Handbook

Required reading

General information

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

International

Handbook sitemap

Fees, scholarships and financial matters

Tuition fees

Single subject domestic fees

La Trobe University offers single subject (non-award) studies for fees to domestic and international students.

For all teaching periods, single subject fees are due and payable on the date specified on the University’s Statement of Account. A student who has incurred a tuition fee liability (by remaining enrolled past the Census Date) is not entitled to a full refund of a specific single subject fee.

Postgraduate domestic fees

La Trobe University offers postgraduate fee-paying places to domestic students.

For all teaching periods, postgraduate fees are due and payable on the date specified on the University’s Statement of Account. A student who has incurred a tuition fee liability (by remaining enrolled past the Census Date) is not entitled to a full refund of the fees for a specific subject.

For further information refer to the 2012 Domestic Fees webpage at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/fees/course/

International fees

Further information about fees for International Students is available in the International Students section of the Handbook.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

To be eligible to be made an offer of a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) you must:

• be an Australian citizen or a New Zealand citizen, or a holder of an Australian permanent visa (including an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) and you must reside in Australia for the duration of your subject
• complete a ‘Request for Commonwealth Support and HECS-HELP’ form
• have sufficient Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) to undertake the planned subjects within the offered course (refer to SLE below).

If you are a Commonwealth-supported student, the Australian Government will contribute towards your study costs. Students who are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) are usually required to pay a student contribution.

Maximum student contribution amounts for a Commonwealth Supported Place

The following table shows the maximum annual student contribution amounts for a place (EFTSL) that may be charged for units of study in 2012.

Pre-2008 students: For pre-2008 students, the maximum annual student contribution amount that may be charged for Accounting, Administration, Economics and Commerce units is $8050. This amount applies to Commonwealth supported students who commenced a course of study before 1 January 2008 and are covered by the savings provision in Schedule 7 of the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (2007 Budget Measures) Act 2007.

Pre-2009 students: For pre-2009 students, the maximum annual student contribution amount that may be charged for Mathematics, Statistics and Science subjects is $8050.

Pre-2010 students: For pre-2010 students, the maximum annual student contribution amount that may be charged for Education and Nursing subjects is $4520 (subject to the passage of legislation).
 

Item	Funding cluster	2012 Maximum student contribution amount (per EFTSL)
1	Law	$9425
	Accounting Administration Economics Commerce
2	Humanities	$5648
3 (a)	Computing Built Environment Other Health	$8050
3 (b)	Behavioural Science Social Studies	$5648
3 (c)	Mathematicsa Statisticsa	$4520
4	Educationb	$5648
5 (a)	Clinical Psychology Foreign Languages Visual and Performing Arts	$5648
5 (b)	Allied Health	$8050
6	Nursingb	$5648
7 (a)	Engineering Surveying	$8050
7 (b)	Sciencea	$4520
8	Dentistry Medicine Veterinary Science	$9425
8	Agriculture	$8050

Notes:

a. Mathematics, Statistics and Science

1. The national priority maximum annual student contribution amount applies to students who commenced their course of study on or after 1 January 2009, regardless of the course of study. The national priority maximum also applies to continuing students who transfer to a course of study in the Natural and Physical Sciences from one that is not.
2. Mathematics, statistics and science units of study are those units of study in the natural and physical sciences Field of Education that are classified in Chapter 9 of the Commonwealth Grant Scheme (CGS) Guidelines as being in the Funding Clusters applying to ‘Mathematics and Statistics’ and/or ‘Science’ (currently clusters 3 or 7, although cluster numbering may alter in updated Guidelines following legislative amendment).
3. A natural and physical sciences course of study means a course of study in the field of natural and physical sciences, classified as Broad Field 01 the publication Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED) 2001.

b. Education and Nursing (subject to the passage of legislation).

1. From 1 January 2010, the maximum annual student contribution amount for commencing Commonwealth supported students undertaking education and nursing units of study has been increased from the ‘national priority’ rate to the band 1 rate.
2. The increased maximum annual student contribution amounts affect only students who commence their course of study at a higher education provider on or after 1 January 2010.

