Postgraduate study can help you build specialist skills, change careers or deepen your expertise in an area you're passionate about. For eligible domestic students, a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) can also make that next step more affordable. 

From 2027, a range of our postgraduate courses in Information Technology and Engineering and Energy will be available as Commonwealth Supported Places, helping reduce the cost of study for eligible students. 

What is a Commonwealth Supported Place? 

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place in a course for an eligible domestic student, with the Australian Government paying part of the course fees to reduce the cost of study. 

If you're offered a CSP, you'll pay a student contribution rather than the full tuition fee. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to defer this contribution through a HECS-HELP loan. 

For many students, a CSP can make postgraduate study more accessible, whether you're looking to advance in your current field, expand your expertise or move into a new career. 

Am I eligible? 

To be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place, you must meet the Australian Government's citizenship or residency requirements. 

Generally, you may be eligible if you are: 

• an Australian citizen
• a New Zealand citizen who will live in Australia while studying 
• a permanent visa holder who will live in Australia while studying

You must also undertake at least part of your course in Australia. CSPs are not available for students who are expected to complete their entire course overseas. 

Temporary visa holders and most provisional residents are not eligible for a CSP and are generally required to pay international student fees. 

If you're unsure about your eligibility, our Meet Murdoch team can help answer your questions. 

Which postgraduate courses offer CSPs? 

From 2027, eligible domestic students can access Commonwealth Supported Places in the following postgraduate Information Technology and Engineering and Energy courses. 

Engineering and Energy 

• Master of Engineering Practice 
• Master of Decarbonisation, Energy and Sustainable Management (Advanced)
• Master of Decarbonisation, Energy and Sustainable Management 

Information Technology 

• Graduate Certificate in Information Technology 
• Graduate Diploma in Information Technology 
• Master of Information Technology 
• Master of Science in Information Technology 

We also offer approved Commonwealth Supported Places across selected postgraduate courses in Agricultural Science, Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Nursing and Education. 

Agricultural Science 

• Graduate Certificate in Plant Biosecurity 
• Graduate Certificate in Food Security 
• Master of Biosecurity 
• Master of Food Security 

Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences 

• Graduate Certificate in Food Science 
• Graduate Diploma in Food Science 
• Master of Food Science (Industry Practice) 
• Master of Food Science (Industry Practice and Innovation) 
• Graduate Certificate in Infectious Disease 
• Graduate Diploma in Infectious Disease 
• Master of Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control (Advanced Practice) 
• Master of Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control (Advanced Practice and Innovation) 

Nursing 

• Graduate Certificate in Health Care Management 
• Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Mental Health 
• Graduate Certificate in Gerontological Healthcare 
• Graduate Certificate in Advanced Wound Care 
• Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing 
• Master of Health Care Management 
• Master of Health Care Management (Specialisation) 

Education 

• Master of Teaching (Primary) 
• Master of Teaching (Secondary) 

How do I apply for a Commonwealth Supported Place? 

If you receive an offer for an eligible course, you'll be asked to complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form before the census date. 

You'll also need your Tax File Number (TFN), or proof that you've applied for one, if you intend to access a HECS-HELP loan to defer your student contribution. 

Ready to take the next step? 

Whether you're looking to build your expertise, advance your skillset, or explore a new career direction, a Commonwealth Supported Place could make postgraduate study more affordable. 

If you'd like to learn more about your options, contact our Meet Murdoch team or visit campus to discuss your eligibility, course choices and application process.