Last Updated on December 17, 2022
Fees and university costs
How much does uni cost?
On this page you will find information about the fees you need to pay while at Western Sydney University, as well as information about other costs and financial programs and assistance.
Tuition fees
As a student, you may need to pay a number of fees throughout your studies, depending on your degree and your enrolment status. These fees may include student contribution and tuition fees. If you’re eligible, you may also be able to obtain a HELP loan for payment of your student contribution or tuition fees.
Fees for undergraduate International students are different than for local students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, NZ citizens, and holders of an Australian permanent resident humanitarian visa). For more information on fees for International students, please visit the International program fees page.Collapse all
Undergraduate students
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.
Postgraduate students
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).
Higher Degree Research students
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).
International students
You are an International student if you are not an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia.
Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
What is SSAF?
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.
Other costs
Apart from tuition fees (for your program and subjects) and SSAF, there are a number of costs associated with studying at university. Make sure you find out what additional costs you’ll have while studying at Western Sydney University.
Repeating subjects
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
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.
Travel costs
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.
Parking
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.
Photocopying and printing
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.
Stationery
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.
Program equipment
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.
Additional program related costs
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.
Hold and library fines
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.
ID Cards
- Replacement ID card $26.00
- Temporary ID card $16.00
International Letters
- 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
Work opportunities and financial assistance
Jobs, assistance and advice
There are a range of work opportunities and financial assistance programs available to students that can help you manage the costs of studying.
International fees
As a prospective international student, you are required to pay your fees for the first teaching term before you can be enrolled as a Western Sydney University student.
Tuition fees
You are required to enrol in a full-time load for each teaching term. This is a condition of your Student Visa.
You will be advised of your exact fees on your official offer letter, including tuition fees and compulsory Overseas (International) Student Health Cover.
International tuition fees
- 2022 International Undergraduate Fee Schedule (opens in new window)
- 2022 International Postgraduate Fee Schedule (opens in new window)
- 2021 International Undergraduate Fee Schedule (opens in new window)
- 2021 International Postgraduate Fee Schedule (opens in new window)
Making payments (payment options)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
OSHC is a compulsory health insurance policy that is required for the issue of a Student Visa.
After receiving an offer of a place at the Western Sydney University, you will usually be asked to pay for OSHC unless you already hold a policy.
If you are classified as Australia Award sponsored, or belong under certain categories of IDP sponsored students, you may be eligible to have OSHC paid for you by your scholarship provider.
Related links
Failure to pay fees
If your tuition fees are not paid in full by the program commencement date, the University will write to alert you to your outstanding balance and give you a notice detailing the risk of discontinuing your enrolment and its potential visa consequences. As a student visa holder, it is very important to maintain your enrolment in order to comply with student visa conditions. If you do not pay your tuition fees you will not be able to graduate, re-enrol or receive official documents, including your results.
The University is obliged to report this action to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) which could lead to your visa being cancelled.
Please note that tuition fees do not include other expenses associated with university study such as books, equipment, accommodation and living expenses. See the Other costs section on the Fees page for more information.
Related links
Refunds
You must apply for a refund using the Request for Fee Refund (International Students only) form (opens in new window). You should discuss your request for a refund and lodge your form with an International Student Advisor.
Your refund can only be made to the original source of payment.
For more information see the International student program fees webpage
Please note that International students withdrawing from a program of study will be reported to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) as required by legislation.
Withdrawal before the census date
You are entitled to receive a refund for a portion of your tuition fee under the following circumstances.
- Your International application for a student visa is rejected prior to you commencing studies, in which case all tuition fees will be refunded. Appropriate documentary evidence is required.
- The University withdraws an offer of admission, or is unable to provide a program. This will apply unless the University made the offer on the basis of incomplete or incorrect information provided by you. In this case, the University reserves the right to retain an administrative fee of 10% of the term tuition fee paid, as well as any agent’s commission which may have been incurred.
- You provide written advice at least 4 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching term that you are unable to commence or continue a program. A refund of 90% of the term tuition fee will apply.
- You provide written advice less than 4 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching term, but prior to the census date for that teaching term. A refund of 50% of the term tuition fee will apply.
- You do not meet University progression rules and are suspended or excluded from enrolling. A full refund will apply for any tuition fees paid in advance for future teaching terms.
If you have completed one academic year of study and are approved for a transfer to another higher education provider in Australia, you are entitled to a refund if you have paid tuition fees for a future term at Western Sydney University. This is subject to the notification provisions above.
Withdrawal after the census date
If you withdraw from a subject or resign from your program after the approved census date for that teaching term, you will not be eligible to receive a refund.
Census dates
Census date explained
Census date is the official deadline for finalising your registration and fees for each teaching term.
International Students: Effective from 1 January 2018, the due date for payment of fees by international students will be the commencement date of the relevant study term. The program commencement date is the date by which tuition fees for the study term must be paid; the Census date is the date when all your registration arrangements for the study term must be finalised.
