Changes to the training system - Guide for students
Securing Jobs for Your Future - Skills for Victoria is a Government initiative aimed to improve the training system and encourage people to gain higher qualifications. This initiative provides great access to training, but also changes the fees and charges for course enrolments in which study is commenced after 1 July 2009.
The sections below provide information that will assist you in understanding the changes to the training system that will come into effect on 1 July 2009.
Fees
There will be changes affecting fees for new enrolments in all training courses from 1 July 2009. According to the new fees schedule, if you are eligible for a government subsidised place the Government will pay most of the course cost. If you are not eligible you will need to pay on a fee-for-service basis.
International students should refer to Swinburne International for fee information.
New Enrolments in Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas
Am I eligible for a subsidised place?
Check your eligibility below:
I have already turned 20, am I eligible?
If you are already 20 on the 1 January in the year you will be undertaking your course, eligibility will depend on your qualifications. If you are applying for a course that is accredited at a higher level than the highest qualification you hold, then you are eligible. You will not be eligible for a subsidised place in a course at the same level or lower, for example if you have completed a Diploma then you will not be eligible for a subsidised place in a Diploma course.
New enrolments in courses below Diploma level
From 1 July 2009 courses ranging from Certificate I to Certificate IV will have new tuition fees depending on the course level.
The new fees schedule is set out below:
| Course | 2009 Rate per Scheduled Hour |
|---|---|
| Foundation Skills | $1.08 |
| Apprenticeship or Traineeship | $1.37 |
| Certificate I or II | $1.37 |
| Certificate III or IV | $1.41 |
Continuing Students
I am already enrolled - how do these changes affect me?
If you have enrolled and started your course before 1 July 2009 these changes will not affect you. Your tuition fees will remain the same but are subject to indexation each year. If you take a break from your studies, unless it is an approved Leave Of Absence, you will be charged the new Skills Reform rate for your course.
VET FEE-HELP
What is VET FEE-HELP?
VET FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector which is part of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP).
Who is eligible?
An eligible student (for the purpose of VET FEE-HELP
- is an Australian citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be resident in Australia for the duration of the unit of study in which they are seeking VET FEE-HELP assistance;
- is enrolled in a Government subsidised place or is a full fee paying student who remains enrolled in the unit at the end of the census date;
- meets the tax file number requirements;
- has completed, signed and submitted a valid request for VET FEE-HELP assistance form for the unit or the course of which the unit forms a part, on or before the census date; and
- has not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.
What can you get a loan for?
Eligible students can get a loan to cover their course fees if they are a full fee paying student, or to cover their tuition fees if they have a Government subsidised place.
