FEE-HELP: Study now, pay later
Posted June 9, 2020, by Career FAQs team
FEE-HELP
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme to help students pay all, or part, of their tuition fees. You can only access FEE-HELP if you’re planning to study at a university or other private higher education institution that has been approved to offer FEE-HELP to eligible students.
Am I eligible?
You must:
- Be enrolled in an eligible unit of study, offered by an approved FEE-HELP provider, by the census date; AND
- Be an Australian citizen undertaking one unit of study in Australia; OR
- Be a permanent humanitarian visa holder, residing in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR
- Be a permanent visa holder undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and residing in Australia for the duration of study.
When do I starting paying back
You’ll start repaying your HELP debt once your taxable income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold. This threshold is adjusted every year.
The threshold for the 2021-22 income year is $47,014.
How much can I borrow?
In 2021-22 financial year you can borrow up to $108,232 under the FEE-HELP scheme. For students studying medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses, the FEE-HELP limit is $155,448.
Is there anything else I need to know?
There is a 25% FEE-HELP loan fee applied to undergraduate courses. This does not count towards your FEE-HELP limit, and is calculated for each individual unit you undertake.
Your HELP debt is indexed each year on June 1 to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
| 2021-2022 HELP Debt Repayment Thresholds | |
|---|---|
| 2021-2022 Income Earned | Repayment % Rate |
| Below $47,014 | NIL |
| $47,014 – $54,282 | 1.0% |
| $54,283 – $57,538 | 2.0% |
| $57,539 – $60,991 | 2.5% |
| $60,992 – $64,651 | 3.0% |
| $64,652 – $68,529 | 3.5% |
| $68,530 – $72,641 | 4.0% |
| $72,642 – $77,001 | 4.5% |
| $77,002 – $81,620 | 5.0% |
| $81,621 – $86,518 | 5.5% |
| $86,519 – $91,709 | 6.0% |
| $91,710 – $97,212 | 6.5% |
| $96,397 – $102,179 | 7.0% |
| $103,047 – $109,227 | 7.5% |
| $109,228 – $115,781 | 8.0% |
| $115,782 – $122,728 | 8.5% |
| $122,729 – $130,092 | 9.0% |
| $130,093 – $137,897 | 9.5% |
| $137,898 and above | 10.0% |
To get started with your FEE-HELP application, or for more information, you can head to the StudyAssist website.
Browse through our range of online courses that are covered by FEE-HELP.
Career FAQs team