Once this date has passed, you are committed to the subjects you’re registered in. This means you will be charged tuition fees and receive a grade for all your registered subjects. If you drop any subjects after this date you will still need to pay tuition fees and will receive an absent fail grade.
If you don’t provide your Tax File Number (TFN) or pay your fees by the census date, your enrolment will be cancelled.
What you need to do
By the census date for your teaching term, you need to:
- make sure you’re happy with your subjects and want to continue studying every subject you’re enrolled in
- have either provided your TFN (if you’re eligible to defer your tuition fees) or
- have paid your fees in full. Payments cannot be accepted after this date
Note: If you’re eligible to defer your fees, you can also pay some or all of your fees upfront. Find out more on the Paying your fees webpage.
Census checklist – make sure you’re ready!
To make sure you’re ready for census date each term, complete all items on the checklist:
- Check your enrolment in MyStudentRecords (MySR) (opens in new window) and decide on the final subjects you want to study for the term
- Make sure your mobile number is correct in MySR (so we can contact you in urgent situations)
- Make sure you have provided your TFN (if eligible) or have paid your fees
Note: If the census date for a teaching term falls on a weekend, you will need to provide any required documentation to Student Central before 5:00pm on the last business day before the census date. Check the table below to find the census date for your teaching term.
Continuing students only
If you’re considering taking a Leave of Absence for the term, you need to submit your ‘Discontinuation or break from studies’ form to Student Central by the census date. Find out more on the Applying for leave and resigning from your course webpage.
Students changing citizenship status only
Go to Student Central with either your citizenship certificate (if you are permanent resident becoming an Australian citizen) or your passport and visa (if you are an international student becoming a permanent resident). You will also need to complete a new electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) before the census date.
Helpful links
- Enrolment pages – instructions on how to add and drop subjects and apply for a Leave of Absence
- Fee pages – information on eligibility to defer your tuition fees, how to make payments and electronic Statements of Account and eCAFs
- Changing residency status page – ‘how to’ information and where to send certified copies of required documentation if you can’t get to a Student Central
List of census dates
The census dates for each teaching terms are listed in the tables below:
- Standard terms
- Quarters
- College and International College terms
- Summer terms
- Block Teaching terms
- Sydney City Campus terms
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Census dates for each teaching terms in 2022
Year | Terms | Census date |
---|---|---|
2022 | Autumn | 8 April |
2022 | 1st Half (1H) | 8 April |
2022 | Spring | 31 August |
2022 | 2nd Half (2H) | 31 August |
Year | Terms | Census date |
---|---|---|
2022 | Quarter 1 (Q1) | 2 February |
2022 | Quarter 2 (Q2) | 27 April |
2022 | Quarter 3 (Q3) | 20 July |
2022 | Quarter 4 (Q4) | 12 October |
Year | Terms | Census date |
---|---|---|
2022 | Term 1 (T1) | 8 April |
2022 | Term 2 (T2) | 31 July |
2022 | Term 3 (T3) | 30 November |
Year | Terms | Census date |
---|---|---|
2021/2022 | Summer A | 19 January |
2021/2022 | Summer B | 19 January |
Year | Term | Census date |
---|---|---|
2022 | Block Teaching A | Coming soon |
2022 | Block Teaching B | Coming soon |
2022 | Block Teaching C | Coming soon |
2022 | Block Teaching D | Coming soon |
2022 | Block Teaching E | Coming soon |
2022 | Block Teaching F | Coming soon |
Year | Term | Census date |
---|---|---|
2022 | Session 1 | 8 April |
2022 | Session 2 | 31 July |
2022 | Session 3 | 30 November |
Census dates for each teaching terms in 2021
Year | Terms | Census date |
---|---|---|
2021 | Autumn | 31 March |
2021 | Spring | 31 August |
2021 | 1st Half (1H) | 31 March |
2021 | 2nd Half (2H) | 31 August |
2021 | Research 1 (R1) | 31 March |
2021 | Research 2 (R2) | 31 August |
Year | Terms | Census date |
---|---|---|
2021 | Quarter 1 (Q1) | 3 February |
2021 | Quarter 2 (Q2) | 28 April |
2021 | Quarter 3 (Q3) | 21 July |
2021 | Quarter 4 (Q4) | 20 October |
Year | Terms | Census date |
---|---|---|
2021 | Term 1 (T1) | 31 March |
2021 | Term 2 (T2) | 31 July |
2021 | Term 3 (T3) | 30 November |
Year | Terms | Census date |
---|---|---|
2020/2021 | Summer A | 20 January |
2021 | Summer B | 20 January |
Year | Terms | Census date |
---|---|---|
2021 | Block Teaching A | 14 January |
2021 | Block Teaching B | 11 March |
2021 | Block Teaching C | 6 May |
2021 | Block Teaching D | 1 July |
2021 | Block Teaching E | 26 August |
2021 | Block Teaching F | 21 October |
Year | Terms | Census date |
---|---|---|
2021 | Session 1 | 31 March |
2021 | Session 2 | 31 July |
2021 | Session 3 | 30 November |