Pre-2010 students:

• Grandfathering arrangements exist for Commonwealth supported students who commenced a course of study prior to 1 January 2010 and had not completed that course prior to that date.
  A person is a pre-2010 student for a unit of study if the person started the course of study of which the unit forms a part before 1 January 2010 and was a Commonwealth supported student in relation to a unit of study in that course and:
  • the person had not completed the course by 31 December 2009; or
  • in 2009 the person was undertaking an enabling course; or
  • the person has completed the related course for an honours course and is undertaking the honours course of study.

Payment of the student contribution

All Australian citizens and holders of permanent humanitarian visas who are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place may choose one of the following methods to pay their student contribution amount:

• pay the full student contribution amount up-front or make a partial payment ($500 or more) and receive a 10 per cent discount on the amount paid
• defer their student contribution amount by taking out a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP debt, which will be repaid via the Australian Taxation Office when the student’s income reaches the thresholds set by the Government
• New Zealand citizens and permanent residents (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) can also access Commonwealth Supported Places; however, they must pay the full student contribution amount up-front without any discount.

Detailed information on the University’s policies and procedures regarding FEE-HELP will be available at the University’s website www.latrobe.edu.au/acadserv/fees

Note: Permanent Residents and New Zealand citizens are not eligible to defer their HECS-HELP. Permanent Residents and New Zealand citizens are only eligible to pay their fees up-front without a discount.

Student Learning Entitlement (SLE)

If you are an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or a holder of an Australian permanent visa (including an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) you will receive a Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) giving you access to seven full-time years or part-time equivalent as a Commonwealth Supported student. Additional SLE is allocated in specific circumstances: for example, if you are enrolled in an undergraduate course that is longer than six years. SLE is consumed as the student enrolment is finalised after each Census date.

Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN)

When a person applies for admission to La Trobe University, either through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre (VTAC), the Universities Admission Centre (UAC), or via direct application, personal identifying information will be provided electronically to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and the Australian Taxation Office, after each applicant has given their consent, for the allocation of a CHESSN.

DEEWR will be responsible for allocating CHESSNs or to return an existing CHESSN for the applicant.

Each eligible student receiving Commonwealth assistance through a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) will be allocated a CHESSN. This number will stay with the student throughout their academic life, and for the management of their Commonwealth assistance. Students will be notified of their CHESSN on their Commonwealth Assistance Notice which is sent after the Census date of their first subject. Students are responsible for monitoring their eligibility for Commonwealth support and Student Learning Entitlement balance.

To obtain more information, refer to: www.goingtouni.gov.au or www.latrobe.edu.au/study

Remissions/Re-Credits

Remission (refund) of subject fees, HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP debt

Prior to a Subject Census Date, applications may be made to have any subject tuition fees and part payments with respect to fee liability, refunded directly by electronic funds transfer.

After a Census Date, normally liability is non refundable. If a student becomes seriously ill or other special circumstances occur and they are unable to continue studies, an application can be made to have their fees, HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP debt for the relevant teaching period reduced or removed.

‘Special circumstances’ does not include lack of knowledge or understanding of fees, HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP and how they are administered, or of La Trobe University’s enrolment procedures and regulations. Students who have paid fees, or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan and want a refund must apply in writing using the appropriate ‘Application for Remission of Debt and Re-crediting of Student Learning Entitlement’ form with supporting documentation to the University:

To seek further information and advice on Remission of Debt and Re-crediting of Student Learning Entitlement for HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP, visit the Student Administration Office.

Detailed information on the University’s policies and procedures regarding Remission of Debt and Re-crediting of Student Learning Entitlement is available at the University’s website: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/fees/course/refunds

Refunds

To seek further information and advice regarding refunds visit the Student Administration Office or access detailed information regarding the University’s refund policies and procedures and appropriate application forms at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/fees/course/refunds

Refunds for International Students

Further information about refunds for International Students is available at www.latrobe.edu.au/international/fees/tuition

Other information about fees and charges

Incidental fees (fees for goods and services incidental to studies) – legislation

Commonwealth supported students and domestic fee-paying students generally must be able to complete the requirements of their course of study without the imposition of fees that are additional to student contribution amounts or tuition fees.

