I have 4 kids and am studying full time. I waited until the two oldest boys were in school, so I only have daycare for my twins. It is expensive, but I get a good discount based on my income and my FTB just about covers all childcare. Books, etc, are expensive too but I have managed to get most of them second hand. I don't get austudy or any other benefits because my husband works full time and earns a decent wage, so other than FTB and childcare rebate/benefits (which is actually a very generous amount) we are on our own.

The cost of the degrees I have deferred (the HECS scheme) so I won't pay anything until I am earning, but I will be $25,000 in debt at that point. My credit card is not looking too healthy either, with all the books and things we have put on it, as well as general costs (new car had to go on the credit card because we couldn't get a loan - long story). I can see we will be in masses of debt when I finally graduate in 2015. However I know things will be easier then because I will have a wage, not to mention a hoverboard and flying car as promised by Marty McFly in Back to the Future part II

The hardest thing is juggling class hours/study with children and family life. My husband is willing to help but he is still stuck in the mindset that the kids/house are my responsibility and earning money is his. It's very difficult to sit looking at a pile of dirty dishes but prioritising the essay that is due. From other mums on the course who have gone from sole responsibilities of the children, to sharing them so they can study, this is a very common theme. It's also stressful having less money day to day, but you just need to remember this is short term and will be worth it when you are earning a decent wage.