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Fee Help: Study Now, Pay Later

Everything you need to know about the Australian government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

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CareerFAQs Team

Jun 09,2020

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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

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 the 2024-25 income year is $54,435.

How much can I borrow?

In 2024-25 financial year, most students 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 higher.

Disclaimer: This information is correct at the time of publishing, but is subject to change under the current government’s higher education reforms. The figures provided are applicable for the 2024-25 financial year only. For more information, visit StudyAssist [www.studyassist.gov.au].

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%

To get started with your FEE-HELP application, or for more information, you can head to the StudyAssist website.

Browse through our range of online courses that are covered by FEE-HELP.

About the author

The CareerFAQs Team delivers expert career insights, study tips, and job search advice. Stay updated with their informative articles.

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