8 ways to finance your postgraduate studies

Government loans

If you’re a domestic postgraduate student enrolled in a CSP, you might be eligible for the HECS-HELP loan scheme (commonly known as HECS). This loan covers your student contribution amount and is paid directly to your education provider by the Australian Government.

If you're not in a CSP, you might instead be eligible for FEE-HELP, a different type of HELP loan available to full fee-paying students. FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that can cover all or part of your tuition fees upfront, so you don’t need to pay when you enrol.

Both HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loans are repaid through the Australian tax system. You’ll begin making repayments once your income exceeds a certain threshold, helping ease the financial pressure of paying fees at the start of your studies.

If you're considering a HELP loan, it's important to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes factors like citizenship or residency status, submitting your application before the census date and having sufficient available HELP balance to cover your tuition fees.

Before applying, it's a good idea to check your available HELP balance to confirm you have enough remaining loan capacity to cover your study costs. You can check your available balance at Study Assist - Checking your HELP debt.

Tax deductibility

If your postgraduate degree is related to your current employment, your tuition fees might be tax deductible as a self-education expense, even if you defer payments using FEE-HELP. Contact your financial adviser or visit the ATO website for more information.

Government incentives: subsidised microcredential courses

The NSW Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) offers heavily subsidised microcredential courses. These short, practical programs are assessed and lead to recognised certifications in key industries.

Developed in partnership with leading education providers like UTS, Microsoft and TAFE NSW, the courses are aligned with real workforce needs – so what you learn is directly relevant to your career.

Choose from topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security and Software Development. Explore microskills and mircocredentials available in partnership with IAT.

To be eligible, you must be a permanent resident of NSW. Plus, if you complete multiple microcredentials, you might be able to use them for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) toward a UTS degree – helping you fast-track your further education.

Scholarships

UTS offers a range of scholarships for postgraduate study across different disciplines and eligibility criteria. You can explore your options through the UTS Scholarships Finder.

Services Australia - additional financial support

Depending on your circumstances, you might qualify for additional financial support through Centrelink. If you’re 24 or younger, you may be eligible for Youth Allowance. If you’re 25 or older, Austudy might apply. These programs can help cover living costs while you study.

Alumni Advantage

If you’ve previously studied at UTS, you might be eligible for a 10% saving on full fee-paying postgraduate degrees through the UTS Alumni Advantage program. Check your eligibility on the Alumni Advantage program webpage.

UTS Financial Assistance Service

Need tailored financial advice or support? The UTS Financial Assistance Service offers confidential appointments with financial assistance officers, as well as a range of self-help resources on topics like budgeting, loans and scholarships. UTS also provides financial assistance programs for eligible students, including interest-free loans, grants, grocery vouchers, housing subsidies and digital access support.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit the UTS Financial Assistance Service page. 

Postgraduate study is a significant investment, and while fees can feel daunting, there are practical ways to make it more manageable. Whether through CSPs, government loans like FEE-HELP, scholarships or targeted financial assistance, support is available to suit a variety of circumstances.