Undergraduate
Commonwealth-supported places from approximately $6,866 – $11,580 per year depending on your field of study. Student services and amenities fee applies.
Fees and financial support
Invest in your future with clarity.
Understanding costs is an important part of choosing a university. This page explains COU tuition fees, government loan options, payment plans and the scholarships available to help you study.
payments
Quick overview
- Commonwealth-supported places available for eligible domestic students
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan schemes accepted
- Payment plans and early-payment discounts available
Domestic student fees
Tuition for Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Most domestic undergraduate students at COU are offered Commonwealth-supported places, which means the government contributes part of your tuition and you pay the remainder through HECS-HELP.
Postgraduate coursework
From approximately $9,200 – $18,400 per year. FEE-HELP loans available for eligible students. Some Commonwealth-supported places available.
Research degrees
Tuition is typically covered by a research training program place for domestic HDR candidates. Stipend scholarships available for living costs.
International student fees
Tuition for students from outside Australia.
International student fees are set annually and cover the full cost of tuition. All fees are quoted in Australian dollars and payable per semester.
Undergraduate degrees
From AUD $35,000 – $45,000 per year depending on the program and study area.
Postgraduate coursework
From AUD $38,000 – $50,000 per year. Some professional programs at higher rates.
Research degrees
From $36,000 per year. Fee waivers and stipends available for high-achieving candidates.
Additional costs
Budget for life beyond tuition.
In addition to tuition, students should plan for living expenses, accommodation, textbooks, equipment and a student services and amenities fee (SSAF).
Student services fee
Approximately $316 per year for full-time students, covering sport, clubs and advocacy.
Living costs
Estimated $21,000 – $27,000 per year for rent, food, transport and personal expenses in Adelaide.
Overseas health cover
International students require OSHC for the duration of their visa, from approximately $500 per year.
Scholarships
Reduce your costs with financial support.
COU offers a wide range of scholarships for domestic and international students at every level of study. Many are awarded automatically upon application.
Academic excellence scholarships
Tuition fee reductions of 15–25% for high-achieving domestic and international students.
Check eligibilityAccess and equity support
Financial support for first-in-family, regional, Indigenous and low-income students.
Explore equity scholarshipsHDR stipends and fee waivers
Living stipends, tuition coverage and project-linked funding for Masters and PhD candidates.
Research fundingGlobal student scholarships
Destination-specific scholarships for students from the Indo-Pacific, Europe and Latin America.
International scholarships
Payment options
Flexible ways to pay.
COU offers multiple payment methods and can help you find the right option for your situation.
HECS-HELP
Deferred payment loan for eligible Commonwealth-supported domestic students.
FEE-HELP
Loan scheme for domestic fee-paying students in postgraduate and some undergraduate programs.
Upfront payment
Pay tuition per semester with credit card, bank transfer or BPAY. Early-payment discounts apply.
Payment plans
Spread the cost of tuition across the semester with an approved instalment arrangement.
When are fees due?
Tuition fees are invoiced at the start of each semester. The census date — the last day to withdraw without financial penalty — is approximately four weeks into the teaching period. Check the academic calendar for exact dates.
Can I get a refund if I withdraw?
Refunds are available if you withdraw before the census date. After the census date, a proportion of fees may be retained. Full details are in the COU refund policy.
Are there discounts for upfront payment?
Yes. Domestic students who pay their student contribution upfront receive a discount. Check current rates on the fees schedule.
How do international students pay?
International students pay tuition per semester via bank transfer, credit card or approved payment platform. COU's international office provides detailed payment instructions with your offer letter.
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