New funding package means time is right to study

The time is right for anyone thinking about commencing or returning to university study' with applications now open for a range of low-cost' high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate short courses at CQUniversity.

As part of a new Job Ready Graduates package' students can elect to study either an undergraduate or postgraduate certificate which can help them to gain new skills for employment or enhance their existing knowledge and expertise.

Students studying one of the postgraduate offerings will also be able to realise significant savings on tuition fees for courses identified as being in high priority areas.

Eligible courses are available in a number of study areas including allied health' creative and performing arts' education' engineering and IT' nursing and health' and science.

CQUniversity's Vice-President' Academic' Professor Helen Huntly says that the Job Ready Graduates package is a one-off funding agreement between CQUniversity and the Australian Government' to encourage more students to enrol in courses in disciplines considered national priority areas.

"As part of the agreement' students can save significant amounts on course fees' whilst completing a recognised qualification in as little as six months.

"The funding agreement has made additional Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available in 2021 for a range of undergraduate and postgraduate short courses' meaning students can defer fees whilst saving on the cost of tuition for eligible courses".

"The courses that form part of this agreement are available to students who are interested in exploring a new area of study' upskilling or enhancing their knowledge to boost their future employment prospects".

"Tuition fees vary by course but' in some instances' postgraduate students could save more than 60 per cent".

"There are 19 courses available at both undergraduate oand postgraduate certificate levels' so there are plenty of options available'" Professor Huntly said.

"For example' a recent school leaver who has an interest in engineering may choose to study the Undergraduate Certificate in Introductory Engineering to see whether or not they would like to transition into a full engineering degree.

"Meanwhile a registered nurse may choose from one of the many postgraduate health offerings available' to enhance their long-term career prospects".

Applications for study in Term 1' 2021 are now open. Students eligible for a CSP in an eligible course are required to complete all four units of study in 2021 to pay reduced student contribution fees.

For more information on available courses' fees and how to apply please visit www.cqu.edu.au/jobready or call 13 27 86.