NEW ZEALAND CITIZEN CONSIDERING
UNDERGRADUATE STUDY IN AUSTRALIA?
Making the decision to go to university is a big deal for everyone and if you are a New Zealand Citizen there are extra
factors to consider. Knowing your residency status (which affects how you pay for uni), financial entitlements and
support you can get for University can make a huge difference.
QUT provides New Zealand citizens with financial assistance
and other support regardless of their residency status.
However, as a New Zealand Citizen it is important to know:
You are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place at uni
– this means you pay the same fees as Australian Citizens to
study, however, you have to be an Australian Citizen to get
HECS-HELP (a student loan from the Government). Without
HECS-HELP, uni fees need to be paid up-front at the start of
each semester.
There are some potential changes to HECS-eligibility for NZ
citizens. These changes are yet to be endorsed. For more
information visit:
studyassist.gov.au/sites/studyassist/helpfulresources/pages/aqs-nz
Steps for New Zealand citizens
to take when considering uni
1. Clarify your residency status with
parents/guardians (make sure they know
how this relates to financial assistance
for uni study)
• Did you move to Australia before
2001? Your family is likely to be
eligible to apply for Australian
citizenship. Visit www.citizenship.
gov.au/applying for more information.
• Arrived in AUS after Feb 2001?
It is more difficult to become an
Australian citizen as you need to
be a Permanent Resident first. To
qualify, generally one of your parents
needs to have been to Australia prior
to 1994 or have job skills that are in
high demand.
Visit www.immi.gov.au or phone
13 18 81 for more information.
2. Seek advice from Department of
Immigration and Citizenship
Phone 13 18 81 or visit
www.immi.gov.au for more information,
or if you are unsure of your status.
3. Apply well before you want to start
uni if you qualify for Citizenship or
Permanent Residency (because all of
these processes take time).
I’m originally from NZ and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after
finishing Year 12. I took a gap year to earn some money and am now
studying Primary Education at QUT.
I’m the first person in my family to attend uni. At first my family and I
thought it would cost too much, but now think it’s the best decision I’ve
ever made.
I get a $2,500 Equity Scholarship which helps financially. The cost is
definitely worth it – I now have the chance to work all over the world.
DANIEL COMINS
QUT Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Warwick State High School Graduate
4. If you don’t qualify for Australian
citizenship it’s still possible to go to
university – but you need to plan ahead
as you must pay your fees at the start of
each semester.
Visit www.student.qut.edu.au/fees-andfinances/study-costs for fee information.
5. Check out the financial assistance
QUT provides, see over for details.
I’m a Maori Australian and grew up in Brisbane. I’ve been financially
independent since I was 16 and used to think that I couldn’t afford to
go to uni, but now realise that isn’t true.
After I left school I worked in retail for a couple of years but decided I
wanted to do something more with my life.
I got into uni through the Q-STEP Scheme. Q-STEP gives
students a 3 OP or 6 Rank bonus to help them get in and also a
guaranteed scholarship. New Zealand citizens are eligible for this
Scheme, so it’s well worth checking out.
I love being at uni because I’m working towards becoming a
Registered Nurse; something I really want to be. If I can do it, you can
do it!
CANDY WALTERS
QUT Bachelor of Nursing Student
Glenala State High School Graduate
Centrelink Assistance
If you’ve been an Australian
Permanent Resident for two or
more years you may be eligible
for financial assistance from
Centrelink, e.g. Youth Allowance,
Austudy, Commonwealth
Scholarships.
After 10 years, NZ citizens have
short-term access to Centrelink
support.
Visit www.centrelink.gov.au for
more information.
How can New Zealanders finance study at QUT?
It’s still possible to go to university even if you don’t qualify for
HECS-HELP. Here are some tips to help you:
• QUT’s Q-STEP Scheme provides a 3 OP or 6 Rank bonus for students
from low-income backgrounds and a guaranteed $2,500 Equity
Scholarship. To apply, complete the QTAC Educational Access Scheme
application [EAS, category 1: financial hardship]. Visit www.qut.edu.au/
qstep
• QUT Equity Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need.
These range from $1,000 to $5,000 a year. Contact the QUT Equity
Scholarships Team for advice on how to make your case for an Equity
Scholarship. Phone 3138 5582, email equityscholarships@qut.edu.au
or visit www.qut.edu.au/scholarships
• Consider studying part-time while you work. This means your fees will
be lower and you will be able to work to earn the money to cover costs.
Want more advice?
ASK QUT
QUT Information Services
Phone: 07 3138 2000
Email: askqut@qut.edu.au
CRICOS No. 00213J July 2014