Higher Education Reforms FAQs
Update
19 October 2017
The Nick Xenophon Team wants a comprehensive review of higher education before it would support the Government's plans to increase university fees from 1 January 2018.
A review effectively kills off any chance of the Higher Education Bill being passed by Parliament before the end of 2017.
Higher Education Reforms FAQs
02 May 2017
The 2017-18 Budget included a Higher Education Reforms Package. If the reforms were passed by Act of Parliament they would come into effect from 1 January 2018.
Note: the Bill was not passed.
If implemented, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand (NZ) citizens will no longer qualify for in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Instead they will be required to pay domestic full fees.
The following FAQs are taken from the Higher Education Reform Package FAQs, provided by Study Assist.
Current Students
I am a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident (the holder of an Australian Permanent Visa) who is currently enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP). What does this mean for me?
You will have two options:
- You can continue your course in a CSP and continue to pay your student contribution amount upfront.
- Alternatively, you can choose to transfer your enrolment to a fee paying place and access a FEE-HELP loan to pay your fees.
Note: New Zealand Special Category Visa-holders (SCVs) who meet the long-term residency requirements for a CSP/HELP are not affected. Please see Study Assist for more information.
I am a current student who is a New Zealand citizen with a Special Category Visa (SCV) and I have already been assessed by my provider as meeting the long-term eligibility requirements to access both a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and a HECS-HELP loan. What do these changes mean for me?
You will not be affected. You will continue to be eligible for both a CSP and a HECS-HELP loan, provided you continue to meet the specific NZ SCV long-term residency requirements.
I am an Australian Permanent Visa holder (PR) or New Zealand citizen (NZ) currently enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and I want to transfer my study to another course of study and/or change my education provider in 2018. Can I still get a CSP?
No. From 1 January 2018, if you transfer to another education provider and/or change your course of study, you will lose your CSP. You would instead be enrolled in a fee paying place for your new course or with your new provider. However, you would be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer your tuition fees.
Note: New Zealand citizens with Special Category Visas who meet the specific long-term residency requirements for a CSP/HELP loan are not affected. Please see Study Assist for more information.
Future Students
I'm a New Zealand citizen/Permanent Visa holder and I want to study next year. What does this mean for me?
If you are a commencing student from 1 January 2018, you will be enrolled in a fee paying place and will have access to a FEE-HELP loan.
Note: New Zealand citizens with Special Category Visas (NZ SCV) who meet the specific long-term residency requirements for a Commonwealth supported place/HELP are not affected. Please see the Study Assist for more information.
I am a New Zealand citizen with Special Category Visas (NZ SCV) and meet the specific long-term residency requirements that make me eligible for both Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) and HELP loans. Does this affect me?
No. If you meet the specific NZ SCV long-term residency requirements you are not affected. You will continue to be eligible for both a subsidised CSP and a HELP loan for your studies. Talk to your education provider to confirm if you meet the specific NZ SCV long-term residency requirements.
I am a New Zealand citizen/Permanent Visa holder. If I defer my studies in 2018, how am I affected?
If you are a commencing student from 1 January 2018 who defers their studies, you will be enrolled in a fee paying place and will have access to a FEE-HELP loan. Note: New Zealand citizens with Special Category Visas who meet the specific long-term residency requirements for a CSP/HELP are not affected.
Read the Higher Education Reforms Student FAQs.