Certain incidental fees are allowed. The criteria for deciding if a fee is incidental are set out in Chapter 8 of the Higher Education Provider Guidelines (see Appendix A) and in the Higher Education Support Act (HESA) – s19-102(3)(f). Bonds and deposits, whether refundable or not, are not allowed under these guidelines on the basis that HELP ensures that there are no financial barriers for entry to higher education for those students unable to pay up-front for the cost of their tuition.

Circumstances in which providers may levy fees

In accordance with Chapter 8 of the Higher Education Provider Guidelines a provider may charge a student for a good or service related to the provision of their course if one of the following criteria applies:

• The fee is for a good or service that is not essential to the course of study, for example:
• access to Internet and computer facilities (except where these are required as part of a course);
• printing of notes from the Internet or discs; and
• graduation ceremonies in cases where the student is not required to attend the ceremony in order to obtain their award.
• The fee is a charge for an alternative form or alternative forms of access to a good or service that is an essential component of a course of study but is otherwise made readily available at no additional charge by the provider, for example:
• lecture notes or tapes, provided that lectures are available to students free of charge;
• electronic provision of essential information if the information is also readily available free of charge in another form (e.g. in the university library); and
• reading material, such as anthologies of required readings, if these texts are also available free of charge.
• The fee is a charge for an essential good or service that the student has the choice of acquiring from a supplier other than the provider and is for:
• equipment or items that become the physical property of the student and that are not consumed during the course of study; for example:
• artwork, fabric for sewing class, musical instruments, protective clothing or footwear, stethoscopes, dance shoes and reference texts.
• food, transport and accommodation costs associated with the provision of field trips that form part of the course of study.
• The fee is a fine or penalty, if the charge is levied principally as a disincentive and not in order to raise revenue or cover administrative costs, for example:
• fines or penalties for late enrolments, late variations to enrolments, late withdrawals from a course, and late payment of charges
• review of grade if a student has already passed the subject but is seeking to improve their grade
• and a charge for an assessment of prior learning in circumstances where a person has not applied for entry to the institution.

Circumstances in which providers must not levy fees

Providers must not charge students for a good or service which is required for a course of study unless that good or service, or an alternative to it, is also available to students at no additional charge, for example: course materials, such as subject outlines, reading lists, tutorial or seminar topics and problems, assignment and essay questions, and requirements and guidelines for the presentation of work; access to library books, periodicals and manuals; clinic, laboratory or workshop materials such as anaesthetics, chemicals, filters, fuel, fertilisers, animal feed or crops used in practical sessions or research; access to computers or other online resources; recognition of prior learning if the student is enrolled with the provider or the student is applying for enrolment; equipment and manuals which a professional in the field would not be required to own, such as fixtures in a clinic, laboratory or workshop; or large items of equipment and relevant workshop manuals required for their use; admissions services; examinations or assessments including practical assessment, for example, which requires the services of musical accompanists; reassessment of results where a student has failed an assessment and thereby failed a subject or subject; mailing charges associated with distance education; and course notes provided as part of distance education.

Special Admissions Tests

A provider that conducts a special admissions test for judging the suitability of a person seeking admission into a specialist course may charge a fee for this test. A special admissions test would be over and above normal admission services such as enrolling on the basis of a ENTER/ATAR score, for which a provider must not charge a fee, for example: specialist auditions and interviews such as those conducted by performing arts institutions/faculties; or where special expertise is required to conduct interviews and make recommendations on the suitability of applicants for admission.

Financial assistance

A variety of assistance options are available for students. All intending applicants are advised to check current details with the Student Administration Office on each campus that is available for assistance on all financial matters.

