Theresa, I put all my course fees on HECS (or whatever the new name is). If your partner is working you have to apply for whatever they now call Ausstudy which is means tested. In regards to books, the costs of them depends on what you're studying. But you can usually pick them up second hand at the Uni book shop or on Ebay or students put notices up on notice boards. You can also borrow most texts at the uni library (and they almost always have a set that can't be borrowed out which means you should always be able to park at the library to read what you need to read). Most universities have a child care centre on campus that you can use and fees are generally discounted for full time students. But fees vary from place to place so give them a call to find out the costs. HTH.

MG