Fees vary based on your student type, so it's important to find the right fee information for your situation.
Note: Personalise this page by selecting your status as either a domestic or international student from the top left corner of the screen.
Understanding your fees
Fee structures vary depending on the field of study and the type of course you choose. The fees you pay and the assistance you can receive will differ based on your citizenship status, the year you commenced, and the government subsidy available for the type of place you are offered.
When you enrol in your course, you can view your fees in MyStudentInfo under Finance, and then Accounts Balance.
Fee types
| Tuition Fees | You’ll be charged a fee to cover the cost of each unit (subject) in your course. |
| Administration, Incidental and Material fees | These include charges for services like academic transcripts, activities such as field trips or materials that become your property. |
| Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) | This is set by the Australian Government annually and funds services of a non-academic nature that enhance the student experience. |
Domestic students - Australian or New Zealand citizens, humanitarian visa holders, holders of a Pacific Engagement Visa or Australian permanent residents
International students - Temporary residents of Australia or a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand
Your enrolment and fee type will determine your payment due date.
CDU TAFE
Also known as Vocational Education and Training (VET) offers a wide range of courses from short courses, certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships, traineeships and VET in-schools programs. Fees will vary depending on the course and your eligibility for government-subsidised training. Some courses may have free tuition fees under the Northern Territory Government's (NTG) Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
CDU TAFE - NTG subsidised places
If you are a domestic student living in the Northern Territory, you may be eligible for a subsidised NTG place. This means the NT Government subsidises your course by paying part of your fees directly to your course provider. You will then be responsible for paying the remainder of your fees through a student contribution known as the tuition fee.
Find out more and check your eligibility on VET student loans.
CDU TAFE Domestic Full Fee-paying places
You will be charged the Full-Fee tuition rate for all enrolled hours if you are not eligible for an NT Government subsidised place.
Higher Education
CDU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, each with its own fee structure. Fees at CDU vary depending on the course, residency status, and study load. Domestic students may benefit from government-subsidised rates and if eligible, can access the HELP loans to defer their tuition payments. International students typically pay full tuition fees. See below for specific course types and information on fee-paying places.
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
CSP’s are available to eligible domestic students for undergraduate degrees and some postgraduate degrees by coursework. Fees are subsidised by the Australian Government, and students also contribute towards their studies. The Government sets maximum fees each year for a full-time study load. Eligible students can use a HECS-HELP loan to defer their payment of fees to a later date. Loan repayments can be made directly through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Domestic Full Fee
These places are offered for postgraduate study tuition fees and are not subsidised by the Australian Government. You will need to pay tuition fees upfront by the census date for each teaching period, the amount you pay is based on your enrolment selection. Eligible students can use a FEE-HELP loan to pay their fees. Loan repayments can be made directly through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
International fees
These places are offered for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees by coursework. Tuition fees are paid upfront for each teaching period with the amount you pay being based on an annual tuition fee for your course. It is an obligation to meet visa requirements to make payment of fees by the due date for each teaching period.
Higher Degree by Research (HDR)
Domestic candidates incur no fees if they complete their degree within the allocated time. Candidates may also apply for a stipend (living allowance) while they complete the research project (conditions apply). Please see HDR Scholarships page for more information.
International candidates are liable for international tuition fees. However, there are scholarships available for fee waiver, fee reduction or stipend payments - conditions apply
Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF)
SSAF contributes to the enhancement of crucial non-academic services and amenities that enrich the university experience catering to various student needs. It funds initiatives like sports and recreational activities, health and well-being services, employment and career guidance, and structures for independent student representation.
Learn more about SSAF.
Microcredential fees
The cost of the microcredential you are studying will vary depending on the complexity of the topic and associated credit points. Explore all Microcredentials and view the fee details included.
Non-award course fees (miscellaneous fees)
Non-award study for both domestic and international students is only offered on a full fee-paying basis. Upfront payment of tuition fees is required, and no HELP loan is available.
How to Calculate your CSP fees
Fees are determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced. These fees may change annually, as they are set by the Australian Federal Government and the University.
Unit fees are based on the Field of Education (FOE) code assigned to a unit. Each FOE code belongs to one of four Funding Clusters (student contribution bands) set by the Australian Government. To find out more, refer to Study Assist.
