Fees and costs

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 (HELP) 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.

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
Deferred payment
The Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS-HELP) 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.

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 and printing costs.
You will also need stationary/software supplies to suit your requirements

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.