Frequently asked questions Where can I get the forms to apply for Commonwealth assistance to pay for my studies? What Commonwealth assistance am I eligible for if I am an Australian citizen, or permanent humaitarian visa holder, enrolling in a public university in Australia?  What are the categories of permanent humanitarian visa? What Commonwealth assistance am I eligible for if I am the holder of a permanent visa other than a permanent humanitarian visa, or a New Zealand citizen? What Commonwealth assistance am I eligible for if I am interested in undertaking postgraduate course work? What Commonwealth assistance am I eligible for if I am studying at a private institution? If I have studied previously does that affect my student learning entitlement? How can I get more information on HECS and HELP repayments? Who do I contact about my current outstanding HELP balance? Where can I get more information on Commonwealth assistance for higher education? Top   Where can I get the forms to apply for Commonwealth assistance to pay for my studies? See: HECS-HELP - Applying FEE-HELP - Applying and important dates - census dates Top What Commonwealth assistance am I eligible for if I am an Australian citizen, or a permanent humanitarian visa holder, enrolling in a public university in Australia? See: Being eligible and student learning entitlement HECS-HELP Top What are the categories of permanent humanitarian visa? See: List of permanent visa subclasses (46kb) PDF  List of permanent visa subclasses (202kb) RTF Top What Commonwealth assistance am I eligible for if I am the holder of a permanent visa other than a permanent humanitarian visa, or a New Zealand citizen? See: Being eligible and student learning entitlement Payment options and HECS-HELP HECS-HELP Top What Commonwealth assistance am I eligible for if I am interested in undertaking postgraduate course work? See: Postgraduate overview Postgraduate loans Top What Commonwealth assistance am I eligible for if I am studying at a private institution? For the most current list of higher education providers that offer Commonwealth supported places see: Higher education providers at a glance Top If I have studied previously does that affect my student learning entitlement? Yes. You consume your SLE as you undertake study as a Commonwealth supported student. On 1 January 2005, all eligible students received an initial allocation of ordinary SLE of seven years equivalent full time study, regardless of any previous study undertaken. Study undertaken before 1 January 2005 is not included. See: Being Eligible and Student Learning Entitlement Top How can I get more information on HELP repayments? (all HECS debts have become HELP debts.) For information on HECS and HELP repayments see: Loan repayments- Compulsory and voluntary Pre-2005 students: Repayment arrangements Top Who do I contact about my current outstanding HELP balance? For information on your current balance contact the Australian Tax Office on 13 28 61. You will need to have your tax file number (TFN) handy when you call. See: Questions, feedback, contacts Top Where can I get more information on Commonwealth assistance for higher education? For further information on Commonwealth supported places and HECS-HELP assistance, please see the Information for Commonwealth supported students booklet on the Publications page. For further information on FEE–HELP assistance for fee-paying students please see FEE-HELP information booklet on the Publications page.   For information on higher education scholarships available see: Scholarships Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations - Scholarships  Higher education providers at a glance. Return to the Top of the page