Achieving a balance between quality and access has resulted in the decision to increase the student contribution level at Charles Sturt University (CSU) by 25 per cent for 2006.

The University’s governing Council resolved at its meeting on Tuesday 5 April to raise the student contribution or HECS level for all Commonwealth-supported students who enrolled after 2004, except for the nursing and teacher education disciplines which are exempt by the Government from fee increases. 

Reforms introduced in 2003 by the Federal Government gave universities the flexibility to vary their student contribution fees.

CSU resolved to keep its 2005 HECS fees the same as the previous year apart from inflationary adjustments but the University cannot afford to maintain this in 2006, particularly as current university funding from the Federal Government has not been indexed to rise with inflation.

“This increase in fees has not been taken lightly given CSU’s commitment to access and equity. The decision has been made on the basis of sound business practice to support the University in its provision of quality programs for students and the regions we serve,” said CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter.

“There are significant financial challenges facing CSU in the next few years and to meet those challenges and enable the University to go forward in an intensely competitive sector, we need to increase our revenue base.” 

The increase in HECS will raise additional funds in 2006, the majority of which will be used by the University to continue enhancing the quality of the academic programs and services for CSU students, including improving student - staff ratios.

With student access a priority for CSU, $3.25 million will be allocated over the next three years by the University for merit-based equity scholarships to assist students from disadvantaged groups. 

Background information: 

This table outlines the 2005 HECS rates for a full-time student and the corresponding indicative charges for 2006, as at Wednesday 6 April 2005. 
 
 

Further details regarding CSU’s decision to increase the student contribution level by 25 per cent for 2006 will be released following the Federal Government’s CPI announcement due later this year.