2024 fees
| Band | Field of Education (FOE) | 10 C unit | 20 CP unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $2040 | $4080 |
| 2 | Education, English, Mathematics or Statistics | $555 | $1111 |
| 2 | Postgraduate Clinical Psychology* | $555 | $1111 |
| 2 | Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts | $1118 | $2237 |
| 2 | Professional Pathway Psychology* or Professional Pathway Social Work* | $1118 | $2237 |
| 3 | Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages | $555 | $1111 |
| 3 | Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies or Science | $1118 | $2237 |
| 4 | Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science | $1590 | $3180 |
CP = credit points
*CSP students studying the Master of Psychology (Clinical) will have these fees levied for units in the psychology discipline.
*CSP students studying the Bachelor of Psychological Science, the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Graduate Entry) or the Bachelor of Psychological Science Honours will have these fees levied for units in the behavioural science discipline only.
*CSP students studying the Bachelor of Social Work will have these fees levied for units in the human welfare studies and services discipline only.
Estimate a CSP course cost
Example ONLY:
Diploma of Exercise and Sport Science - 8 units - 80 credit points (CP) to complete.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Band 2 units (3 x $1,118) | $3,354 |
| Band 3 units (4 x $2,040) | $8,160 |
| Elective (1 x $2,040) | $2,040 |
| Total approximate cost | $13,554 |
| Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF) x 8 units ($43) | $344 |
| Estimated total course cost | $13,898 |
Note: Not all units in a course are in the same FOE. This estimation method should be used as a reference only. Fees are subject to change each year.
For more information, see the 2024 Higher Education Unit Fees for the current cost of each CDU unit in 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Higher Education fees
What happens if I don’t pay my fees?
If you pay upfront or select to pay upfront, you must do so, by the census date of the relevant teaching period or you will be withdrawn. Students will be notified in writing of the enrolment cancellation.
Why am I receiving an Enrolment and Fee Advice – Invoice when I am deferring my fees?
An Enrolment and Fee Advice – Invoice serves two purposes, one to confirm that you have been successfully enrolled and the other a confirmation of payment. It also has the added bonus of proof of enrolment for your employer or third-party sponsor.
What happens if I only pay some fees?
If you choose to pay your fees upfront but don't make the payment by the census date, you'll need to provide your Tax File Number. If you're eligible, any outstanding balance will be deferred to a HELP Loan.
If you intended to pay upfront but either aren't eligible for this option or haven't provided your Tax File Number, your enrolment will be cancelled if payment is not received by census date.
Why am I receiving a Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN) when I have paid my fees?
If you access Commonwealth assistance (either through a Commonwealth Supported Place or a HELP loan) you will receive a CAN for your records to show the amount that has been deferred.
Can I pay my fees in instalments?
Fees can be paid in instalments but only up to the census date. Full payment must be received by the census date.
I am a Permanent Resident, what happens if I don’t pay my fees by the census date?
You will be withdrawn from the relevant teaching period if fees are not paid in full by the census date.
Am I eligible for a CSP if I live overseas?
It depends on your citizenship status and meeting the following CSP residency requirements:
- If you are an Australian citizen, you must physically live in Australia, study and complete at least one unit from your course. If this requirement is met, the remainder of the course can be studied from overseas.
- If you are a non-Australian citizen, you must physically live in Australia, study and complete all units in your course. If this requirement cannot be met, then you are not eligible for CSP.
If you aren't sure which applies to you, please contact the Student Central team.
I have just become an Australian Citizen. What should I do?
You will need to submit a Personal Details Amendment form through the CDU Portal and attach a copy of your citizenship certificate. Log in with your student email and password, click the eForms tile, select the Personal Details Amendment form and select Continue to proceed.
Once this has been processed you will receive a confirmation email and instructions to complete your online HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP form.
You need to submit the form and citizenship certificate prior to the census date to be eligible for a fee change in the current semester.
I am a New Zealand citizen, can I defer my fees?
Only some New Zealand citizens can get a HELP loan. You must:
- be a New Zealand Special Category visa (SCV) holder;
- meet ALL of the long-term residency requirements; and
- be living in Australia while you study.
