One suggestion would be - if you have decided you are going to invest your $12000 in the ASX - and if you have decided to use an online (discount) broker rather than a full service broker, then most of the online brokers have research attached to your membership. I can only actually speak for E-trade which I use, and I find they have several sources of research available for free. I also subscribe to FNArena's "Australian Broker Call" which costs $110 for six months. This can sometimes be useful, i.e. if their morniing report advises that six brokers have all issued a "Buy" on a particular stock, then that will often instigate some buyer action on that stock.
You can get a two week free trial:
www.fnarena.com.au
The ASX website -
www.asx.com.au - will provide you with all the relevant information about the difference between discount and full service brokers.
Other ASF members will have additional advice for you.
Sounds to me as if you're doing pretty well to have $12000 to invest while still a student - good for you.
Best of luck.
Julia