FEE-HELP
FEE-HELP is a popular Commonwealth supported loan scheme that allows eligible students to borrow their fees. Just look at the numbers: Over 70% of our students take advantage of FEE-HELP.
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is a Commonwealth Government loan scheme set up to help eligible students defer paying fees for undergraduate and postgraduate units. Currently the lifetime limit on the FEE-HELP loan is $89,706 (except for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science students where the limit is $112,134).
FEE-HELP loans are repaid through the Australian Taxation Office once your income reaches the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment ($47,195 for 2011-12).
Applications for FEE-HELP can be made online as you enrol for your units.
FEE-HELP Facts
To be eligible for FEE-HELP you must be:
- Australian citizens;
- Permanent humanitarian visa holders residing in Australia for the duration of their studies;
- Permanent residency visa holders enrolled in units as bridging study for overseas trained professionals and residing in Australia for the duration of their studies.
FEE-HELP does not cover:
- TAFE units
- Bridging units (UNL, PREP)
- Continuing Professional Education units (through the Australian Computer Society)
- Textbooks
- Additional special study materials (such as paintbrushes for art students)
- Financial penalties incurred for dropping or swapping units
You must maintain a 50% pass rate to remain eligible for FEE-HELP once you have completed 8 or more units.
What do you need to provide to apply for FEE-HELP?
If you are an Australian citizen with a Tax File Number (TFN) you can apply for FEE-HELP online.
Students without a TFN or Australian citizenship must complete a hard-copy FEE-HELP form and provide supporting documentation (e.g. copy of visa; assessment letter from CPA/NIA).
Where is the FEE-HELP Form?
To access the online FEE-HELP application, go to the Make a Payment link in My OUA.
If you are unable to complete an online FEE-HELP application, contact one of our helpful Student Advisors to request a form to be sent to you via snail-mail.
Withdrawing from units and FEE-HELP
If you have received FEE-HELP for a unit that you withdraw from, then the date of your withdrawal determines whether you incur a FEE-HELP debt. Check out the Changing your study page for more information.
Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN)
Students who use FEE-HELP for all or part of their unit fees will receive a Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN). A CAN statement contains information about your enrolment and use of FEE-HELP.
Your CAN statement is issued electronically or by mail within 28 days of the Census Date. You can access an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Notice (eCAN) in the My OUA section of the OUA website. Select the FEE-HELP eCAN option to download or print it any time.
If you believe your CAN account contains any errors, you can lodge a dispute within 14 days of the issue date. Disputes must be made in writing and sent to:
Student Administration
Open Universities Australia
GPO Box 5387
Melbourne VIC 3001
Further Information:
To find out if you're eligible for FEE-HELP contact our Student Advisors on 1300 363 652 or visit http://studyassist.gov.au.