Long-term residency requirements
The long-term residency requirements for New Zealand SCV holders are that you:
- first began to be usually resident in Australia at least 10 years ago,
- were a child under the age of 18 with no spouse or de facto partner when you first began to be usually resident in Australia, and
- have been in Australia for at least:
o a total of eight out of the past 10 years (from when you apply for the loan), and
o a total of 18 months out of the last two years (from when you apply for the loan).
If you meet all of these requirements, please send a copy of your international movement record to fees@cdu.edu.au with a request for HELP Loan before the census date of the teaching period. Upon receipt of your request, we will assess your application for a HELP Loan. This will need to be received before the census date.
Does my HELP loan attract interest?
HELP debts do not attract interest but are indexed to keep up with changes in the cost of living. The indexation rate is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Further information can be found on the Study Assist government website.
Why can't I see fees for my enrolment on my Enrolment and Fee Advice - Invoice (EFAI)?
Fees can take up to 24 hours to be generated and updated across all CDU systems including your EFAI. You can request an EFAI in MyStudentInfo > Finance.
Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF)
What is a Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF)
This fee funds a range of support services for all students, whether you study online or on campus. For more information, visit the SSAF webpage.
How do I pay my SSAF?
Domestic students: There are several different ways to pay your SA-HELP fee. You can choose to pay the fee upfront or if you are eligible, you can defer the payment through to an SA-HELP loan. Log into your MyStudentInfo account to pay your SA-HELP or to complete the SA-HELP loan (step 7) to defer your fees.
Please be aware that there are two types of loans available: the HECS-HELP, which covers tuition fees, and the SA-HELP loan, which covers the Student Amenities Fee. To defer your payments, you need to complete the application for the appropriate loan. Make sure you choose the HECS-HELP loan for tuition fees and the SA-HELP loan if you want to defer the Student Amenities Fee.
See also: Am I eligible for a SA-HELP loan?
International students: All fees need to be paid in full by the census date for each teaching period. Please see Compliance and enrolment.
Am I required to pay SSAF even if I don't intend to use any of the services and amenities?
Yes SSAF is charged at CDU, regardless of whether you choose to use the services and amenities available. This fee helps fund a range of support services and facilities that are accessible to all students.
I am studying externally why do I have to pay SSAF?
All Higher Education students regardless of whether you are studying internally or externally will need to pay a SSAF each teaching period during your studies at CDU. This is standard practice for Australian universities. The SSAF helps fund non-academic services and deliver projects and activities to improve your experience as a student.
What happens if I have outstanding SSAF?
Your enrolment will be at risk of being cancelled. Encumbrances will be placed on a student’s account preventing them from viewing grades and being able to request Academic record/Transcripts until full payment is received.
HELP loans
Why do I have fees owing on my student account, but I will be deferring to HELP?
If you are eligible for a HELP loan you can choose to:
- let all your fees defer to your HELP loan
- pay part of your fees and defer the remainder to your HELP loan
- not defer your fees to HELP and pay your fees upfront
What happens after I elect to defer my fees to a HELP loan?
You will automatically have your eligible fees deferred to a HELP loan shortly after the semester payment due date if you have:
- met all the eligibility criteria for a HELP loan,
- completed your HELP application forms (eCAF) in MyStudentInfo
- provided Charles Darwin University with your Tax File Number (TFN) and Unique Student Identifier (USI)
How do I pay?
Domestic students: There are several different ways to pay your SA-HELP fee. You can choose to pay the fee upfront or if you are eligible, you can defer the payment through to an SA-HELP loan. Log into your MyStudentInfo account to pay your SA-HELP or to complete the SA-HELP loan (step 7) to defer your fees.
Please note that there are two types of loans, the HECS-HELP loan (or Commonwealth Assistance) and SA-HELP loan (Student Amenities Fee Loan). You must complete the relevant loan to be able to defer your payment.
See also: Am I eligible for a SA-HELP loan?
International students: All fees need to be paid in full by the census date for each teaching period. Please see Compliance and enrolment.
Am I required to pay SSAF even if I don't intend to use any of the services and amenities?
Yes SSAF is charged at CDU, regardless of whether you choose to use the services and amenities available. This fee helps fund a range of support services and facilities that are accessible to all students and amenities.