Costs & financial assistance

Can I enrol using FEE-HELP before I receive my results?

Yes, as long as you maintain a 50% pass rate after completing eight units through Open Universities Australia.

Can I have a HECS-HELP debt and a FEE-HELP debt?

In some case you may have both debts.

For more information visit studyassist.gov.au

Can I use FEE-HELP and an upfront payment at the same time?

Yes, you can choose to defer all, 25%, 50% or 75% of your fees using FEE-HELP. Please contact our administration team if you would like more information.

Do I get a bonus for making extra repayments?

Yes, if you make a voluntary repayment of $500 or more towards your FEE-HELP debt, you will receive a bonus of 5% of the repayment you make.

For more information visit studyassist.gov.au

Do I need a Tax File Number (TFN) to access HECS-HELP/FEE-HELP?

You will need to submit a copy of your TFN or Certificate of Application for a TFN to OUA before the Census date if:

• You are accessing FEE-HELP
• You are accessing HECS-HELP but have opted NOT to pay your full student contribution amount up front

If you do not have a TFN, you will need to complete a tax file application available at www.ato.gov.au. It is important to apply early to ensure you have your TFN on or before the census date. A TFN is usually provided within 28 days of application.

Does studying through Open Universities Australia affect my Student Learning Entitlement?

The student learning entitlement (SLE) system was used to measure the timeframe that an eligible student could be enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. SLE was abolished from 1 January 2012. From that date, there is no longer a limit on the amount study a person can undertake as a Commonwealth support student.

How can I check my FEE-HELP balance?

You can check your FEE-HELP balance online by logging in to myUniAssist on the Study Assist website.

For more information visit studyassist.gov.au

How do I apply for FEE-HELP?

Australian Citizens eligible for FEE-HELP can apply online. Other eligible students can request a paper FEE-HELP form by contacting one of our Student Advisors on 1300 363 652.

Read our FEE-HELP page for more information.

How do I get a Certificate of Application for a TFN?

The Australian Tax Office does not issue Certificates of Application for TFN by mail. Students requiring a Certificate of Application must go in person to one of the ATO shopfronts. The address of your nearest ATO Access site can be obtained by ringing 13 28 61 or via the ATO website at www.ato.gov.au  > Contact Us > In Person.

How many units can I use FEE-HELP for each year?

There are no limits on how many units you can study in a year. However, if you have completed eight units, regardless of payment method, you must maintain a 50% pass rate to remain eligible for FEE-HELP.

How many units do I have to study each study period to access FEE-HELP?

There are no study load requirements to access FEE-HELP. You can use FEE-HELP to cover unit fees for one or many units each Study Period.

Students are not able without exceptional agreement from us to enrol in more than four units per Study Period, and we recommend that  they preferably enrol in no more than two units unless they are experienced students who have few or no other commitments.

I already have a degree. Am I still eligible for FEE-HELP?

Previous study does not affect your eligibility for FEE-HELP. However, if you have completed eight or more units through Open Universities Australia, you must have a 50% pass rate in order to remain eligible.

Is there a limit to how much FEE-HELP I can access?

Each year the lifetime FEE-HELP limit and threshold for repayment is reviewed by the Australian Government.

For the most recent information read our FEE-HELP page.

What are the fees for international students?

The cost of your unit will vary depending on the discipline you are studying. Payment is on a unit-by-unit basis and enrolment cannot be processed until payment is received.

Students who are not Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia or New Zealand citizens must pay an additional International Student Fee of $250 per undergraduate or postgraduate unit. For UNILEARN units, the international fee is an additional $140.

What is a residential address?

A residential address is the physical location where you live permanently or temporarily while you are studying. It does NOT include mailbox addresses.

A mailing address is one you will use to receive all hard copy correspondence from OUA and your academic provider. This can be the same as your residential address OR a mailbox address.

What is FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay their unit fees. FEE-HELP can cover all or part of a student's unit fees. The FEE-HELP limit is indexed each year.

If you are eligible for FEE-HELP, the Government will pay the amount of your loan directly to Open Universities Australia. You can then repay your loan through the tax system once your income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment.

Read our FEE-HELP page for more information.

What is HECS-HELP?

HECS-HELP is a Commonwealth Government loan scheme available to eligible students enrolled in Commonwealth supported places. This loan scheme assists students with their student contribution payments and is a cost-effective way to fund your course studies.

Visit our HECS-HELP page for more information.

What is VET FEE-HELP?

VET FEE-HELP is an accessible Commonwealth supported loan scheme tailored to meet the needs of students undertaking eligible VET FEE-HELP vocational education and training (VET) courses

If you are eligible for VET FEE-HELP, the Government will pay for some or all of your tuition fees upfront to the education provider. You can then repay your loan through the tax system once your income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayments. For TAFE courses, a loan fee of 20% will be applied to the amount of VET FEE-HELP assistance provided. This is calculated into your repayment balance. 

What payment options are available to me?

Who is eligible for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)?

To be eligible for Commonwealth support, you must be:

• An Australian citizen residing in Australia for all or part of your studies; OR
• A New Zealand citizen who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your study; OR
• The holder of a permanent visa who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your study
• Able to meet the eligibility requirements for FEE-HELP
• Able to meet the university course admission criteria.

Who is eligible for HECS-HELP?

To be eligible for HECS-HELP, students must:

• Be enrolled in a unit of study as a Commonwealth supported student;
• Meet the citizenship and residency requirements. That is, you must be an Australian citizen residing in Australia for all or part of your studies OR the holder of a permanent visa who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your study; AND
• Meet the eligibility requirements for FEE-HELP