HECS-HELP Benefit
What is the HECS-HELP benefit?
HECS-HELP benefit for mathematics and science graduates
List of eligible natural or physical sciences courses of study
Eligible occupations for Mathematics and Science graduates applying for the HECS-HELP benefit
HECS-HELP benefit for early childhood education teachers
HECS-HELP benefit for education, nursing, and midwifery graduates
Eligible occupations for Education graduates applying for the HECS-HELP benefit
What is the HECS-HELP benefit?
The HECS-HELP benefit aims to encourage particular graduates to take up employment in related occupations.
The HECS-HELP benefit aims to encourage graduates of mathematics or science undergraduate courses of study to take up employment in related occupations, and to encourage early childhood education teachers to work in specified locations including rural and regional areas, Indigenous communities and areas of socio-economic disadvantage.
Eligible mathematics and science graduates (who graduate from second semester 2008 onwards) and eligible early childhood education teachers who work in particular areas of need are able to apply for a HECS-HELP benefit which will reduce their Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) repayments and/or debt.
The HECS-HELP benefit will be extended to students who graduate from courses leading to initial registration in teaching and nursing professions from second semester 2009 onwards.
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HECS-HELP benefit for mathematics and science graduates
Eligible mathematics and science graduates (who graduate from second semester 2008 onwards) who take up employment in related occupations, including teaching of these subjects in secondary school and primary school teaching, are able to apply for a HECS-HELP benefit which will reduce their Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) repayments and/or debt.
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Who is eligible?
A mathematics or science graduate is a person who has graduated from a course of study that is classified as being in the natural and physical sciences field of education (which includes mathematics). A person who has undertaken only some units in mathematics or science is not regarded as a mathematics or science graduate.
You are eligible for the benefit if all the following apply.
You:
- graduated from an undergraduate natural or physical sciences course of study after 30 June 2008 (how do I find out if my course is eligible?);
- were a Commonwealth supported student for some or all of that course;
- had a HELP debt when you completed your eligible course;
- have a HELP debt in the income year for which you are applying;
- are required to make a compulsory HELP repayment for the income year of your application; and
- are/were employed
- in a mathematics or science related occupation. For a list of eligible occupations click here.
- for at least a week in the eligible occupation in the income year for which you are applying. There is a lifetime limit of 260 weeks for the benefit.
You are not eligible for the benefit if you:
- paid all your student contribution up front and did not have a HELP debt when you completed your eligible course, or are not required to make a compulsory HELP repayment in the income year.
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How do I find out if my course is eligible?
You will only be eligible for the HECS-HELP benefit for mathematics and science graduates if the course you have graduated from is classified by your higher education provider as a natural or physical sciences course of study. You should check with your provider to determine whether your course is eligible.
A natural and physical sciences course of study means a course that is classified to the field of natural and physical sciences (Broad Field 01) in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED) 2001.
Natural and physical sciences is the systematic study, through experiment, observation and deduction, of phenomena of the material and physical world. Natural sciences are the earth sciences and the life sciences which study the earth and all living organisms. Physical sciences comprise mathematics (including statistics), physics and chemistry.
For a list of eligible courses please see the lists below.
**Please note these lists are not a definitive list of eligible courses and only include course completions from 2008 and 2009. If you believe you may have undertaken an eligible course that is not listed please send an enquiry to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations via the student contact and enquiry form at: http://sfes.deewr.gov.au/
2008 list of courses:
HECS-HELP Benefit - eligible courses (PDF)
HECS-HELP Benefit - eligible courses (RTF)
2009 list of courses:
2009 HECS-HELP benefit - eligible courses (PDF)
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How much will you receive?
The amount of the HECS-HELP benefit that you can receive depends on your HELP debt when you completed your mathematics or science course. The maximum HECS-HELP benefit for a mathematic or science graduate is
- $1,500 for the 2008–09 income year,
- $1,558.50 for the 2009–10 income year, and
- $1,588.11 for the 2010–11 income year.
This amount will be indexed in later years.
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How do you apply for the benefit?
Applications for the mathematics and science HECS-HELP benefit may be made to the Tax Office from 1 July 2009, preferably at the same time as you submit your income tax return. Further information about the application process is available on the Australian Taxation Office website.
