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Financial Considerations

There are many financial elements to consider when studying at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or private provider. The cost of training  is not free and students will need to budget for costs associated with undertaking their course. These costs will vary depending on the training course, education provider and miscellaneous factors such as the cost of transport to attend classes. Examples of the financial costs that students must consider when attending a private RTO include:

Refer to the following worksheets:

 

Course Fees

Private RTOs set the costs of the training they provide and the method of payment. Some private providers require a deposit to secure a class placement and other require the full amount up front. Most private RTOs provide instalment payment plans and offer concessionary rates for students that receive Centrelink payments. Discounts may also be available to students who pay the full amount upfront. Higher Education Contribution Scheme -HELP loans (HECS HELP) are not available to students studying at an private RTO. It is important that you speak to the course coordinator to identify the costs of your course before enrolling.

Refer to Worksheet 2 - Finding a course that is right for you (worksheet 2 as text 27KB or worksheet 2 as PDF 85 KB)  to assist you identify the questions that you need to ask a course coordinator when investigating the requirements of a particular course.

Refer to HECS for further information on the Higher Education Contribution Scheme.

Enrolment - Administration Fee

Some private providers may charge students an enrolment or administration fee on top of their course fee. Contact your education provider to find out if this fee is payable, how much it costs and when it is charged. For example each semester, at the start of each year or if it is a one off payment.

Course Materials

In addition to the cost of course fees students will be required to pay for extra materials associated with their course. Course materials can include a wide range of items such as uniforms, knives, tools, art canvases, sketch books and paint. The cost and amount of course materials depends solely on the course. Some private RTOs will charge students a flat materials fee and purchase the materials. Other private providers will require the student to locate and  purchase the items individually.

To find out about the extra materials that may be required for your training program contact the course coordinator before applying so that you can budget for any unforeseen expenditures. Once you have enrolled in your training program your supervisor will also inform you of any extra materials or material fees that you may be required to pay.

Text books, Photocopying, Internet Access, Transport and Parking

Students need to consider the cost of text books and related study expenses such as photocopying, parking permits, stationery and internet access when setting their budget.

Parking Permits

RTOs that have parking facilities available may sell parking permits to students to park on campus. Some private providers also have parking arrangements with local parking stations that offer discounted rates to students. To find out if your RTO has parking facilities available or deals with local parking operators contact the RTO and/or log onto their website and search under 'parking permits' or 'student parking'. If you have a mobility impairment you may also be eligible for a Disability Parking Permit that is issued by the transport department in each State and Territory. This permit allows you to park in any parking space that is allocated to people with disabilities. The cost of these permits vary between jurisdictions and supporting documentation must be provided.

Refer to disability parking permits for further information.

Photocopying

During the course of their studies most students will need to photocopy various material. Photocopying services are available at most libraries but the service is not free. Discounted rates per page are charged for students but the cost does add up. Therefore it is important to budget for this expense.

Text books

Most training programs require students to purchase text books. Private RTOs may have libraries that provide copies of text books but student numbers can outweigh the number of books available. New editions of text books are also being published and some library book versions can be out of date. To save money on the purchase of text books ask your education provider if there are any second hand text books for sale. Many courses run second hand text book sales with students from the previous year selling their text books at discounted rates.

Transport

Transport costs to and from campus such as the cost of petrol, bus, train, tram tickets or taxis need to be considered. Students with physical disabilities may be eligible for financial assistance via access cab schemes or transport concession cards. Recipients of Centrelink payments may also be eligible for transport subsidies.

For further information see transport subsidies.

Practical Placements

Many training programs have practical components that students are required to undertake for example 'on the job' training and field trips. These placements are often at the expense of the student and therefore it is important to find out these costs in advance. Some private RTOs may provide students with essential equipment but students are generally required to meet any outstanding costs such as transport and appropriate clothing.

To find out if your course has practical components that are funded by the student contact the course coordinator in advance. This will assist you budget for extra expenses associated with your course.

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