Fees and university costs

You are an undergraduate student if you have completed secondary studies (e.g. Higher School Certificate (HSC) or equivalent) and are now studying a Bachelor degree. For fee purposes at Western Sydney University you are considered a Commonwealth supported student.

• Undergraduate student fees

You are a postgraduate student if you have successfully completed an undergraduate program (such as a Bachelor degree), completed equivalent studies or have experience in that field of study and are now studying a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters (by Coursework).

• Postgraduate student fees

You are a Higher Degree Research student if you are enrolled in a degree where a minimum of 66 per cent of the work is undertaken by way of independent research (such as a PhD, Masters Honours, Professional Doctorate).

• Higher Degree Research student fees

You are an International student if you are not an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia.

• International student fees

SSAF is a fee all students pay, which funds services and amenities including sporting and recreational activities, employment and career advice, health and welfare, study skills programs, orientation, child care, financial advice, overseas student services and food services.

The University consults with students and their representatives about what you see as the priorities for student services and amenities.

• More about SSAF

If you are required or choose to repeat a subject that you have already studied, the fee for that subject will be reapplied.

That means you will need to pay the fee again (every time you repeat the same subject), even if you paid it when you first studied that subject.

Textbooks can be expensive with costs varying according to the program and subjects you're studying. Textbooks are often compulsory and you will be required to use them for weekly readings, assessments or open book exams.

You can find out more information about where to purchase textbooks on the textbook page. The University Library buys at least one copy of every prescribed textbook, which are held in 'closed reserve' so they can't be taken out of the library. You can photocopy one chapter or 10% of the number of pages of a textbook (whichever is greater) without infringing copyright laws. The library also aims to hold every 'recommended reading' book in closed reserve.

Second-hand textbooks are also available to buy.

Getting to uni often has associated costs, whether you're using public transport or driving. It's important to know how you're going to get to and from uni, and how much that will cost each week or across the teaching term.

• Find out about all your getting to uni options

Our campuses are restricted parking areas which use a paid parking system. All vehicles parked on a Western Sydney University campus must display a valid Western Sydney University parking permit on the lower, driver's side windscreen/dash.

• More about Parking fees and permits

Frequent printing of lecture notes at the computer labs can add considerably to your stationery costs. Take the time to look over a journal article or textbook chapter before you photocopy or print. If there's only a small amount of information relevant to what you need, you're better off making notes (remember to reference) than wasting paper to print/photocopy. Look around for cheaper photocopying rates, and compare places like Officeworks with the university libraries.

Writing paper and photocopy/printer paper can be surprisingly expensive. Buy large packs of A4 notepaper at discount stores (e.g. Kmart, Big W) and keep any left over for the next teaching term. Use both sides of the paper for writing notes and for printing draft versions of assignments. Recycle binders/lever arch folders after each term, rather than storing notes in them.

Many programs will require you to buy specialised equipment, such as lab coats for science, calculators for accounting or engineering, uniforms for clinical placements and art supplies for visual arts subjects etc. The retail outlets on each campus stock all required equipment at reasonable prices. Students also place items for sale on notice boards.

• The Co-op at Western Sydney (opens in a new window)

Some programs will have additional, compulsory costs. For example, PDHPE students must complete a Senior First Aid Certificate (around $160) as part of the requirements for one subject of their program. Nursing students have a number of additional costs, such as immunisations and a Lab Pack. Check with your School for information about your particular program.

• Special Requirements webpage

A hold is a restriction applied to students with outstanding fees or fines. These can be imposed by different areas of the University, for different reasons, including library fines for overdue books and non-payment of your SSAF.

Holds have serious consequences; they can cancel your access to University online systems and library facilities, will stop you from getting your results and will restrict you from enrolling in the next teaching term, as well as prevent you from graduating. It is important to pay attention to the due dates on notices from the University such as invoices, enrolment information and library books.

• More about holds

• Replacement ID card $26.00
• Temporary ID card $16.00

• Proof of Enrolment Letter $25.00
• Expense Letter $25.00
• Graduation Application Confirmation Letter $25.00
• Progress Report Letter $25.00
• Percentage of Course Completion Letter $25.00
• Vacation Work Letter $25.00
• Vacation Travel Letter $25.00
• Vacation Work Completing Students $25.00

There are a range of work opportunities and financial assistance programs available to students that can help you manage the costs of studying.

• Scholarships
• CareerHub and Jobs on Campus
• Financial assistance and advice