Get HELP: Government financial assistance

Paying for study with a HELP loan scheme is a great way to make education affordable. But who actually qualifies for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP? And, when do you have to start paying back your loan? We’ve put a spotlight on the government’s Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) to help you find the right financial assistance option for you.

HECS-HELP

What is HECS-HELP?

The HECS-HELP scheme provides you with access to a loan to help you pay your student contribution amount, with the added incentive of a discount for upfront payment of your tuition fees.

Am I eligible?

You must:

Be studying in a subsidised enrolment at university – known as a Commonwealth Supported Place.
Be an Australian citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder.
Enrol with an approved provider, by the census date.

When do I starting paying back my loan?

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 2016-17 is $54,869.

Disclaimer: This information is correct at the time of publishing, but is subject to change under the current government’s higher education reforms. The figures provided are applicable for the 2016-17 financial year only. For more information, visit StudyAssist [www.studyassist.com.au].

To get started with your HECS-HELP application, or for more information, you can head to the StudyAssist website.

Browse through our range of online courses that are covered by HECS-HELP.

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 2016-17 is $54,869.

How much can I borrow?

In 2016 you can borrow up to $99,389 under the FEE-HELP scheme. For students studying medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses, the FEE-HELP limit is $124,238.

To start your FEE-HELP application, or for more information, head to the Study Assist website.

Browse through our range of onlines ocurses that are covered by FEE-HELP.

2016-2017 repayment rates
2016-2017 Repayment rates	Repayment % rate
Below $54,869	NIL
$54,869 – $61,119	4.0%
$61,120 – $67,368	4.5%
$67,369 – $70,909	5.0%
$70,910 – $76,222	5.5%
$76,223 – $82,550	6.0%
$82,551 – $86,894	6.5%
$86,895 – $95,626	7.0%
$95,627 – $101,899	7.5%
$101,900 and above	8.0%