Part of being a student is learning how to research. Why don't you start by researching what cash you are entitled to? Check out these links.
Centrelink
You may be eligible for financial assistance while you are studying or training.
Youth Allowance
This allowance is for full-time students or Australian Apprentices aged 16 to 24 and people aged under 21 who are undertaking job search or a combination of approved activities.
To find out if you are eligible, check out:
www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/youth_allow.htm
Austudy
Austudy provides financial help if you are aged 25 years or more and studying or undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship full-time.
To find out if you are eligible, check out:
www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/austudy.htm
Pensioner Education Supplement
The Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) helps you undertake full-time or part-time study by assisting with education expenses.
To find out if you are eligible, check out:
www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/pes.htm
HECS
HECS stands for the Higher Education Contribution Scheme. The Australian higher education system is funded by HECS. This cost is split between the government and the students themselves.
As a student you have two choices:
To pay up-front
To defer payment
1. Paying up-front
The main benefit in paying up-front is that you receive a discount. But for most students, especially those just out of school, this is out of their reach.
2. Deferring payment
In deferring payment you repay the debt when you reach a certain level of income. HECS will automatically be deducted from your pay packet once you're earning a certain amount of money.
HECS Fees
The amount of HECS paid is based on individual units studied, not on the overall course you are enrolled in. The fees are divided into four areas:
1. National Priorities $3,998
Such as Education and Nursing.
2. Student Contribution Band 1 $4,996
Such as Humanities, Behavioural Science, Social Studies, Foreign Languages, Visual and Performing Arts.
3. Student Contribution Band 2 $7,118
Such as Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Mathematics, Statistics, Computing, Built Environment, Health, Engineering, Science, Surveying, Agriculture.
4. Student Contribution Band 3 $8,333
Such as Law, Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Science.
Scholarships
National Opportunities
Check out:
NT
John Hawkins Memorial Tertiary Scholarship 2008
The Rotary Club of Alice Springs is offering a $15,000 scholarship, paid over 3 years in equal instalments to a Central Australian Student accepted into an approved Tertiary course anywhere in Australia, commencing in 2008.
Written applications close Friday 18 January 2008. Previous ‘Gap year’ applicants are encouraged to re-apply.
Call: 0407 977 345 for information on selection criteria.
Abstudy
If you are an Indigenous secondary or tertiary student or a full-time Australian Apprentice, Abstudy may help you stay at school or go on to further studies. It consists of a fortnightly living allowance as well as additional components to help with the costs associated with attending school.
To find out if you are eligible, check out:
www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/abstudy.htm
Fares Allowance
If you are a tertiary student living away from your permanent home to study, Fares Allowance helps you to cover the cost of travelling between your permanent home and educational institution.
To find out if you are eligible, check out:
www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/fares.htm
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