Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Among the many that can help you cover tuition fees and study expenses as a domestic or international postgraduate student are taking out a student loan, getting credit for prior learning or applying for a scholarship.

And that’s without mentioning all the cost-saving benefits of having a student card!

If you're asking yourself, “How do I pay for my postgraduate degree?”, this is your chance to find out how our students do it.

1. Defer your fees to a student loan

Domestic students can access FEE-HELP, a loan scheme that defers payment of tuition fees until they earn above the Australian Government's threshold. The scheme doesn’t cover other study costs, such as accommodation, laptops or textbooks, but the good news is that postgraduate courses are exempt from the FEE-HELP 20% loan fee.

For international students, a student loan is like any other loan; it involves repaying an amount you borrow together with accumulated interest. Check if your government offers student loans, as they usually have less interest than private institutions.

2. Gain credit for study or work experience

Credit for prior study or exceptional work experience is available for domestic and international students and reduces the cost of your degree by saving you from completing a course. Course credit can be equivalent to the value of a specific ANU course (specified credit) or not equivalent (unspecified credit) and count towards major, minor or elective courses.

3. Work 48 hours a fortnight on your student visa

With an Australian student visa, international students can work part-time for up to 48 hours every two weeks during the semester – and unrestricted hours during study breaks. This could help fund your living costs and give you some practical work experience while you're in Australia.

4. Claim study expenses in your tax return

Studying towards a formal postgraduate qualification to increase your skills for your current job as a domestic student may mean you can claim deductions for self-education expenses when you lodge your tax return. The expenses you can claim include tuition fees, stationery, textbooks, photocopying, computing costs and student services. You can learn more about claiming self-education expenses on the Australian Taxation Office website.

5. Ask your employer to fund your degree

Most employers budget for professional development and further study is one of the best ways to build your skillset while adding value to your organisation. If your current employer will gain from your studies, it’s worth asking if they will pay for your degree.

6. Get a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

If you're a domestic student, you'll find that some ANU postgraduate coursework master’s degrees have Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) in them. These places are limited, and allocation is competitive, but if you receive a CSP the Australian government will subsidise your tuition fees so you will only have to pay the remaining student contribution amount. ANU will automatically consider you for a CSP based on merit when you apply for a degree offering these.

7. Apply for a scholarship

ANU offers 200-plus scholarships every year. Their availability depends on your chosen degree, the college managing it and your circumstances.

Start by viewing all ANU domestic and international postgraduate scholarships and find out how to apply. We will automatically consider you for some scholarships when we receive your application, including (if you're an international student) the prestigious Chancellor's International Scholarship.

Another avenue open to you as an international student is earning a scholarship from your home country. Some governments offer financial support for studying in Australia. You’ll have to find more information about this yourself since each country is different, but if you’re successful, a scholarship from your government can cover a large portion of your study fees.

8. Show your student card

When you study full-time as a postgraduate student, you can save money on movie tickets, public transport fares, haircuts and gym membership just by showing your student card.

Among the many suppliers that normally give discounts to students are interstate bus companies, cinema chains, ski resorts, stationery and textbook shops and event organisers.

Making study a little more affordable again if you're a domestic student are the free (or bulk-billed) GP and counselling services at the medical centres on the ANU campus and dotted around Canberra.

ANU also offers all students a free food pantry, legal advice and other advocacy services, courtesy of our amazing student association.