Fee Help: Study Now, Pay Later

If you’re considering tertiary education in Australia but are concerned about the cost, FEE-HELP could be the support you need to get started. This Australian Government loan scheme can help eligible students cover their tuition fees at approved higher education providers.

In this guide, we’ll break down what FEE-HELP is, who’s eligible, how repayments work, and what you need to know before applying—so you can make confident, informed decisions about your future.

What is FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP is a loan program offered by the Australian Government to help eligible students pay all or part of their tuition fees for higher education courses. It’s specifically for students studying at approved private higher education providers and universities that offer FEE-HELP-supported places.

Unlike HECS-HELP (which covers Commonwealth-supported places), FEE-HELP is used for full-fee paying students.

Who is eligible for FEE-HELP?

To access FEE-HELP, you must:

• Be enrolled in an eligible unit of study with an approved FEE-HELP provider by the census date.
• Meet one of the following citizenship or residency criteria:
  • Be an Australian citizen studying at least one unit in Australia.
  • Hold a permanent humanitarian visa and reside in Australia for the duration of your study.
  • Be a New Zealand Special Category visa holder meeting specific long-term residency requirements.
  • Hold a permanent visa and be undertaking an approved bridging course for overseas-trained professionals.

You’ll also need to provide a valid Tax File Number (TFN) and a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

How much can I borrow with FEE-HELP?

For the 2025–26 financial year, the FEE-HELP loan limit is:

• $121,844 for most students.
• $174,998 for students studying medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science courses.

This limit is indexed annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect inflation.

What fees apply to FEE-HELP?

There is a 20% loan fee for undergraduate students using FEE-HELP for full-fee paying courses. This fee does not apply to postgraduate students or those studying at university under a Commonwealth-supported place.

Importantly, the loan fee does not count towards your FEE-HELP loan limit.

When do I start repaying my FEE-HELP loan?

You’ll start repaying your FEE-HELP debt once your taxable income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold. Repayments are made through the Australian tax system.

For the 2025–26 financial year, the repayment threshold is $56,156.

The percentage of income you’ll repay increases based on how much you earn. Here’s a snapshot of the current rates:

2025-26 HELP Repayment Rates

Repayment income (RI) thresholds	Repayment rate (% of repayment income)
Below $56,156	Nil
$56,156–$64,837	1.0%
$64,838–$68,726	2.0%
$68,727–$72,851	2.5%
$72,852–$77,222	3.0%
$77,223–$81,855	3.5%
$81,856–$86,766	4.0%
$86,767–$91,973	4.5%
$91,974–$97,491	5.0%
$97,492–$103,341	5.5%
$103,342–$109,542	6.0%
$109,543–$116,115	6.5%
$116,116–$123,081	7.0%
$123,082–$130,466	7.5%
$130,467–$138,294	8.0%
$138,295–$146,593	8.5%
$146,594–$155,388	9.0%
$155,389–$164,711	9.5%
$164,712 and above	10%

Will my FEE-HELP debt increase over time?

Yes, but not through interest. Your HELP debt is adjusted annually on 1 June to reflect inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This process is known as indexation.

For the 2025–26 financial year, the **indexation rate is 3.2%**. This means your remaining debt will increase by 3.2% to account for changes in the cost of living.

Indexation ensures your loan maintains its real value over time, but no interest is charged in the traditional sense—HELP loans remain one of the most cost-effective ways to fund your studies in Australia.

Explore Courses That Accept FEE-HELP

Ready to take the next step in your career or education journey? Browse our range of nationally recognised, FEE-HELP-approved online courses on Career FAQs that qualify for FEE-HELP assistance.

Start Your Learning Journey with Confidence

FEE-HELP makes higher education more accessible by removing the barrier of upfront tuition costs. Whether you’re exploring a career change, aiming for professional growth, or looking to study online, understanding your FEE-HELP options is a key step in making informed decisions about your future.

Take control of your next chapter by browsing FEE-HELP-approved courses on Career FAQs.