Through the Commonwealth Grant Scheme (CGS), the Australian Government subsidises tuition costs for higher education students across a wide range of discipline areas and qualification levels.
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The Government subsidises the cost of study for students studying in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), most of whom also defer fees through HECS-HELP.
The Government sets the CGS funding rate in each field of study for Commonwealth supported students. The latest funding cluster rates are available here.
Table A universities must offer CSPs to domestic students commencing an undergraduate course of study. Non-Table A higher education providers may also receive funding for CSPs based on allocations by the Government.
The Australian Universities Accord made a range of recommendations to help build a better and fairer education system. As part of the 2024-25 Budget and 2024-25 MYEFO, the Government is delivering on reforms recommended in the Accord Final Report, including FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses.
Current funding arrangements
Table A universities use CGS funding to enrol students in CSPs within a fixed level of funding known as the Maximum Basic Grant Amount (MBGA). These universities decide how CSPs will be distributed between sub-bachelor, bachelor, or postgraduate courses across discipline areas (excluding medicine).
The Government provides additional support for students to access higher education and to expand opportunities in regional Australia.
Useful links
Administration of the CGS
The CGS is administered by:
Higher education Program Management
Higher Education Group
Department of Education
Enquiries can be emailed to: CGS@education.gov.au.