Commonwealth supported places

Eligible CSP units

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place where the government pays for part of your unit fees. This is a subsidy, not a loan, so you do not need to pay it back. Your remaining fees may also be eligible for FEE-HELP. It is only applicable to new, eligible students who enrol and commence their studies in 2025. Limited places available.

To find out if you’re eligible for this subsidy, visit the government’s Study Assist.

What is a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government-subsidised study option that significantly reduces your unit fees, making higher education more affordable. Unlike a loan, this subsidy does not need to be repaid. The exact amount CSP covers varies by course, but it offers substantial savings, allowing you to focus more on your studies and less on financial worries. 

CSP Eligibility

CSP eligibility applies to students enrolling in the following Graduate Certificate programs: 

To qualify, you must: 

  • Be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent visa holder, or eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder. 
  • Study while residing in Australia. 
  • Have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and meet Student Learning Entitlement requirements. 
  • Be a new student starting in 2025. 
  • CSPs are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For details on CSP eligibility and to check if you qualify, visit the government’s Study Assist website. 

How Much Does CSP Cover?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) offers substantial financial benefits by covering a significant portion of your unit fees. The exact amount that CSP covers depends on the specific course you choose. After the CSP subsidy is applied, the remaining CSP fees can often be deferred through FEE-HELP, further alleviating your immediate financial burden and allowing you to pay later. However, to defer payments through a HELP loan, you must be an Australian citizen. This support significantly reduces your out-of-pocket costs, making higher education more accessible. For detailed information on CSP course fees and what you will pay, please refer to the Eligible CSP Units tables. 

How to Apply for CSP

Applying for a Commonwealth Supported Place at Victoria University Online is simple. CSPs are automatically attached to eligible courses, so when you apply for an eligible program, you are also applying for a CSP. If you receive an offer of admission, it will be under the CSP offering. However, you will need to follow the CSP protocols in place, which include confirming the financial and fee requirements at the time of enrolment. For more detailed instructions on how to apply for CSP, including deadlines and required documentation, schedule a call with an enrolment advisor for assistance. 

Frequently asked questions

What VU Online courses offer CSP?

VU Online offers CSP in the following Graduate Certificate courses:

Who is eligible for CSP?

To be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), you must:

  • Be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent visa holder, or eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder studying in Australia.
  • Have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and meet Student Learning Entitlement requirements.
  • Be a new student starting your studies in 2025 and meet other Commonwealth Supported Place requirements.

How hard is it to get a Commonwealth Supported Place?

While Commonwealth Supported Places are competitive, especially in popular courses, the process can be straightforward if you meet the eligibility criteria. It’s best to apply early, as CSPs are limited.

What’s the difference between a Graduate Australian Fee Place and a Commonwealth Supported Place?

A Graduate Australian Fee Place typically requires you to pay the full course fees, while a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) subsidises part of your fees, making education more affordable. CSP students pay reduced fees, with the government covering a significant portion.

Is a Commonwealth Supported Place the same as HECS?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and HECS (Higher Education Contribution Scheme) are related but not the same. CSPs involve government subsidies for course fees, while HECS is a loan scheme that allows you to defer paying your fees until you reach a certain income level.

How many government-subsidised courses can I do?

There is no set limit on the number of government subsidised courses you can undertake, but you must meet the eligibility requirements for each course and ensure you have sufficient Student Learning Entitlement available.

How much will students pay for their course?

The cost per unit varies depending on the course. For detailed information on CSP course fees and what you will pay, please refer to the Eligible CSP Units tables above.

How to apply for a CSP?

When you apply for an eligible course at Victoria University Online, you are automatically considered for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). If offered admission, it will include the CSP. However, you must confirm the financial and fee requirements during enrolment. For more details or assistance, contact an enrolment advisor.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Unit name Unit Fees* CSP Unit Fees Savings
Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health HNO6001 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Care Coordination in Practice HNO6002 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Leading Improvement and Innovation HNO6003 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Evidence and Research for Practice HNO6004 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics Leadership
Unit name Unit Fees* CSP Unit Fees Savings
Nursing Informatics Leadership HNO6017 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Leading Improvement and Innovation HNO6003 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Nursing Informatics HNO6006 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Nursing Leadership and Management HNO7006 $2,284 $160 $2,124
Graduate Certificate in Public Health
Unit name Unit Fees* CSP Unit Fees Savings
Foundations of Public Health HMG7100 $3,104 $1,940 $1,164
Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1 HPO6001 $3,104 $1,940 $1,164
Public Health in Practice HMG7200 $3,104 $1,940 $1,164
Culture and Society in Public Health HMG7220 $3,104 $1,940 $1,164
Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Unit name Unit Fees* CSP Unit Fees Savings
Mental Health Foundations HNO6009 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Effective Trauma-Informed Care HNO6012 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Introduction to Child and Adolescent Mental Health HNO6014 $3,104 $1,940 $1,701.50
Child and Adolescent Engagement and Assessment HNO6015 $3,104 $1,940 $1,701.50
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
Unit name Unit Fees* CSP Unit Fees Savings
Recovery Oriented Mental Health HNO6010 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health HNO6011 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Effective Trauma-Informed Care HNO6012 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Mental Health Foundations HNO6009 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing
Unit name Unit Fees* CSP Unit Fees Savings
Mental Health Nursing HNO6008 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Recovery Oriented Mental Health HNO6010 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health HNO6011 $2,958 $578 $2,380
Effective Trauma-Informed Care HNO6012 $2,958 $578 $2,380