Funding Clusters and Indexed Rates

On 19 June 2020, the Australian Government announced the Job-ready Graduates Package (the package). Changes proposed in this package affect student contributions and provide additional support for students in regional and remote Australia. The majority of these changes will commence on 1 January 2021.

Changes to university funding for Commonwealth supported places means that the amount students pay toward some courses – usually deferred through a HECS-HELP loan – has also changed. Around 60 per cent of students will see no change or a reduction in their contributions. Australia’s HECS-HELP loans system continues to ensure that eligible students don’t face any cost barriers to accessing a higher education. More information on how rates have changed are available.

We encourage both current and new students who will be studying from 1 January 2021 to talk to their current or intended higher education provider to confirm how these changes may affect their individual circumstances. Further information can be found on the Job-ready Graduates Package page.

More information on the additional support for students in regional and remote areas, including the new Tertiary Access Payment and the guaranteed Commonwealth Supported places for Indigenous students can be found on the More opportunities for regional students page.