While at uni, you’ll need to stay on top of your financial responsibilities. Most importantly, you’ll need to pay your course fees and other costs on time and learn how to manage your money.
Pay your fees on time
You’ll receive your fees statement by email, which lists your course and unit enrolment, the amount to pay and the due date. For more information, see understanding your fees statement and fees payment dates.
You can also view your fees statement and past payments in the Web Enrolment System (WES).
How to pay
You have a number of ways to pay your fees. To protect yourself from fraudsters and scams, pay using only the methods listed. Never pay through a third party, even if discounts are offered.
Other costs and fees
These may include:
Managing your money
Plan a budget
Living on a student income can be challenging. Here are some online tools to help you budget:
If you need more money
At some point while studying, you may find you need more money. If this happens, you may decide to work part-time, take out a loan or apply for a scholarship.
Work
Many university students need to work part-time to support themselves while studying. Before looking for a job, think about how to balance studying and working hours. Full-time students should consider working no more than 8 to 10 hours per week.
Finding work
Check out our careers site for tips on preparing for and finding employment.
Legitimate work arrangements
You may be offered a job where you're paid cash and your employer doesn’t deduct tax. This is illegal and may not be in your best interests. For example:
- it may be more difficult to get compensation if you’re injured at work
- you may miss out on employer contributions to superannuation.
To protect your rights, see:
Other costs and fees
These may include:
Managing your money
Get a bank account
When you first arrive, make sure you’ve got about A$500 cash for your immediate expenses, such as food, transport, and temporary accommodation.
You’ll need to open an Australian bank account as soon as possible (most banks are closed on weekends). If you have an Australia Awards Scholarship, you won’t need to open a bank account because we’ll have already done this for you.
Plan a budget
Living on a student income can be challenging. Here are some online tools to help you budget:
Find out about the cost of living in Australia and plan a budget for yourself. Your course fees don’t include personal costs like accommodation, food, and other things you’ll need while in Australia.
If you need more money
At some point while studying, you may find you need more money. If this happens, you may decide to work part-time, take out a loan or apply for a scholarship.
Work
Many university students need to work part-time to support themselves while studying. Before looking for a job, think about how to balance studying and working hours. Full-time students should consider working no more than 8 to 10 hours per week.
International students
It's important you know the rules for working on a student visa, including the number of hours you can work each fortnight. For full details, see working on a student visa.
Finding work
Check out our careers site for tips on preparing for and finding employment and working on a student visa.
Legitimate work arrangements
You may be offered a job where you're paid cash and your employer doesn’t deduct tax. This is illegal and may not be in your best interests. For example:
- it may be more difficult to get compensation if you’re injured at work
- you may miss out on employer contributions to superannuation.
To protect your rights, see: