Changes for double degree students

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What has changed?

From 2005 QUT will charge student contribution amounts (formerly HECS) on the same per credit point basis whether units are undertaken in single or double degrees. Therefore student contribution amounts for students in double degrees may increase. Each student will be affected differently depending on their course structure, proposed unit enrolments, course year level, current HECS option and contribution level.

Please note that these changes will not affect the total number of credit points to be undertaken in double degrees, nor the timeframe in which double degrees can be undertaken.

You may wish to calculate your 2006 student contribution using your proposed 2006 enrolments.

Why the change?

Prior to 2005, HECS fees were adjusted for students studying double degrees so that if your standard enrolment exceeded 96 credit points for the academic year, you would only pay for the equivalent of a standard year and not have to pay for the excess enrolled credit points above 96 credit points.

New government legislation took effect from 1 January 2005 and has required QUT to revisit its business practice. QUT will charge the contribution amount per unit on the same per credit point basis to all students undertaking a unit, regardless of the course they are studying.

In the example below, Bill is undertaking a double degree Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws. Under the new rules, his student contribution (previously HECS) for the whole course will increase by the equivalent of one semester's full-time enrolment.

Example:

Prior to 2005, Bill is undertaking 528 credit points over five years and paid 5.0 standard years of student contributions. From 2005, a standard year is strictly 96 credit points. Therefore for Bill, his new total student contribution will be 5.5 years (calculated as 528 credit points divided by a standard 96 credit point year). The change in the total contribution over the five calendar years of the course is equivalent to the cost of an additional semester of study.

Why study a double degree?

Your double degree affords you the opportunity to accelerate your progression. This allows you to complete two degrees in less time than it would take to do them separately, being available to the workforce earlier. It also enhances job opportunities by allowing specialisation in two independent areas of study.