Student loans
You may not need to pay your university fees upfront. If you’re eligible, an Australian Government HELP loan can help you defer some or all of your tuition fees.
Which loan could apply to me?
Study loans, government loans, student loans... whatever you choose to call them, they’re here to help you hit the books and get ahead. Get to know the interest-free loans available to eligible higher education students.
When you’re studying through Open Universities Australia, there are two loans to choose from: HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP. The loan that could apply to you depends on the type of university place you have and your eligibility.
We can check your eligibility and sort the paperwork, helping to remove some of the financial barriers that may stand between you and your goals.
HECS-HELP
Generally for eligible students in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP).
✓ Common for undergraduate degrees
✓ Can cover your student contribution amount
✓ Repaid through the Australian tax system
FEE-HELP
Generally for eligible students in a full-fee place.
✓ Common for postgraduate degrees and single subjects
✓ Can cover eligible tuition fees
✓ Repaid through the Australian tax system
Not sure which loan applies?
A dedicated student advisor will give you the right information for your unique circumstances. Their advice is prompt, personalised and completely free.
What is a HELP loan?
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is an Australian Government loan program that can help eligible students pay their university fees.
Instead of paying tuition fees upfront, you can defer them through a HELP loan. Then, repay your HELP debt through the Australian tax system once your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
HELP loans don’t charge interest, but your outstanding HELP debt can be indexed. Indexation is applied by the Australian Taxation Office and can increase the amount you owe over time.
When you're studying through Open Universities Australia, you may be eligible for HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP.
HECS-HELP
In this loan type, your loan can be used to cover a portion of your fees, called the student contribution. You may choose to cover all or only part of your student contribution with your loan.
The other portion of your fees is paid by the Australian Government due to your Commonwealth supported place.
Commonly available for: Eligible students studying undergraduate degrees through Open Universities Australia.
When you study in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), you don’t pay the full cost of your course. The Australian Government subsidises most of your tuition, and you only pay the remaining balance. You can defer your repayment until you're earning money, and then pay the amount back in instalments. Most undergraduate degrees offer CSPs to domestic students.
To be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you must:
- Be enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place.
- Be an Australian citizen who will study part of their course in Australia,
OR be an eligible New Zealand Special Category Visa holder or a permanent humanitarian visa holder (or eligible former) and will live in Australia for the entire course. - Be enrolled correctly and submit your HECS-HELP form by the census date.
- Have a tax file number (TFN) or have applied for one.
Get more information about HECS-HELP eligibility at StudyAssist.
HECS-HELP can cover some or all of the student contribution amount you need to pay for your Commonwealth supported place, up to your available HELP balance.
It doesn’t cover other study costs such as textbooks, stationery or equipment.
Your HECS-HELP application is part of the enrolment process.
- Find your degree Choose the degree you want to study and check whether a Commonwealth supported place is available.
- Apply for your degree Complete your application and provide the information required for your enrolment.
- Apply for HECS-HELP If you’re eligible and want to defer your student contribution amount, complete the required HELP form.
- Submit your form by the census date Make sure your HELP application is complete by the relevant census date.
Your HECS-HELP loan becomes part of your accumulated HELP debt.
Compulsory repayments are made through the Australian tax system once your repayment income is above the minimum repayment threshold. You can also make voluntary repayments at any time.
Repayment thresholds and requirements can change, so check the Australian Taxation Office or StudyAssist for current information.
FEE-HELP
In this loan type, your loan can be used to defer the entirety of your eligible tuition fees instead of paying them upfront.
In this scenario, you are not in a Commonwealth supported place, so your loan will need to cover the full amount for your fees, unless you choose to pay upfront.
Commonly available for: Eligible students studying postgraduate degrees and single subjects through Open Universities Australia.
To be eligible for FEE-HELP, you must:
- Be an Australian who studies some of their course while living in Australia,
OR be an eligible New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) holder and will live in Australia for the entire course,
OR be a permanent humanitarian visa holder (or eligible former) and will live in Australia for the entire course,
OR be a permanent resident who is undertaking approved bridging studies and will live in Australia for the study. - Undertake an approved course, at a FEE-HELP approved provider.
- Enrol and submit the FEE-HELP form (known as an eCAF) by the census date.
- Have a tax file number (TFN) or have applied for one.
