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Costs of Studying at UNE

For further information on how UNE assists you with Costs go to Financial Assistance

Being aware of the costs involved in studying at UNE will help you get sorted for a secure, successful and stress-free student life.

Costs that apply directly to all students studying at UNE are
Tuition fees (HECS) and Textbooks/Course materials.

Further costs depend on whether you are studying on campus or by distance education, and whether you are living on campus or off campus.

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Tuition Fees and HECS

  • The first cost to consider in undertaking your University studies will be your tuition. This charge is incurred for each unit studied per semester, and rates vary for different areas of study.
  • There are three ways to pay your fees:
    • Up-front payment
    • Partial payment (HECS)
    • Deferred payment (HECS)
  • The Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) is a way of financing your education at UNE through the tax system. Repayment of your HECS debt doesn't commence until your income reaches a specified minimum threshold.

For more information, please see Student Fees and Fees and HECS Help.

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Textbooks and Course Materials

  • The costs of your textbooks and course materials will vary depending on subjects.
  • A list of requirements for courses will be posted on the web two or three months before commencement. (You may be able to borrow some texts through Dixson Library; check with your lecturers and Dixson before purchasing.)
  • You can order your texts from the On-Campus UNE Bookshop, which offers a membership discount scheme.
  • The On Campus Second-Hand Bookshop offers an excellent cost-saving buying/selling outlet for student texts.
  • In the course of your studies you will also need to allow for photocopying costs.
  • You will also need stationary/software supplies to suit your requirements

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On-campus Students

  • All on-campus students requiring parking facilities will need to purchase an annual $50 permit. This allows you park in both the residential and academic areas of the university.

Living On Campus

Residential Fees at the University of New England provide you with a ‘Lifestyle Package’, and you get to select the style of accommodation that suits you best. Each residence provides a range of facilities and services which are included in the fees and the initial ‘set-up’ charges detailed below.

If you choose a residential college, not only are all your 21 meals per week provided, but also special formal dinners are included at which various aspects of college life are celebrated. These are an important part of a traditional university lifestyle and are enjoyed by the whole college community. If you would like "Flexi Choice" for meals using a prepaid smart card then visit Duval or Drummond and Smith colleges. If you prefer to cook for yourself, then Wright Village will be for you. When you consider all of the services, the convenience, the lifestyle and the savings you make by living on campus, you’ll feel confident that the best decision for you will be joining us here. Visit the the individual College web sites below for fee structures and get a feel for the community and individual profile of each residence.

Remember that living on campus at UNE:

  • You are within walking distance to UNE faculties and facilities.
  • Regular bus services between residences/ faculties/ CBD.
  • Bike tracks through residences/faculties/ CBD.

Living Off Campus, Locally

  • As a thriving University city, Armidale has a wide range of rental options available. If you intend to rent locally, you should contact Armidale Real Estates a couple of months in advance, as properties are snapped up quickly.
  • As a general guide rents are approximately:
    • $75-$110 for a bedroom in a shared house
    • $110-$200 for a single bedroom unit
    • $180-$300+ for a 3 bedroom or larger house.
  • The costs of setting up a rented premises will include:
    • Two weeks advance rent
    • Bond- (two-four weeks rent)
    • Connection fees for: * phone * electricity *water
    • Furniture (if needed).
  • Armidale has a large number of retail outlets dealing in affordable/ second- hand furniture.

  • You then need to consider your regular living expenses:
    • Monthly/quarterly bills for:
      • phone
      • electricity
      • heating
      • excess water (if used).
    • Food/ groceries
    • Transport
    • Personal expenses (clothes, sport, entertainment etc.)

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Off-campus Students

  • If you are an off-campus student living elsewhere in Australia, your main costs will involve travel and accommodation for residential schools, if residential schools are part of your course.
  • You might also require on campus child care during these periods.
  • Your course information will state whether compulsory and/or optional residential schools are scheduled for your subjects.

Travel Options

  • Armidale is situated halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway; accessible by plane, train and bus services.
  • Regular bus services also operate between the Armidale CBD and the University.
  • Plane
    • Qantas has several flights to and from Armidale each day.
    • Full return fare is around $350.00
    • Inquire about special advertised deals (specified travel periods) offering cheaper fares.
  • Train
    • Countrylink offers a 50% discount off full fare on presentation of student card with valid City Rail sticker.
    • Full return fare is $180.00 from Sydney.
    • It is advisable to book well in advance of residential periods.
  • Bus
    • Check with various bus companies traveling between Sydney and Brisbane for best deals on coach fares and student discounts.
    • Full price return fares average around $180.
    • Bus trip between Armidale CBD and UNE costs $2.00.
  • Car
    • If you intend to travel by car to Armidale, then it may be useful to consult your class list and share driving/ fuel costs with other distance education students from your area.
    • Parking costs on campus are: *$2.00 half day
    • $4.00 full day
    • $10.00 per week
    • No charge on weekends.

Accommodation Options

  • You will need to arrange accommodation from anywhere between two nights and two weeks, depending on the number and length of your residential schools.
  • You are able to choose from on campus and off campus accommodation options. In all cases, early booking is strongly recommended.
  • On Campus Accommodation
    • Your own study/bedroom with shared bathroom in UNE's residential colleges will cost around:
      • $56.00 per night (breakfast and dinner inc.)
      • $73.00 per night (all meals).
    • Price details and booking forms will be sent to you with your residential information.
  • Off Campus Accommodation
    • You will also be sent contact details for a wide range of local accommodation options in Armidale, including motels, BandBs, tourist parks etc.
    • Prices range anywhere from $30.00 to $160.00 per night depending on type of accommodation.

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On-campus Child Care Facilities

  • Information about Yarm Gwanga, UNE's On Campus Child Care Centre (6 weeks to preschool age) and UNE's Vacation Care Programme (school-aged children), will be provided in your residential information package.

    Costs are:

    • $25.00 per day for school children
    • Up to $40.00 per day for preschoolers
    • Afternoon/ morning teas and lunch included in cost
    • CCB Funding applies.
  • Fees must be paid in full prior to commencement of care.

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