Chapter 10: Fees and Financial Assistance
10.1 Course Fees
Many of the courses offered in the Faculty of Arts currently receive funding from the Federal Government through the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST ). Research candidates are reminded to re-enrol on time each year in order that their place is not jeopardized.
Unavoidable incidental expenses associated with the pursuit of a graduate research degree can include the expenses:
- HECS (the cost of deferring payment on undergraduate HECS debt while undertaking a higher degree)
- International Student fees
- Textbooks (sometimes including readings sold by the School: material is generally on closed reserve in the library. However, some candidates prefer to purchase their own copies)
- Personal computer and software
- Photocopying
- Parking permits
- Fieldtrips
- Instruments, costumes, materials for creative work
- Word-processing and editing
- Language lessons (some research candidates take private lessons, whilst others enrol in single unit enrolment where a full-fee is charged)
- Thesis binding
10.1.1Research Training Scheme (Hecs Exemptions)
As at January 2006 all Australian citizens and Australian permanent resident research candidates in the Faculty of Arts receive either a Commonwealth supported RTS place or a Monash HECS Exempt place. The implication of this for the candidate is that they will not incur any debts for course fees during their Monash candidature.
10.1.2. International Candidate Fees
International candidates pay half of their annual course fee prior to the commencement of their program. Thereafter research candidates or agencies will be billed on a semester basis and are required to pay their fees in advance before each semester. Candidates will be forwarded a Fees Advice Statement wherein they are instructed to make a payment at any WESTPAC bank by a specified due date. Late fees will be charged if payment is not received as instructed.
10.1.3. Extension of Time to Pay Fees
Candidates experiencing financial hardship may apply for a short-term extension to assist payment of fees. However, this avenue is generally only available to re-enrolling research candidates. Application forms can be obtained from the fees branch office on any campus or from the campus student financial adviser. Only research candidates with genuine financial problems can apply and applications are made before the due date for payment shown on your enrolment and fees liability statement. One extension only is possible, and if research candidates fail to pay by the agreed extension date they will be charged for late payment of fees and may risk their enrolment being invalidated.
10.1.4. Eligibility for a Low Income Health Care Card
The MPA has advised that because
of recent changes to the threshold income limits, some Australian
resident postgraduates may be eligible to receive a Low Income Health
Care card. This card entitles the holder to a number of concessions
on items and services including medicines, public transport, water
rates, energy and electric bills, dental and ambulance.
For details of eligibility criteria see:
www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/conc_cards_lic.htm#do
An income test effective from 20 September 2006 is located at: www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/conc_cards_iat.htm
Please note that the MPA cannot provide advice on eligibility, and all inquiries and applications must be made directly to Centrelink. For contact details please see: http://www.centrelink.gov.au