In This Article
- What is a Commonwealth supported place and how does it work?
- Is CSP available to postgraduate students?
- How much tuition does a Commonwealth supported place cover?
- How hard is it to get a Commonwealth supported place as a postgraduate healthcare student?
- Commonwealth supported place eligibility for postgraduate healthcare students
- How do I know if the course I want to study offers CSP?
- Healthcare postgraduate courses that offer Commonwealth supported places
- Pursue a postgraduate CSP course in healthcare
If you’re looking to enrol in a postgraduate healthcare course but are concerned about the cost, a Commonwealth supported place may significantly reduce your tuition fees and make further education more accessible.
In this article, we’ll cover various aspects pertaining to postgraduate Commonwealth supported places in healthcare, answering questions about how much tuition a CSP covers, how hard is it to get a place, eligibility criteria and more.
What is a Commonwealth supported place and how does it work?
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is a government-subsidised place at an Australian public university or an approved private higher education provider.
With a CSP, the Australian Government subsidises a portion of your tuition fees, thereby lowering the overall cost of your course.
This government subsidy is not a loan so you won’t need to repay the subsidised amount. You will, however, need to pay for the remaining portion, also known as the student contribution amount.
A CSP can significantly reduce the cost of your studies. For example, if you were to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Nursing at Victoria University, the price per unit would normally be $2,950 but with a CSP, the cost drops to $578 per unit – an 80 per cent reduction in fees.
How to get a Commonwealth supported place
-
Check CSP availability and eligibility
• Check the higher education provider’s website to see if CSPs are offered for your course. Contact the institution directly if you’re unsure.
• Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, including citizenship and residency requirements. - Submit a CSP application
• Submit the electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) before the census date. -
Application assessment
• CSP applications are assessed by the higher education provider and allocated based on factors such as academic merit and whether eligibility requirements are met. -
Payment and loan options
• If you are awarded a CSP, you only need to pay the student contribution amount while the government covers the rest through a subsidy.
• You can choose to either pay the student contribution amount upfront or defer the payment through HECS-HELP.
CSP vs HECS-HELP vs FEE-HELP
When it comes to higher education loan schemes, CSP, HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP are the three most common funding arrangements. While a CSP reduces tuition fees through a government subsidy, HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP are loan programs designed to help students defer their fees.
The table below breaks down the key differences between these options:
| Commonwealth supported place (CSP) | HECS-HELP | FEE-HELP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A government-subsidised place where the Australian government pays for part of your tuition fees. | A loan to cover the student contribution amount in a CSP. | A loan to cover full tuition fees for eligible courses. |
| Who uses this scheme? | Mostly undergraduate students as CSPs are more readily available for undergraduate courses. Some postgraduate students also use this scheme as CSPs are available for some postgraduate courses. | Students who need to defer their student contribution amount. | Students who are enrolled in a full-fee paying course. |
| How does it work? | The government subsidises part of your tuition fees and you pay the remaining student contribution amount. | You defer your student contribution amount through a government loan. | You can borrow the full tuition cost for eligible courses through a government loan. |
| What will I need to pay? | The student contribution amount. The government covers the rest. |
Nothing upfront but you will eventually need to repay the loaned amount through the tax system once your income exceeds the compulsory repayment threshold. The threshold for the 2024-2025 income year is $54,435. |
Nothing upfront but you will eventually need to repay the loaned amount through the tax system once your income exceeds the compulsory repayment threshold. The threshold for the 2024-2025 income year is $54,435. |
| What is the borrowing limit? | There is no borrowing limit as the student contribution amount is pre-determined based on government subsidies for the course. | As of 2025, the HELP loan limit is $126,839 for most students but can vary depending on the course. | As of 2025, the HELP loan limit is $126,839 for most students but can vary depending on the course. |
Is CSP available to postgraduate students?
Yes, CSPs are available for postgraduate courses but they are much more limited compared to undergraduate courses.
The majority of government funding for CSPs is directed towards undergraduate programs, meaning fewer subsidised places exist at the postgraduate level.
For example, in 2022, the Department of Education announced 20,000 additional CSPs for 2023 and 2024 but these were only for sub-bachelor's and bachelor's-level courses, not postgraduate courses.
Unlike undergraduate CSPs which are more widely available, postgraduate CSPs are harder to come by and their availability depends on several key factors:
- Government funding allocation
Higher education providers are allocated funding from the government for CSPs, however, as funding priorities change each year, some courses may offer CSPs one year but not the next.
- Field of study
CSPs are typically offered for courses which meet areas of national priority, skills needs and workforce shortage. Some examples of these areas include teaching, information technology, nursing, psychology and social work.
- Course type
CSPs are typically only offered in select postgraduate coursework degrees. There are no CSPs offered for research master’s degrees.
How much tuition does a Commonwealth supported place cover?
