Commonwealth supported places (CSPs)

A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) means the Australian Government helps to pay a portion of your university tuition fees. This payment is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back.

The subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your units. You will need to cover the remaining balance, called the student contribution amount (SCA), but to help with these fees you may be able to access a HECS-HELP loan.

Most undergraduate courses will have CSPs available while some postgraduate courses will have limited CSPs.

Check your eligibility

To be eligible for a CSP, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• You are an Australian citizen completing some of your course while residing in Australia.
• You are a New Zealand citizen studying your entire course while living in Australia.
• You are an Australian permanent visa holder studying your entire course while living in Australia.
• You are an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder studying your entire course while living in Australia.

View the full eligibility criteria 

You must also have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) prior to the first census date. If you are a current ACU student or have previously undertaken tertiary study, you may already have a USI and do not need to apply. Once you have received your USI, you will need to register it with ACU through Student Connect.

Apply for your USI

A CSP and HECS-HELP are not the same thing

A CSP is a subsidised place in a university course, meaning the government pays a portion of your fees. You do not need to pay this back.

HECS-HELP is a loan payment from the government to pay part of your student contribution amount. This loan will be repaid through your taxation once you start earning a wage.

Student Learning Entitlement

The Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) is the limit on how much subsidised study you can complete if you’re in a CSP. You are allowed up to seven years of full-time study (7 EFTSL – Equivalent Full-Time Study Load) under a CSP. Study prior to 1 January 2022 does not count towards your SLE.

Your SLE determines if you qualify for Commonwealth support. If you have used your full SLE, you might be charged the full fee amount for your remaining units.

• Future students: Before you enrol, make sure you have enough SLE.
• Current students: Keep an eye on your balance so you stay eligible.

If you’re studying with us on an international visa, you’re considered an international student and must pay international fees.

To check your SLE, go to myHELPbalance. Use your USI, student ID and personal details to log in.

Explore the student learning entitlement in more detail 

How do I apply?

You need to apply for your chosen course either through your state’s Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) or directly to ACU.

Once you find your course in the course browser, you will be able to see if the course offers CSPs and you will be guided through the application process.

Postgraduate CSPs are limited. Apply early so you don’t miss out.

Find your course