FEE-HELP: what does it mean?

What is FEE-HELP? A 2025 Guide to Student Loans in Australia

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that helps eligible students cover all or part of their tuition fees for higher education courses. If you’re looking to study at a university or an approved private education provider, FEE-HELP may make your education more financially accessible—without the need for upfront payment.

FEE-HELP is not available for general living expenses, accommodation, or textbooks. It’s specifically designed to ease the burden of tuition costs so you can focus on building your future through study.

For the most accurate and up-to-date details, you can always visit the StudyAssist website.

Am I Eligible for FEE-HELP?

To access FEE-HELP in 2025, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in an eligible course at a FEE-HELP-approved provider by the census date.
• Be an Australian citizen studying at least one unit in Australia, OR
• Hold a permanent humanitarian visa and be residing in Australia during your studies, OR
• Hold a permanent visa and be undertaking approved bridging studies for overseas-trained professionals, while residing in Australia for the duration of your course.

Providers must be approved under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, and you’ll need a tax file number and a Unique Student Identifier (USI) to apply.

Explore FEE-HELP-eligible courses on CourseFinder.

How Much Can I Borrow in 2025?

In 2025, most students can borrow up to $121,844 under the FEE-HELP scheme. If you’re studying medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science, your borrowing limit increases to $174,998.This cap is indexed annually, and any FEE-HELP you use counts towards your combined HELP loan limit (across FEE-HELP, VET Student Loans, HECS-HELP, etc.). Note: There is a 20% loan fee applied to undergraduate FEE-HELP loans, which does not count towards your HELP limit. This loan fee is calculated per unit of study and is added to your loan balance.

When Do I Start Repaying My HELP Debt?

Repayments are income-contingent, meaning you only begin repaying your HELP debt once your income reaches a certain threshold. For the 2025–26 financial year, that threshold is $56,156. Your repayments are managed through the tax system and automatically calculated based on your income. You can also make voluntary repayments at any time to reduce your loan balance.</p?

2025–26 Repayment Rates

Repayment income (RI) thresholds	Repayment rate (% of repayment income)
Below $56,156	Nil
$56,156–$64,837	1.0%
$64,838–$68,726	2.0%
$68,727–$72,851	2.5%
$72,852–$77,222	3.0%
$77,223–$81,855	3.5%
$81,856–$86,766	4.0%
$86,767–$91,973	4.5%
$91,974–$97,491	5.0%
$97,492–$103,341	5.5%
$103,342–$109,542	6.0%
$109,543–$116,115	6.5%
$116,116–$123,081	7.0%
$123,082–$130,466	7.5%
$130,467–$138,294	8.0%
$138,295–$146,593	8.5%
$146,594–$155,388	9.0%
$155,389–$164,711	9.5%
$164,712 and above	10%

Other Important Details

Loan Indexation

Your HELP debt is indexed annually to reflect inflation via the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This ensures your debt keeps pace with the cost of living. The indexation rate for 2025 is 3.2%.

Applying for FEE-HELP

You apply through your education provider when you enrol. You’ll need to complete a Request for FEE-HELP Assistance form, typically via the provider’s online portal, and supply your TFN and USI.

If you’re unsure about whether a course is eligible, use our FEE-HELP course search tool to browse a range of government loan-supported study options.

Next Steps: Make Informed Study Decisions

Understanding FEE-HELP is just one step toward making smart, confident decisions about your future. Whether you’re a first-time student, returning to study, or considering a career pivot, government loan support can make higher education more accessible than ever.

For more details and official updates, visit StudyAssist.gov.au.

Ready to explore your options? Browse government-supported courses on CourseFinder today and take the first step toward a more rewarding career path.