The amount of tuition covered by a CSP depends on what you study. Each unit of study in your course falls into a funding cluster, which determines:
- How much the government subsidises
- How much you need to pay (your student contribution amount)
Since courses are made up of multiple units, you may have different student contribution amounts depending on the subjects you take.
Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 maximum student contribution amounts for each funding cluster:
|
Funding cluster |
Fields |
2025 maximum student contribution amount (per equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL) |
|---|---|---|
| Cluster 1 | Law, accounting, administration, economics, commerce, communications, society and culture | $16,992 |
| Cluster 2 | Education, postgraduate clinical psychology, english, mathematics or statistics | $4,627 |
| Allied health, other health, built environment, computing, visual and performing arts, professional pathway psychology or professional pathway social work | $9,314 | |
| Cluster 3 | Nursing, indigenous and foreign languages | $4,627 |
| Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies or Science | $9,314 | |
| Cluster 4 | Agriculture | $4,627 |
| Pathology | $9,314 | |
| Medicine, dentistry or veterinary science | $13,241 |
To calculate your student contribution amount, you will need to take the maximum student contribution per EFTSL multiplied by the unit’s EFTSL value.
As an example, if you’re studying a Graduate Certificate in Global Health Leadership at Victoria University, the units in the course fall under funding cluster two (other health) where the maximum student contribution is $9,314 per EFTSL.
Since the course consists of four units, each unit has an EFTSL value of 0.125 as a full-time study load is typically one EFTSL per year.
To calculate your student contribution per unit, multiply $9,314 x 0.125 to get $1,164.
This means that for each unit, you pay $1,164 instead of $3,200 and the government subsidises the remaining $2,036.
For the entire course, you pay $4,656 and the government subsidises $8,144.
How hard is it to get a Commonwealth supported place as a postgraduate healthcare student?
Securing a CSP as a postgraduate healthcare student can be challenging due to limited availability and strong competition. Here are some factors that may influence whether you get a CSP and what you can do to strengthen your application:
-
Academic merit
CSPs for postgraduate students are not automatically granted and are often awarded based on academic performance. Higher education providers tend to prioritise applicants with a high grade point average (GPA) or weighted average mark (WAM) in their undergraduate degree and in some instances, relevant professional experience in the field.If you’re still completing your undergraduate degree, focus on maintaining strong grades. If you’ve completed your undergraduate degree and are applying for a CSP, make sure you’re highlighting any work experience, internships or research that may be relevant to the course.
-
Competitiveness
Postgraduate CSPs are quota-based, meaning only a set number of places are available each year. Higher education providers receive a specific amount of funding from the government and must decide how to distribute this across different courses.To circumvent this, you can try applying as early as possible as CSPs may be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also boost your chances of securing a CSP by applying to multiple higher education providers that offer CSPs in your field.
- Course and field of study
CSPs are more likely to be available for postgraduate healthcare courses that are considered workforce priorities so you may have a higher chance of getting a CSP if you apply to a course that offers CSPs in these fields. In healthcare, these may include areas such as nursing and clinical psychology.
Commonwealth supported place eligibility for postgraduate healthcare students
To be eligible for a CSP in a healthcare course, you must meet certain citizenship, residency and course-related requirements which include:
-
Citizenship and residency requirements
To qualify for a CSP you must be:
• an Australian citizen who will study at least one unit of your course while living in Australia
• a New Zealand citizen who will study the entire course while living in Australia
• an Australian permanent visa holder who will study the entire course while living in Australia
• an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder or a Pacific engagement visa (PEV) holder who will study the entire course while living in Australia - Enrolled in an eligible postgraduate healthcare course
CSPs for postgraduate students are not available for all courses so it’s important that you’re enrolled in a postgraduate healthcare course that offers CSP.
- Meeting selection criteria
Postgraduate CSPs are not automatically granted and higher education providers typically assess students based on course entry requirements and academic performance. These course entry requirements may include conditions such as:
• having a Unique Student Identifier (USI) prior to the first census date of your course
• having sufficient Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) available
• not undertaking more than two years worth of higher education study within 12 months unless your higher education provider has approved you to take on more
How do I know if the course I want to study offers CSP?
Not all postgraduate healthcare courses offer CSPs so it’s important to check before applying. Higher education providers usually indicate whether a CSP is available for a course on their website but the information may not always be obvious. Here’s how you can determine whether your course offers CSP.
-
Check the higher education provider’s website
The easiest way to check if the course you want to study offers CSP is to visit the higher education provider’s website, search for your chosen course and look for a section titled “fees”.Some websites also have a dedicated page for information on postgraduate CSPs which may be titled “postgraduate CSP courses”, “CSPs for postgraduate study” or “course fees and CSP availability.”
