\n <\/a><\/a>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n One of the main ways to improve your chances of getting a job is with a certificate, qualification or degree from an educational institution. In this article, we explore how to pay for education while you\u2019re balancing other financial obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While a degree from a university is not essential for securing work in Australia, people with a degree tend to get higher salaries in the long run. So, depending on your interests, having a university qualification can be a good career move. It can also be a very fulfilling experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Course Seeker<\/a> website has information and tools for helping prospective students find study options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Though institutions and courses differ, university study can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. So if you need to keep regular pay coming in while studying, you may want to think about how being a part-time student could work for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another type of post-secondary education is vocational education and training, known as \u2018VET\u2019. This is a type of education that focuses on the practical skills needed for a wide range of specific jobs and trades. Even if you haven\u2019t completed high school, there are many paths you can take to further your education and grow your prospects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n VET courses will usually earn you a \u2018Certificate\u2019 or \u2018Diploma\u2019 level qualification. Much like university qualifications, VET qualifications are often required to secure jobs in certain industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VET courses can be completed at Technical and Further Education (TAFE) colleges funded by the state and territory governments, and privately-run VET registered training organisations (sometimes called Registered Training Organisations or RTOs). <\/p>\n\n\n\n TAFE Courses<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vocational Education and Training Courses <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n My Skills directory of training <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n VET courses are often set up so people can work at the same time, with arrangements like night classes. Some employers also require that their workers undergo VET courses as part of their employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Different learning institutions cost different amounts to attend. So, when searching for the perfect institution for your learning goals, you may also want to check their fee structure to see what you\u2019re up for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing the fees upfront helps you to not only have a clear picture of what things cost, it also helps you understand potential future debt should you decide to take on a HELP loan<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of university and VET courses are subsidised by the government, which means the courses have lower costs than others. These are called \u2018Commonwealth-supported places<\/a>\u2019. Most state and territory governments also fund fee-free TAFE courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Australian Government Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) allows eligible students to avoid paying upfront fees for post-secondary education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n StudyAssist<\/a> \u2013 for HELP and other loans, subsidies, scholarships and overseas students<\/p>\n\n\n\n Australian Taxation Office<\/a> \u2013 for study and training support loans<\/p>\n\n\n\n myGov<\/a> website or app \u2013 to check for any outstanding HELP debt <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all courses and educational institutions are eligible for HELP loans, and you must be an Australian citizen to qualify. But with most higher education places covered, you are likely to find that the course you want to take is offered at an institution where HELP loans are available, which may mean you can start taking the course with no upfront fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HELP loans are not available to students of privately-run VET registered training organisations outside of TAFE colleges. You may be able to get a VET student loan<\/a> instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you take out a HELP loan, you\u2019re going into a form of debt, but a HELP loan is unlike typical credit card and bank loans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/studiokettle.com.au\/wip\/living-costs\/wp-content\/uploads\/plans_goals.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUniversity education<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Finding the right course<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Studying part-time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vocational education and training (VET)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who delivers the training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where to find courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How VET is designed for workers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Calculating the cost of education<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Costs in addition to fees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Commonwealth-supported places and fee-free courses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
HELP Loans<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where to find information <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eligibility for HELP loans<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How HELP loans work <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n