Key Costs
The two key components to course fees are Australian University of Theology Units and SMBC fees. Accommodation is a available for those who want to live and study on-campus.
Australian University of Theology Unit Fees
SMBC units are accredited by the Australian University of Theology (AUT). These unit tuition fees are set by the AUT on an annual basis. This is the largest component of your costs.
FEE-HELP is available for all AUT courses.
SMBC Full-Time Study Fees
All full-time students complete a Certificate in Bible and Mission program (CBM). The CBM provides full access to all the benefits of SMBC’s expertise in cross-cultural mission, preaching, theology and pastoral ministry. These fees include:
- Certificate in Bible and Mission Program (CBM)
- SMBC service fee
- Lunch Monday to Friday during semester
FEE-HELP is not available for this cost.
SMBC Accommodation Fees
SMBC has accommodation available for students on campus, including:
- Modern rooms
- Shared kitchen space and common areas
- Free on-site parking
- Cooked meals during semester
- Wi-Fi, water, electricity and utilities
Government Support
The Australian government assists Australian citizens with loans, payments, and support to make education more affordable and easier to access for students from all backgrounds.
FEE-HELP
FEE-HELP is an Australian government loan that allows eligible students to defer paying their tuition fees. The loan is repaid later through taxes once their income is above a certain threshold. This helps make tertiary education more manageable by spreading the cost over time.
FEE-HELP assistance may be requested for all or part of your Australian University of Theology (AUT) fee.
Centrelink Study Allowance
If you’re a full-time tertiary student in Australia, there are several Centrelink payments and support options available to help with your study and living costs.
- Youth Allowance for students aged 16-24
- Austudy for those 25 and older
- ABSTUDY specifically for Indigenous students
- Tertiary Access Payment to help regional students relocate
- Rent Assistance for students paying rent
- Student Start-up Loan to cover study expenses
Family Tax Benefit (FTB)
The Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a payment from the Australian Government designed to help eligible families with the cost of raising children. It is administered by Services Australia (Centrelink) and is means-tested, meaning eligibility and payment rates depend on your family’s income and other factors.
Transport Concession Card
Full-time students can access discounted NSW public transport with a Transport Concession Card. This allows travel on public trains, buses, ferries, and light rail services at concession rates throughout the state.
Student Support Raising
Many students receive financial support from their church or ministry partners.
SMBC has a tax deductible fund set up specifically to help students receive support for their tuition and on campus accommodation.
Why start building ministry partners during study?
If you are planning to work as a missionary or in a self-funded ministry role, this can be a key time to start developing ministry partners.
Starting the support-raising process early helps you form meaningful, long term partnerships based on a shared vision. It allows your supporters to walk with you from ministry training all the way to the mission field, providing prayer, encouragement, and financial support that will sustain your ministry over time.
By building these relationships now, you can ease future fundraising pressure and stay focused on your ministry preparation and calling.
Support raising training
SMBC offers training courses for students to learn how to start developing their support network.
These practical workshops teach you how to effectively communicate your mission, and build lasting relationships with those who want to partner with you on your ministry journey.
How to start
SMBC has a tax deductible fund set up specifically to help students receive support for their tuition and on campus accommodation.
To find out more information, or to learn how to set up a student support fund, please contact us through the form below.
Contact Us
Our Course Advisors are here to help and guide you.
Begin your journey with a conversation.