What is a Commonwealth Supported Place?
A Commonwealth Supported Place is a university place where the Australian Government pays part of your tuition fees. This means you pay a student contribution amount rather than the full cost of your course.
A CSP is a government subsidy, not a loan, so the government contribution does not need to be repaid. Eligible students may also be able to use HECS-HELP to defer payment of their student contribution amount.
The amount you need to contribute towards your studies depends on factors including your course. You must also meet applicable eligibility requirements to receive a CSP.
Who is eligible for CSP?
Eligibility for a Commonwealth Supported Place depends on factors including your citizenship or residency status and the requirements of the course you’re applying for.
CSP availability also varies between courses, so receiving an offer to study does not necessarily mean you have received a Commonwealth Supported Place.
Before applying, check the current criteria to understand whether you may qualify.
How much can you save with a CSP?
A Commonwealth Supported Place can significantly reduce the amount you pay for postgraduate study because the Australian Government contributes towards the cost of your course.
For eligible QUT Online postgraduate study, a CSP may reduce tuition costs by more than 60% compared with a full-fee place. The amount you pay will depend on your course and applicable student contribution amount.
Unlike a student loan, the government contribution provided through a CSP does not need to be repaid.
Which QUT Online courses have Commonwealth Supported Places?
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for selected QUT Online postgraduate courses across areas including information technology, education and health.
The following courses have CSP availability:
Information Technology
- Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Computer Science)
- Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Cyber Security and Networks)
- Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Business Analysis)
- Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security and Networks
- Graduate Certificate in Computer Science
- Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
- Graduate Certificate in Business Analysis
- Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
- Master of Information Technology (Computer Science)
- Master of Information Technology (Cyber Security and Networks)
- Cyber Security and Resilience Bootcamp
- Data Analytics Bootcamp
- Web Development Bootcamp
Education
- Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling)
- Graduate Certificate in Education (Innovative Learning Design)
- Graduate Certificate in Education (Indigenous Education)
- Master of Education
- Graduate Certificate in Education (Autism)
Health
What is the difference between a CSP and HECS-HELP?
A Commonwealth Supported Place and HECS-HELP are not the same thing.
A CSP reduces the cost of your university study because the Australian Government pays part of your tuition fees. You are responsible for paying the remaining student contribution amount.
HECS-HELP is a loan that eligible students can use to defer payment of that student contribution.
This means an eligible student may receive a Commonwealth Supported Place and use HECS-HELP to cover their remaining student contribution.
How do you apply for a Commonwealth Supported Place?
If you’re considering a CSP-supported course at QUT Online, the process generally involves:
- Choose an eligible course. Review the QUT Online courses with CSP availability and choose the course that suits your study and career goals.
- Apply for your course. Submit your application following QUT’s postgraduate application process. Use this step-by-step guide to get you started.
- Check your offer. If you receive an offer, review it carefully to confirm whether you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place.
- Accept your offer. Follow the instructions provided with your QUT offer.
- Complete the required forms. Complete the relevant CSP and HECS-HELP documentation before the applicable census date.
Your future starts now
Understanding Commonwealth Supported Places and the specific courses they cover at QUT Online allows you to make more informed decisions about your postgraduate study and career advancement opportunities.
Ready to apply for your dream course with the help of a CSP? Take a look at our online courses and find the best fit for your future career. Already found your perfect fit? Apply now and secure your future with QUT Online.