Commonwealth Supported Places Explained: Are You Eligible?

We often receive enquiries from students about Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) for postgraduate study — what they are, how much they reduce tuition, and most importantly, who can apply. This article answers the questions many students ask: what a Commonwealth Supported Place is, who’s eligible, which courses offer CSPs, and how you can take the next step towards a more affordable postgraduate qualification.

What Are Commonwealth Supported Places?

If you’re considering a postgraduate course in Australia, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) could significantly reduce your tuition fees. A Commonwealth Supported Place is subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you only pay a portion of the total fee — known as the student contribution.

This government subsidy makes CSPs a budget-friendly way to gain an accredited qualification, especially in high-demand industries such as IT, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

“Commonwealth Supported Places are designed to make tertiary education more accessible and flexible for working professionals.” – StudyAssist

According to StudyAssist, CSPs reduce your upfront fees, and if eligible, you can defer your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan. Learn more on the StudyAssist website.

Who Is Eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)?

You may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place if you are:

• An Australian citizen studying primarily in Australia
• A New Zealand citizen or permanent visa holder who meets specific residency requirements
• Enrolling in a CSP-approved course

The number of postgraduate Commonwealth Supported courses is capped each year, so places are limited. Your eligibility will depend on both your personal circumstances and the availability of places in your chosen course.

IT Masters offers a free “Am I Eligible?” tool to quickly check if you qualify for our postgraduate courses, some of which include CSPs.

Our Courses That Offer Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)

Established in 2002, IT Masters partnered with Charles Sturt University to deliver accredited, fully online postgraduate degrees in areas such as cybersecurity, network administration, and cloud computing. This partnership has earned a reputation as Australia’s leading provider of online IT postgraduate education.
Currently, four of our Graduate Certificate courses are eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs):

Graduate Certificate in Cloud Computing and Virtualisation

Graduate Certificate in Computing (Career Transition)

Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security

Graduate Certificate in Networking and Systems Administration

Funding & Payment Options

If you don’t qualify for a CSP, there are still ways to make your study more affordable:

• Scholarships and funding opportunities are available through Charles Sturt University, which awards over $3 million in student grants each year.
• Alumni Discount: If you’ve completed one course with IT Masters, you’ll receive a 10% discount on full-fee postgraduate courses, including Master’s degrees. See full fee and payment details here.
• Flexible fees and payment plans including deferred payment options and HECS-HELP for eligible students.

Final Thoughts: Exploring Your Options for 2025

If you’re planning to pursue postgraduate study in 2025, it’s worth looking into whether a Commonwealth Supported Place could apply to your chosen course. For eligible students, CSPs can make a meaningful difference in managing tuition costs.

At IT Masters, all courses are delivered 100% online and designed with flexibility in mind — making them well-suited for working professionals balancing study with other commitments.
If you’re unsure about your options or eligibility, our team is here to help. Speak with a course advisor to explore what’s available and find the right fit for your goals.