Study Assist

Am I eligible for VET FEE-HELP?

You are eligible for VET FEE-HELP if you:

• are an Australian citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder (resident in Australia for the duration of the unit); AND
• are a full fee-paying / fee for service student studying a diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate or graduate diploma level course at an approved VET FEE-HELP provider; OR
• are a student subsidised by the Victorian or South Australian State Government studying a diploma or advanced diploma course; AND
• have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit (see below); AND
• meet the tax file number (TFN) requirements: OR
• if you don't have a TFN you can give your provider a Certificate of application for a TFN. This certificate is available from the Australian Taxation Office (opens in a new window) after you have applied for a TFN; AND
• submit the Request for VET FEE-HELP Assistance Form to your VET provider prior to the census date.

For more information regarding eligibility requirements, read the VET FEE-HELP Information booklet, available on the publications page.

Am I studying at an approved VET FEE-HELP provider?

Not all providers are approved to offer VET FEE-HELP loans. You can only access VET FEE‑HELP at a registered training organisation that has been approved under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 to offer VET FEE‑HELP to eligible students.

For a list of providers who are approved to offer VET FEE‑HELP, see Approved VET providers.

Are there different course costs for subsidised students?

Course costs are determinded by approved VET providers. You should check your provider's website for information on individual course fees.

Can subsidised students access VET FEE-HELP?

Yes, if the student is subsidised by the Victorian or South Australian Government and is enrolled in a diploma or advanced diploma course at an approved VET provider. Contact your provider.

For more information regarding eligibility requirements for Victorian Government subsidised training, visit the Skills Victoria website (opens in a new window).

For more information regarding eligibility requirements for South Australian Government subsidised training, visit the Skills for All website (opens in a new window) or email skillsforall@sa.gov.au or call the Skills for All Infoline on 1800 506 266.

How much can I borrow?

Eligible students can borrow up to the FEE-HELP limit to pay their tuition fees. The FEE-HELP limit is the total amount available to eligible students under both the VET FEE-HELP and FEE-HELP loan schemes. This means that any amount you borrow under either VET FEE-HELP or FEE-HELP will reduce your FEE-HELP balance (the amount of FEE-HELP you have left to use) until you have reached the FEE-HELP limit.

For 2012, the FEE-HELP limit is $112,134 for students undertaking medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses (as defined in the Higher Education Support Act 2003), and $89,706 for all other students.

For 2013, the FEE-HELP limit is $116,507 for students undertaking medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses (as defined in the Higher Education Support Act 2003), and $93,204 for all other students.

The FEE-HELP limit is a lifetime limit and is not reset or ‘topped up’ by any repayments that you make.

Is there a loan fee?

Yes, for some students. A 20% loan fee applies for VET FEE-HELP loans accessed by full fee‑paying/fee for service students. The loan fee does not count towards your FEE-HELP limit.

You will not incur the loan fee if you are a student who is subsidised by the Victorian or South Australian State Government.

Will previous study or other debts affect my eligibility?

No (unless you have already reached your FEE-HELP limit). Any previous study you have undertaken, and any other financial debts you may have incurred will not affect your eligibility to access a VET FEE-HELP loan. As long as you meet the above eligibility criteria and have enough of your FEE-HELP limit (see above) left to cover your tuition fees, you will be able to access VET FEE-HELP.

How do I apply?

See the Applying page for information on applying for a VET FEE-HELP loan.

How do I repay my VET FEE-HELP loan?

See the Loan repayment page for information on repaying your loan.

Need more information?

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page or the Contact us page.