Education Support Allowance

The information contained in these web pages are currently being reviewed and should therefore be used as a guide only and must be read in conjunction with the relevant Clauses of the UWS Enterprise Agreements in force at the time.

Further enquiries should be directed to your relevant contact in the Office of People and Culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to obtain assistance to pay my study expenses?

The University will provide an education support allowance to general and academic staff members undertaking 'approved formal award courses'.

Study support is available to all permanent/tenured full or part time staff or employees on contracts of two years or more.

What are approved formal award courses?

'Approved formal award courses' are programs which are related to the staff member’s current job or career progression and have significant value both to the individual and to the University.

‘Approved study’ generally refers to courses that lead to a recognised qualification either from a University, TAFE College or a Recognised Training Organisation.

Decisions on relevancy of the course are to be made by the staff members Director or Executive Dean, with advice from the Manager, Professional Development Unit or the Director, Educational Development Centre where necessary.

What sorts of expenses may I claim?

An Education Support Allowance is payable where a staff member incurs self-education expenses (including a deferred HECS liability) for approved study.

The allowance may include reimbursement of costs or contribution towards costs incurred for approved course fees (including HECS), books, materials, compulsory fees and/or equipment essential to completion of a course or subject.

What if I have been directed to undertake a course in order to do my job?

Where a staff member is formally directed to undertake a course essential for the conduct of their current duties (and the requirement is endorsed by the appropriate Executive Dean or Director) the University will meet the full costs associated with the course.

How much Education Support Allowance can I apply for?

The amount of Education Support Allowance available for approved courses will be a fee reimbursement of up to a maximum of $2,000 gross per staff member per year, payable upon production of evidence of expenditure incurred or evidence of their financial commitment to a program of study (eg for a HECS liability).

This will apply to full-time or part-time staff. 

How is this paid?

All payments for Education Support are made through the payroll and tax deducted as per PAYG. 

If a study expense is tax exempt, the staff member should claim the deduction when completing a tax return.

Are there any circumstances where I would have to pay the allowance back?

As long as the payment has been made in accordance with the Professional Development Policy, the allowance is not repayable.  However, an Education Support Allowance will be granted only once in respect of a subject.

Where a staff member fails a subject, no further support will be granted for that subject unless there are exceptional circumstances (e.g., the experience of significant loss, psychiatric illness etc).  For exceptional circumstances, submission of details to the Director/Executive Dean will be required by the staff member.

How do I apply?

In the first place, discuss with your supervisor or line manager.  Then complete an Education Support Allowance application form (PDF, 369.03 KB) (opens in a new window).

Who approves the allowance?

The Divisional Head, Executive Dean, College Manager or Director on a recommendation from the Manager of your organisational unit. (UWS Delegations B28)

Who pays for it?

The College/Divisional area will bear the cost.

Where can I get further information?

Please refer to the UWS Professional Development Policy or contact your HR Business Advisor.