What is a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)?

A CSP is a university place paid for in part by the government. This payment is a subsidy, not a loan – that means you don’t have to pay it back.  

Commonwealth Supported Places are limited and available to new and current eligible students who enrol and begin their studies in 2026. 

Am I eligible for a CSP?

If your course is listed here, you may be eligible for a CSP. Eligibility is based on your Australian citizenship or residency status, and the requirements of the specific course in which you’re interested. 

Being eligible does not necessarily mean you will be offered a CSP. Usual academic entry requirements for the course apply.  

Find out more about your eligibility  

How do I pay my portion of the fees?

As a CSP student, you’re responsible for the remaining fees after the subsidy has been applied.  

The balance of your fees may be eligible for HECS-HELP, which means repayments can be deferred until you reach the compulsory payment threshold. 

Which UC units have CSPs?

These units are eligible for CSP and may have places available. 

The amount you’ll pay is highlighted. The government’s contribution is paid before fees are due – you will only ever pay your contribution. 

    
  • Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
    
        
            

Unit code Unit name Total unit fees Your contribution Government's contribution
12012 Social Work in Global, Regional and Local contexts PG $3,179​​ $1,192 $1,987
12013 Working with Diverse Communities PG $3,179​​ $1,192 $1,987
12014 Psychosocial Health Across the Lifecycle PG $3,179​​ $1,192 $1,987
12015 Ethical and Legal Contexts of Social Work Practice PG $3,179​​ $1,192 $1,987
12016 Theoretical Approaches to Social Work Practice PG $3,179​​ $1,192 $1,987
12017 Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice PG $3,179​​ $1,192 $1,987
12018 Policy Development, Leadership and Organisational Practice PG $3,179​​ $1,192 $1,987
12019 Trauma Informed Social Work Practice PG $3,179​​ $1,192 $1,987
12020 Working with Families, Children and Young People PG $3,179​​ $1,192 $1,987
12021 Groupwork Practice in Social Work PG $3,179​​ $1,192 $1,987
12022 Field Education Placement 1 PG $9,537 $3,576 $5,961
12023 Field Education Placement 2 PG $9,537​​ $3,576 $5,961
 
    
    
  • Master of Education,
  • Master of Education (Leadership),
  • Master of Education (STEM),
  • Graduate Certificate in Education,
  • Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership,
  • Graduate Certificate in STEM Education
    
        
            

Unit code Unit name Total unit fees Your contribution Government's contribution
11965 STEM Pedagogy G $2,580 $593 $1,987
11966 STEM and Design Thinking G $2,580 $593 $1,987
11967 Spatial Thinking G $2,580 $593 $1,987
11968 STEM Practices and Learning Opportunities G $2,580 $593 $1,987
11969 Leadership and Change in Education G $2,580​​ $593 $1,987
11970 Leading Learning, Teaching and Curriculum G $2,580 $593 $1,987
11971 Leading and Developing Educators G $2,580 $593 $1,987
11972 Educational Management and Administration G $2,580​​ $593 $1,987
11973 Educational Research Foundation PG $2,580 $593 $1,987
11974 Inclusion in Education PG $2,580​​ $593 $1,987
11975 Wellbeing in Education PG $2,580 $593 $5,961
11976 Professional Practice (Capstone) PG $2,580 $593 $5,961
 
            
    
FAQs
    
How hard is it to get a Commonwealth Supported Place?
    
        
            

CSPs for postgraduate courses are limited and being eligible doesn’t guarantee a place. Your application will be assessed according to academic performance, previous study and relevant work experience.

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

Unlike a CSP, Graduate Australian Fee Place – which is also known as a Domestic Fee-paying Place (DFP) – is not subsidised by the government. Full fee-paying students do not receive a subsidy and are responsible for the whole cost of their course. They may be eligible to defer payment via FEE-HELP.

            
    
    
Is a Commonwealth Supported Place the same as HECS?
    
        
            

No. A Commonwealth Supported Place is a type of university place that’s subsidised by the government. The remaining balance – your student contribution – can be covered by HECS-HELP, which is a government loan you repay through the tax system when you meet a minimum repayment threshold.

            
    
    
How to apply for a CSP?
    
        
            

You’ll apply for a CSP through your university – that’s us – via an electronic Assistance Form (eCAF). This form will be provided to you when you accept your offer, as part of your enrolment. Your eCAF will also ask how you want to repay your student contribution amount. This is where you can nominate to use a HECS-HELP loan to cover the balance of your fees.