Aboriginal Study Assistance Scheme (Abstudy)

Abstudy is a Commonwealth government scheme for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. In order to receive this benefit, a student must be studying an approved course and not receiving any other government assistance. Further advice and application forms are available from your local Aboriginal Liaison Unit/Officer. Forms are also available at DEEWR offices or Centrelink. The telephone number for Centrelink is 13 23 17.

Austudy and Youth Allowance

Austudy is the Commonwealth government student assistance scheme, which assists students 25 years of age and over, undertaking approved full-time secondary and tertiary studies.

For those under 25 years of age the Youth Allowance provides similar benefits. The assistance is subject to a means test and to certain conditions of eligibility.

All students are encouraged to obtain advice and, if appropriate, apply through the relevant student advisory service on their campus. For additional information visit the website at www.centrelink.gov.au or telephone Centrelink's Youth and Student Services at 13 24 90.

Student Financial Support

Loans are available to assist students to support essential needs in order to complete their studies. Essential needs may include but are not limited to books, equipment, computer software and hardware, travel for research and course placement. Loans are available without a guarantor up to the amount of $800. A guarantor is required for all loans from $801 - $4000. All loans are interest free.

More information about Student Financial Support is available from:

OS-HELP in 2012

OS-HELP is a loan scheme available to assist eligible undergraduate students to undertake some of their study overseas. Students may receive one loan per six-month study period for one or two overseas study periods. OS-HELP loan funds can be used for any of the associated expenses incurred when studying overseas, such as airfares, accommodation or settling expenses.

There are two OS-HELP application periods each year, one for each semester. The closing dates for applications are 1 May and 1 November, in the semester preceding the travel.

For further information go to the ‘Going to Uni’ website at www.goingtouni.gov.au or contact the OS-HELP Officer to obtain an application package via email at oshelp@latrobe.edu.au

The University OS-HELP policy can be found at the Policy website www.latrobe.edu.au/policy

Postgraduate Research awards

La Trobe University offers a number of awards for candidates who wish to undertake a higher degree by research. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of excellence to persons of exceptional promise.

Details are available from Research Services at the Melbourne Campus. The closing date for applications for candidature and scholarship for 2012 is 31 October 2011 for Australian and New Zealand citizens and 30 September 2011 for international applicants.

The closing date for applications for candidature and scholarship for 2013 is 31 October 2012 for Australian and New Zealand citizens and 31 August 2012 for international applicants.

To be eligible for most awards applicants must have completed at least four years of tertiary studies or equivalent, and hold qualifications at Honours 1 or equivalent level.

Application kits and further details on the eligibility criteria and conditions are available directly from the School in which you wish to study, or by accessing the website at www.latrobe.edu.au/postgrad/apply-for-postgraduate-study.

Successful research applicants will normally receive a non-taxable stipend.

Research Training Scheme (RTS)

The RTS provides block grants to eligible higher education institutions to support research training for students undertaking Doctorates and Masters by research. The RTS provides these students, referred to as Commonwealth-funded HDR students, with a Commonwealth-funded place for up to a maximum period of four years’ full-time equivalent study for a Doctorate by research and two years’ full-time equivalent study for a Masters by research.

An RTS student must be:

• an Australian citizen
• an Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen
• enrolled in an accredited higher degree by research course.

All students interested in pursuing higher degree studies by research should make enquiries directly to the postgraduate coordinator in the relevant Faculty. Please contact:

Scholarships, awards and prizes

La Trobe University will offer a number of scholarships for commencing and continuing students in 2011, ranging in value from $2000–$5000 per year, including Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships. Some scholarships will assist rural and regional students, or those from a low socio-economic background, or Indigenous students. Others will recognise students with exceptional academic results. Grants are also available for honours students. A number of scholarships are awarded annually to students across all faculties and campuses of the University. Further information can be obtained at www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships or see the ‘Scholarships and prizes’ chapter in this Handbook. The application process and closing dates vary for each scholarship program.

The Scholarships Unit is responsible for administering University-wide undergraduate scholarships, including Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships. Faculties, campuses, and residential colleges also offer and administer a wide range of scholarships and prizes for students at all levels, in most courses. Visit the same web page (above) for eligibility details and how to apply.