfront when you enrol or defer part or all payment through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme that helps eligible students pay all or part of your tuition fees.

International fee place

As an international student, you'll enter your course as a full fee paying student. Your tuition fees are based on the course you choose and your study load, not the subjects you study. The total fees you'll pay yearly will depend on your total study load for the year.

Commonwealth Supported Places

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is where the cost of your tuition is subsidised by the Commonwealth Government. CSPs are available to eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents and holders of permanent Humanitarian Visas in selected graduate coursework courses.

HECS-HELP loans

If you're offered a CSP, you can pay your course fees upfront when you enrol or defer part or all payment through HECS-HELP, a government loan scheme that helps eligible students pay all or part of your student contribution amount.

Our scholarships aren't just for high achievers. We also award scholarships that recognise individual circumstances and suit your interests and ambitions.

Scholarships

Each year we award a range of scholarships and bursaries to current and commencing students. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, we offer a great range of scholarships that you may be eligible for.

Find the right scholarship for you

Graduate Access Melbourne

Our special entry access scheme for domestic graduate students takes your personal circumstances into consideration when you apply. Graduate Access Melbourne may assist you in gaining admission into a graduate degree, even if your tertiary marks are below the entry requirements.

Check your eligibility

Student loans

You may be eligible for a student loan if you’re experiencing financial difficulty and need support with study-related expenses. We offer short-term and long-term loans to support students dealing with cash flow problems and unexpected study-related expenses.

International loans

If you’re an international student, you may be eligible for a loan or grant to support with living and education costs. This financial assistance is typically provided through government and private programs in your home country.

Apply for advanced standing

If you have prior study or work experience in the discipline you’re studying, you can apply for advanced standing (also known as recognition of prior learning or credit). If advanced standing is awarded, you will complete fewer units of study. This means the length of your degree is reduced, as well as the cost of your tuition fees.

Tax deduction on your fees

If you’re pursuing postgraduate study to improve your skills and knowledge in your current career, your employer may offer to pay some or all your tuition costs. You may also be able to claim self-education expenses in your tax return. Discover your eligibility through the Australian Taxation Office.

Support services

Embarking on postgraduate study may feel a little daunting, especially if you’re returning to study from the workforce, or balancing study with your job. We offer one of the most comprehensive student support networks in Australia, designed to navigate university effectively and succeed.

Explore our support services

How to fund your graduate study