Government study loans

What types of government study loans are available in Australia?

Australian students can access HECS-HELP (for Commonwealth-supported places), FEE-HELP (for full-fee paying higher education), and VET Student Loans (for vocational courses). Each has specific eligibility requirements and repayment conditions. Visit StudyAssist for full details.

Do government study loans cover all course fees?

Not always. While most tuition is covered, there may be upfront costs such as student services fees, materials, or placement costs. Always check with the provider for a full fee breakdown.

How and when do I repay a HELP or VET Student Loan?

Repayments begin once your income exceeds the minimum repayment threshold, which is updated annually. Repayments are automatically managed through the tax system. See the current threshold at ato.gov.au.

Can international students apply for government study loans?

No, only Australian citizens and some holders of humanitarian visas are eligible. Permanent residents and most international students are not eligible for HELP or VET Student Loans.

What happens if I withdraw from a course after receiving a study loan?

If you withdraw before the census date, you won’t incur a debt. After the census date, the loan is still repayable unless special circumstances apply. Review your course’s census dates carefully.