FEE-HELP: Study now, pay later
Posted July 10, 2015, 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 2018-19 is $51,957.
How much can I borrow?
In 2017 you can borrow up to $100,879 under the FEE-HELP scheme. For students studying medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses, the FEE-HELP limit is $126,101.
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 in March to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
| 2018-2019 Repayment rates | |
|---|---|
| 2018-2019 Repayment rates | Repayment % rate |
| Below $51,957 | NIL |
| $51,957 – $57,729 | 2.0% |
| $57,730 – $64,306 | 4.0% |
| $64,307 – $70,881 | 4.5% |
| $70,882 – $74,607 | 5.0% |
| $74,608 – $80,197 | 5.5% |
| $80,198 – $86,855 | 6.0% |
| $86,856 – $91,425 | 6.5% |
| $91,426– $100,613 | 7.0% |
| $100,614 – $107,213 | 7.5% |
| $107,214 and above | 8.0% |
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