You’ll also need to stick to a 50% pass rate to remain eligible for FEE-HELP once you’ve undertaken eight or more subjects.
Get more information about FEE-HELP eligibility at StudyAssist.
- Be an Australian who studies some of their course while living in Australia,
FEE-HELP can cover some or all of your eligible tuition fees, up to your available HELP balance.
It doesn’t cover other study costs such as textbooks, stationery or equipment.
You can apply for FEE-HELP as part of the enrolment process.
- Find your study Choose the course or subjects you want to study and check the available funding options.
- Enrol or apply Complete the required enrolment or application information.
- Apply for FEE-HELP If you’re eligible and want to defer your tuition fees, complete the required HELP form.
- Submit your form by the census date Make sure your HELP application is complete by the relevant census date.
Your FEE-HELP loan becomes part of your accumulated HELP debt.
Compulsory repayments are made through the Australian tax system once your repayment income is above the minimum repayment threshold. You can also make voluntary repayments at any time.
Repayment thresholds and requirements can change, so check the Australian Taxation Office or StudyAssist for current information.
How using a HELP loan works
Here’s how it works when you study through Open Universities Australia. We're here to help every step of the way.
Find your course
Choose the degree or subjects you want to study.
Check your funding options
Check whether CSP (Commonwealth supported places) or HELP loans are available.
Enrol or apply
Complete your application or enrolment and provide the required information. If you're feeling unsure, get in touch and we'll guide you through it.
Submit your HELP form
If you’re eligible and choose to use a HELP loan, complete the required HELP form by the census date. Once again, our student advisors are experts at doing this part with you over the phone.
Repayments are managed through the Australian tax system
You’ll start repaying your HELP loan through the tax system once you're earning over a certain amount.
Student loan FAQs
What do student loans pay for?
HELP loans can be used for eligible university tuition fees.
Depending on the loan and your type of university place, this could be your student contribution amount or eligible tuition fees.
HELP loans generally don’t cover other study expenses such as textbooks, stationery or equipment.
Are student loans unlimited?
No. The Australian Government sets a HELP loan limit, which caps how much you can borrow for eligible study.
Taking out eligible HELP loans reduces your available HELP balance. Repayments towards your HELP debt can increase your available HELP balance again.
The loan limit can change, so check StudyAssist for current information.
Do HELP loans charge interest?
HELP loans don’t charge interest, but your HELP debt is subject to indexation.
Indexation adjusts your debt over time and is applied to eligible HELP debt by the Australian Taxation Office. The indexation rate can change from year to year.
When do I start repayments?
You generally need to make compulsory repayments once your repayment income is above the minimum repayment threshold.
Your compulsory repayment is calculated through the Australian tax system. You can also make voluntary repayments towards your HELP debt at any time.
Can I pay some fees upfront?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to pay some of your eligible fees upfront and use a HELP loan for the remaining amount.
Check the payment options available for your study before enrolling.
What happens if I withdraw after the census date?
Census dates are important because they can affect your fees and HELP debt if you withdraw from study.
The rules depend on when you withdraw and your circumstances. Check the census date for your subject and read the withdrawal information before making changes to your enrolment.
Need help working out your options?
Work through your study costs and find available support with a student advisor.
We're here to help you understand your options and map out your next steps, at no cost to you.
Book a free consultationLooking for other ways to connect? Contact us.
Where to find more information
StudyAssist
Check current HELP eligibility, borrowing limits and Australian Government information.
HELP Publications
Explore HELP loan booklets and fact sheets before you submit your application.
Australian Taxation Office
Visit ATO to keep track of your HELP loan balance and repayments .
Explore your financial options
What documents do you need to apply to university?
Most university applications require documents that prove your identity, residency status and previous study. You may also need a resume or personal statement, depending on your course. Student advisor Jessica Hinschen has the details.
What is HECS-HELP and how does it work?
If you’re thinking about enrolling in a uni course, you’ve no doubt considered getting a HECS-HELP loan. But how the HECS does the scheme actually work? Here's everything you need to know.
Where to find postgraduate Commonwealth supported places
Hoping to land a government subsidised place as a postgraduate? Here's everything you need to know, including where to look for relevant courses.
How to pay off your HECS debt: the ultimate guide
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