You don't have to stop learning when you leave school. There are plenty of courses to choose from. You can take an apprenticeship, get a degree, get a new qualification to get a better job or just take an evening class to broaden your mind.
If you're thinking about further study, see how thinking ahead about your money can help your hard work in the classroom pay off.
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The bottom line
- It will pay to think about how your income and expenses will change when you start studying.
- Find out what assistance and support is available to help you when you are studying.
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Study options
You can study at a TAFE or a community college or at a private institution. You can also study at a university. You can study full-time or part-time, which allows you to work at the same time. If you choose an apprenticeship or a traineeship, you will be working, and therefore getting paid, and you will also be studying at a TAFE or a private college.
Expenses
Regardless of which type of institution you attend, and whether you are a full-time or part-time student, or an apprentice or trainee, there will be a range of costs you need to consider. These may include:
- tuition fees
- administration fees
- books and other learning materials
- tools for people taking apprenticeships and traineeships
- transport to and from classes
- accommodation costs
- if you have children, childcare costs while you attend classes.
You need to find out what costs apply, when they apply, and how you can meet them. See More information.
A budget will help you control your money as you adjust to studying. See Budgeting.
If you are going to leave home to study, you may have to think about setting up on your own for the first time. You may have to handle bills and expenses that you've not had to think about before. See Leaving home.
Continuing to work while studying
If your course of study or training is relevant to your job, you may be able to claim some of your expenses as a tax deduction. Check whether your employer will provide any support, such as paid study leave or reimbursement of course fees or other expenses.
Leaving work for full-time or part-time study
Your superannuation will be affected if you take time off work or reduce your hours to undertake further study.
Superannuation contributions paid by your employer on your behalf will cease if your salary or wages payments do. If you hold life or disability insurance cover through your superannuation fund, check whether it will continue if your employer stops making super contributions.
Income support, allowances and scholarships
You may be eligible for government assistance to help with living costs, help you manage fee payments, or help with the costs of training. You may also be eligible for a scholarship to support your costs as a student. See More information.
More information
There's a lot more that you can find out about continuing your education. See More information.