In 2005 the Federal Government introduced several changes to higher education in Australia.
Undergraduates:
If you started your course of study at any University (Higher Education level only) prior to 2005 and have NOT completed your course nor had an unauthorised break in study, you are a 'pre-2005' student.
Postgraduates:
If you enrolled in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate level of a postgraduate course in 2004 you will be eligible to complete the Graduate Diploma or Masters component of the same course as pre-2005 if you remained enrolled in 2005 and beyond without a break from your studies.
Under these transitional arrangements all pre-2005 students have not been subject to the new rules outlined above. Consequently you have been paying a lower rate than "post 2005" students and if you hold an Australian Permanent Resident Visa (APRV) you may have also been receiving the up-front payment discount or deferring payments to the ATO.
These transitional arrangements (ie. lower fee payment rate and discount and deferral options for Australian Permanent Resident Visa holders) cease on 31 December 2008.
Please note that:
- these transitional arrangements cease as at 31 December 2008, and
- if you continue study in 2009 or beyond you will be subject to the normal rates of contribution that apply at the time.
You are not required to do anything further. However, if you are a New Zealand Citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident Visa holder you may wish to consider applying for Australian citizenship prior to 2009 so that you may be eligible for deferred payment or upfront payment discount options while in a Commonwealth supported place.
If you are granted Australian citizenship while you are a student of Victoria University please provide a copy of this document to any Student Service Centre.
For further information please consult the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website at www.goingtouni.gov.au.
Students can seek further assistance at ASKVU - www.vu.edu.au/askvu
