The cost of a teaching degree is one of the first questions prospective students ask — and one of the most commonly misunderstood. If you’re an eligible domestic student starting an education course at Alphacrucis University College, a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) can reduce your per-subject fee from $2,579 to $592. That’s a reduction of around 77%.
This guide explains what CSPs are, which Alphacrucis education courses are eligible, what you’ll pay with and without one, and what to do if you don’t qualify.
What is a Commonwealth Supported Place?
A CSP is a university place where the Australian Government pays part of your tuition fees. You pay the remainder — called your “student contribution” — which is significantly lower than the full fee.
CSPs aren’t loans. They’re subsidies. The government’s share goes directly to the institution; you never see it or owe it. Your student contribution is the only amount you’re responsible for, and if you’re eligible for FEE-HELP, you can defer even that — meaning no upfront cost at all.
The Australian Government allocates CSPs to institutions each year. At Alphacrucis, CSPs are currently available for education and teaching courses only. Places are limited, so early application matters.
Which Alphacrucis education courses are CSP-eligible?
In 2026, CSPs are available for domestic students starting any of the following courses:
| Course | Duration | CSP eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) | 3 years FT | ✓ Yes |
| Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) | 4 years FT | ✓ Yes |
| Bachelor of Education (Primary) | 4 years FT | ✓ Yes |
| Bachelor of Education (Secondary) | 4 years FT | ✓ Yes |
| Master of Teaching (Primary) | 2 years FT | ✓ Yes |
| Master of Teaching (Secondary) | 2 years FT | ✓ Yes |
All six ITE (Initial Teacher Education) courses at Alphacrucis are CSP-eligible. That includes both undergraduate and postgraduate pathways — so career changers coming through the Master of Teaching can access CSPs on the same terms as school leavers entering the Bachelor of Education.
How much will you actually pay?
Here’s the fee breakdown per subject, depending on what you qualify for:
| Your situation | Fee per subject | Compared to full fee |
|---|---|---|
| CSP applied | $592 | 77% reduction |
| Full fee (no CSP, no scholarship) | $2,579 | — |
| Education Scholarship (no CSP, over 21) | $2,425 | 6% reduction |
| Next Gen Scholarship (no CSP, under 21) | $1,940 | 25% reduction |
What that looks like over a full degree:
A Bachelor of Education has 32 subjects over four years. Here’s the total student contribution depending on your fee category:
| Fee category | Per subject | Total (32 subjects) | Saving vs full fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full fee | $2,579 | $82,528 | — |
| CSP | $592 | $18,944 | $63,584 |
| Education Scholarship (over 21) | $2,425 | $77,600 | $4,928 |
| Next Gen Scholarship (under 21) | $1,940 | $62,080 | $20,448 |
For the Master of Teaching (16 subjects over two years), a CSP brings the total student contribution to approximately $9,472 — compared to $41,264 at full fee.
Can you defer the student contribution?
Yes. If you’re eligible for FEE-HELP, you can defer your student contribution entirely. That means no upfront payment — the amount is added to your HELP debt and repaid through the tax system once your income exceeds the repayment threshold (currently $54,435 for the 2025–26 financial year).
FEE-HELP applies whether or not you have a CSP. The difference is how much you’re deferring: $592 per subject with a CSP, or $2,579 without one.
Who is eligible for a CSP?
To qualify for a CSP at Alphacrucis, you must be one of the following:
- An Australian citizen
- A New Zealand citizen
- An Australian permanent visa holder
- An eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder
International students on student visas aren’t eligible for CSPs. They pay international student fees, which are set separately.
Does study mode affect eligibility?
No. If you qualify for a CSP, the reduced fee applies regardless of whether you study full-time or part-time, online or face-to-face, directly through Alphacrucis or through a Teaching School Hub.
This is worth emphasising: studying through a Teaching School Hub doesn’t disqualify you from a CSP. Hub students get the same fee reduction as students studying online or at the Parramatta campus.
What if you don’t qualify for a CSP?
If you don’t meet the citizenship or residency requirements for a CSP, Alphacrucis automatically considers you for a scholarship as part of your application. You don’t need to apply separately.
If you’re over 21: The Education Scholarship reduces your fee to $2,425 per subject. This applies automatically if you don’t qualify for a CSP.
If you’re under 21: You may qualify for a Next Gen Scholarship, which reduces your fee to $1,940 per subject.
Both scholarship categories still allow you to use FEE-HELP to defer the student contribution.
The practical upshot: almost every domestic student starting an education course at Alphacrucis pays less than the full fee. CSP-eligible students pay significantly less. The question isn’t usually “will I get any discount?” — it’s “which discount applies to me?”
How to apply
There’s no separate CSP application. When you apply to an Alphacrucis education course, your CSP eligibility is assessed as part of the admissions process.
If you’re applying directly to Alphacrucis: Apply through the Apply Now page.
If you’re applying through a Teaching School Hub: Apply to both the Hub and Alphacrucis concurrently. The Hub will confirm any additional hub-related subsidies directly with you. Start at ac.edu.au/study/education/hubs/.
CSP places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible students. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a teaching degree cost at Alphacrucis with a CSP?
With a CSP, you’ll pay $592 per subject. For a four-year Bachelor of Education (approximately 32 subjects), that’s a total student contribution of around $18,944. For a two-year Master of Teaching (approximately 16 subjects), it’s around $9,472. FEE-HELP can be used to defer the full amount, so there’s no upfront cost.
Can I get a CSP for a Master of Teaching?
Yes. Both the Master of Teaching (Primary) and Master of Teaching (Secondary) are CSP-eligible at Alphacrucis. Career changers entering through the postgraduate pathway get the same fee reduction as undergraduate students.
Do I need to apply separately for a CSP?
No. CSP eligibility is assessed automatically as part of your course application. You don’t need to fill in a separate form or meet additional academic criteria beyond the course entry requirements.
What happens if CSP places run out?
If CSP places are fully allocated, you’ll be offered a full-fee place. However, Alphacrucis automatically considers you for the Education Scholarship (over 21) or Next Gen Scholarship (under 21), which reduce your fees without a separate application.
Are New Zealand citizens eligible for CSPs?
Yes. New Zealand citizens, Australian citizens, Australian permanent visa holders, and eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holders all qualify for CSPs.
Can I use FEE-HELP with a CSP?
Yes. FEE-HELP can be used to defer your student contribution whether or not you have a CSP. With a CSP, you’re deferring $592 per subject instead of $2,579 — a significantly smaller debt over the life of your degree.
Next step
Check your eligibility and explore the education course that fits your pathway:
- CSP and scholarship details: ac.edu.au/future-students/csps-and-scholarship-information/
- All education courses: ac.edu.au/study/education/
- Teaching School Hubs: ac.edu.au/study/education/hubs/
- Talk to the Future Students team: Call 1300 228 355 or enquire online