-
Download a course guide
Some higher education providers have detailed course guides that outline whether CSPs are offered and how they are allocated. These guides may also explain the selection criteria for CSPs in further detail.If CSP availability isn’t clearly listed online, you can:
- Contact the higher education provider directly
If CSP availability isn’t clearly stated, you can contact the higher education provider directly via phone or email. -
Speak to an advisor
Some higher education providers have course advisors who can provide personalised guidance on CSP eligibility and availability. Depending on the institution, these advisors may also be referred to as student advisors or learning advisors.At GlobalHealth Education for example, you can select a course and enquire to speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor who can help you with information on CSP availability, application requirements and eligibility criteria.
Healthcare postgraduate courses that offer Commonwealth supported places
At GlobalHealth Education, our university partners offer a range of CSP postgraduate courses. If you’re interested in any of these courses, feel free to select the course and enquire to speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor.
University of Canberra
Graduate Certificate in Health Research
This course is ideal for healthcare professionals that are looking to enhance their skills in research. You’ll study units such as Epidemiology and Principles of Research, Qualitative Research Practice in Health, Quantitative Research Practice in Health and Research Planning.
Estimated full-fee cost: $15,750
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $4,656
Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound Studies
This course is suited to individuals who are interested in taking the first step towards a career in sonography. You’ll develop practical skills and learn foundational knowledge in sonography. After this course, you will need to complete a Diploma in Medical Ultrasound before starting your career as a medical sonographer.
Estimated full-fee cost: $15,750
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $4,656
Delivered in partnership with the UC Health Research Institute, this 18-month course will provide you with the skills needed to succeed in a public health role. You’ll study a broad range of topics from health economics to health promotion and get to select electives that align with your personal goals and interests.
Estimated full-fee cost: $53,850
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $13,968
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Victoria University
Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics Leadership
This course is Australia’s first postgraduate degree specialising in nursing informatics leadership. You will develop advanced skills in nursing leadership, digital health technologies and data analytics, equipping you for leadership roles in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Estimated full-fee cost: $11,800
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $1,894
Graduate Certificate in Global Health Leadership
This course equips you with the skills to navigate complex global health challenges. You’ll explore key concepts in health economics and finance within global health contexts and develop negotiation and mediation skills to address global health challenges.
Estimated full-fee cost: $12,800
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $4,656
Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion
In this course, you will develop in-demand skills to address critical public health challenges, learn how to advocate for change in global health and formulate innovative and evidence-based health promotion programs and projects.
Estimated full-fee cost: $12,800
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $4,656
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing
Gain the knowledge and skills required to provide care and support to those with mental health needs. This course’s curriculum has been designed by mental health nursing experts and you will develop skills in delivering mental health nursing practice and producing better outcomes for patients.
Estimated full-fee cost: $11,832
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $2,312
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health
Gain a holistic understanding of mental health through this course and study units such as Recovery Oriented Mental Health, Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health, Effective Trauma-Informed Care and Mental Health Foundations.
Estimated full-fee cost: $11,480
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $2,312
Graduate Certificate in Public Health
This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills required to work in public health. You’ll be introduced to the main theories, principles and values of public health, learn the foundations of epidemiology and biostatistics, explore public health in practice and evaluate effective communication strategies in public health when working with diverse communities.
Estimated full-fee cost: $12,800
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $7,760
Graduate Certificate in Nursing
This course is designed for registered nurses that are looking to deepen their expertise and hone their leadership skills. Units that you’ll study during this course include Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health, Care Coordination in Practice, Leading Improvement and Innovation and Evidence and Research for Practice.
Estimated full-fee cost: $11,800
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $2,312
Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
This course is the only university mental health qualification in Australia specifically focused on working with children and adolescents. Designed by mental health experts, you’ll study four units in the course which will equip you with the expertise and skills to promote health and wellbeing for young individuals.
Estimated full-fee cost: $11,480
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $5,036
Master of Public Health Specialising in Health Promotion
This course provides the expertise and practical skills needed for a career in health promotion. You’ll explore key topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics and environmental health in your core units and delve into how effective health promotion works in your specialised units.
Estimated full-fee cost: $38,400
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $28,220
Master of Public Health Specialising in Global Health Leadership
Designed for professionals seeking to drive positive change in public health, this course includes eight core units covering essential topics such as health policy and biostatistics along with four specialised units in global health leadership.
Estimated full-fee cost: $38,400
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $28,220
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Pursue a postgraduate CSP course in healthcare
A CSP can significantly reduce fee costs, making further study more accessible. While securing one can be tricky, maintaining strong grades, showcasing relevant work experience, applying early and for courses in high-demand healthcare fields may improve your chances.
At GlobalHealth Education, our university partners offer CSP courses in health research, nursing, health leadership, public health, mental health and ultrasound studies.
If you’re interested in exploring your options or have questions about a specific course, simply select the course and enquire to speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor. If you have a more general enquiry about CSPs, book a call with our Education Consultant.
