Do universities in Australia get more money if students pay course fees upfront, or if they defer and pay their fees at a later date through HECS?

In Australia, universities receive funding from the government based on a variety of factors, including the number of students enrolled and the type of courses they offer. When students choose to pay their course fees upfront, the university receives that money immediately, which can be beneficial for cash flow and immediate funding needs.

On the other hand, if students defer their fees through the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS), the university does not receive the payment upfront. Instead, the government pays the university on behalf of the student once the student has completed their course or reaches a certain income threshold. This means that while the university will eventually receive the funds, there is a delay compared to upfront payments.

In summary, universities generally prefer upfront payments because they provide immediate funding. However, the overall financial impact on universities can vary based on enrollment numbers, government funding policies, and the specific arrangements of the HECS system.