Best Training Fees And Options For Students
A major worry for anyone wanting training is fees. The training market is huge, and the size and range of fees is considerable. Some people are understandably baffled by training fee options, concerned about the many “pay later” schemes and sometimes not even sure what a basic scheme like Austudy can do for them. Actually, to study in Australia, the fees are pretty simple to understand, when you know how.
Getting some sense out of fee structures
Fee structures are based on a series of course-related charges. Each course has a fee structure which charges in relation to:
* Materials * Tuition fees * Term payment options * Eligibility options for discounts for students
The reason for this type of structure is that course preferences and eligibilities vary between students, as well as between courses. This allows students to make informed choices regarding their fee options. It also provides useful information regarding funding needs.
Pricing a course is easy
Prices for courses are all revealed upfront by colleges, clearly laid out with options. Some fees are based on multiple qualifications, like package deals. Business courses, like a Certificate IV in business, combined with a Diploma of Marketing are typical examples of multiple qualifications options. The fee structure in these cases is based on useful mixes of practical progressions in qualifications for students.
Fee support- What’s available, and what you need
Fee support for those who study in Australia is really quite good. Government funding can be very effective in dealing with fee worries, and there are a range of initiatives which can also help end “fee trauma” and income worries for students.
For example:
* In Victoria the recent Victorian Training Guarantee through the Skills Victoria Securing Jobs for the Future initiative means that eligible students can undertake a Certificate or Diploma course for as little as $120 or $225 tuition fees in total respectively. * Austudy is a baseline government funding support, available through Centrelink. This is a set rate fortnightly payment. Eligibility conditions and an income and assets test applies to Austudy. * Abstudy, similar to Austudy, is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders.
The good news for eligible students is that government funded courses are available for all certificate and diplomas. This funding is provided at different levels, depending on the course chosen and the student’s needs.
Checking out fee options with training providers
Make sure to investigate your fee options and funding eligibility entitlements with your training provider. This can be a very simple, effective cost saving exercise, and makes sure you’re getting the best deals available.
The training provider is also definitely on your side with any fees issues. Expert advisors know the problems and how to approach the issues involved in making a commitment to any course. They’ll be able to find good working options for you.
