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The HELP scheme explained
HECS-HELP
What is HECS-HELP?
The HECS-HELP scheme provides you with access to a loan to help you pay your student contribution amount, with the added incentive of a discount for upfront payment of your tuition fees.
Am I eligible?
You must:
- Be studying in a subsidised enrolment at university – known as a Commonwealth Supported Place.
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder
- Enrol with an approved provider, by the census date
When do I starting paying back my loan?
You’ll start repaying your HELP debt once your taxable income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold. This threshold is adjusted every year. The threshold for 2024-25 is $54,435.
To get started with your HECS-HELP application, or for more information, you can head to the StudyAssist website.
FEE-HELP
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme to help students pay all, or part, of their tuition fees. You can only access FEE-HELP if you’re planning to study at a university or other private higher education institution that has been approved to offer FEE-HELP to eligible students.
Am I eligible?
You must:
- Be enrolled in an eligible unit of study, offered by an approved FEE-HELP provider, by the census date; AND
- Be an Australian citizen undertaking one unit of study in Australia; OR
- Be a permanent humanitarian visa holder, residing in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR
- Be a permanent visa holder undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and residing in Australia for the duration of study.
When do I starting paying back my loan?
You’ll start repaying your HELP debt once your taxable income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold. This threshold is adjusted every year. The threshold for 2024-25 is $54,435.
How much can I borrow?
In 2024 you can borrow up to $121,844 under the FEE-HELP scheme. For students studying medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses, the FEE-HELP limit is $174,998.
To get started with your FEE-HELP application, or for more information, you can head to the StudyAssist website.
Repayment rates
The idea of studying now and paying later is certainly appealing, but exactly how much will you have to pay once your salary reaches the compulsory repayment threshold? The amount is calculated as a percentage of your income, so the more you earn, the higher your repayments will be.
| 2024-2025 repayment rates | |
|---|---|
| Income Earned | Repayment % rate |
| Below $54,435 | NIL |
| $54,435-$62,850 | 1.0% |
| $62,851-$66,620 | 2.0% |
| $66,621-$70,618 | 2.5% |
| $70,619-$74,855 | 3.0% |
| $74,856-$79,346 | 3.5% |
| $79,347-$84,107 | 4.0% |
| $84,108-$89,154 | 4.5% |
| $89,155-$94,503 | 5.0% |
| $94,504-$100,174 | 5.5% |
| $100,175-$106,185 | 6.0% |
| $106,186-$112,556 | 6.5% |
| $112,557-$119,309 | 7.0% |
| $119,310-$126,467 | 7.5% |
| $126,468-$134,056 | 8.0% |
| $134,057-$142,100 | 8.5% |
| $142,101-$150,626 | 9.0% |
| $150,627-$159,663 | 9.5% |
| $159,664 and above | 10% |
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The StudySelect Team provides expert advice on education pathways, career development, and course selection. Discover their informative articles to guide your study journey.
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