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Eligible occupations for Mathematics and Science graduates applying for the HECS-HELP benefit
To be eligible for the HECS-HELP benefit as a mathematics or science graduate you must, along with other eligibility criteria, be employed for at least one week, in the income year for which you are applying, in an occupation that is specified in the table below:
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|
| OCCUPATION |
DESCRIPTION |
| Actuary |
Analyses mathematical, statistical, demographic, financial or economic data to predict and assess the long-term risk involved in financial decisions and planning. |
| Agricultural scientist |
Studies commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques to enhance the productivity of farms and agricultural industries. |
| Agronomist |
Studies commercial plants, animals and cultivation techniques to enhance the productivity of farms and agricultural industries. |
| Biochemist |
Studies the biochemistry of living organisms and the molecular structure and function of related components. |
| Biologist |
Studies the origin, anatomy, physiology, reproduction and behaviour of living organisms and the ways in which they interact with the environment in which they live. |
| Biophysicist |
Studies the structure and function of biological molecules, cells and organisms using the principles and methods of physics. |
| Botanist |
Studies the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and ecology of plants. |
| Chemist (not dispensing pharmacist) |
Studies the chemical and physical properties of substances and develops and monitors chemical processes and production. |
| Chemistry technician |
Performs laboratory tests on organic and inorganic chemicals, analyses test data and carries out technical functions in support of Chemists or Chemical Engineers in a wide variety of areas such as fuels, agricultural products, food, pharmaceuticals, paints, metals, plastics, textiles, detergents, paper, fertilisers and cosmetics. |
| Ecologist |
Studies and develops policies and plans for the control of factors which may produce pollution, imbalance or degradation of the environment. |
| Environmental scientist |
Studies, develops, implements and advises on policies and plans for managing and protecting the environment, flora, fauna and other natural resources. |
| Forester |
Studies, develops and manages forest areas to maintain commercial and recreational uses, conserve flora and fauna, and protect against fire, pests and diseases. |
| Geologist |
Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth to increase scientific knowledge and to develop practical applications in fields such as mineral exploitation, civil engineering, environmental protection and rehabilitation of land after mining. |
| Geophysicist |
Studies the composition, structure and other physical attributes of the earth, locates minerals, petroleum or ground water, and detects, monitors and forecasts seismic, magnetic, electrical, geothermal and oceanographic activity. |
| Laboratory assistant |
Assists scientists in the physical, chemical, biological or life sciences by collecting and preparing samples, carrying out experiments, making measurements with scientific equipment, recording results and presenting results for critical analysis. |
| Laboratory technician |
Performs tests and experiments, and provides technical support functions to assist with research, design, production and teaching in chemistry, earth sciences, life sciences, and physical sciences. |
| Life scientist |
Examines the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of humans, animals, plants and other living organisms to better understand how living organisms function and interact with each other and the environment in which they live. |
| Mathematician |
Develops and applies mathematical principles and techniques to solve problems in all areas of the sciences, engineering, technology, social sciences, business, industry and commerce. |
| Medical laboratory scientist |
Conducts medical laboratory tests to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. |
| Medical laboratory technician |
Performs routine medical laboratory tests and operates diagnostic laboratory equipment under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Pathologists. |
| Medical physicist |
Applies scientific knowledge and engineering and technological skills to help prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and health conditions, and develops, tests and evaluates specialist equipment. |
| Medical technician |
Operates anaesthetic, cardiac, operating theatre and medical testing equipment, performs and assists with laboratory tests, and fills prescriptions in support of Health Professionals. |
| Metallurgist |
Researches, develops, controls and provides advice on processes used in extracting metals from their ores, and processes used for casting, alloying, heat treating or welding refined metals, alloys and other materials to produce commercial metal products or develop new alloys and processes. |
| Meteorologist |
Studies the physics and dynamics of the atmosphere to increase understanding of weather and climate, and to forecast changes in the weather and long-term climatic trends. |
| Microbiologist |
Studies microscopic forms of life such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa. |
| Park ranger or ranger –environmental/cultural/guide |
Assists in controlling a State or national park, scenic area, historic site, nature reserve, recreation area or conservation reserve in accordance with authorised policies and priorities. |
| Physicist |
Studies matter, space, time, energy, forces and fields, and the interrelationship between these physical phenomena, to further understanding of the laws governing the behaviour of the universe; and seeks to apply these laws to solve practical problems and discover new information about the earth and the universe. |
| Physiologist |
Studies the anatomy and physiology of humans. |
| Primary school teacher |
Teaches a range of subjects within a prescribed curriculum to primary school students. |
| Secondary school teacher of mathematics or science |
Teaches mathematics or science subjects within a prescribed curriculum to secondary school students, as the majority of the teacher’s teaching activity in relation to each employed week. |
| Soil scientist |
Studies the location, composition and characteristics of soils to improve soil management, ensure soil conservation, classify soil types and increase soil productivity. |
| Soil technician |
Collects and tests earth and water samples, records observations and analyses data in support of Geologists or Geophysicists. |
| Statistician |
Designs and applies statistical principles and techniques for collecting, organising and interpreting quantifiable data, and uses statistical methodologies to produce statistical reports and analyses for government, commercial and other purposes. |
| Technical officer |
Performs tests and experiments, and provides technical support functions to assist with research, design, production and teaching in chemistry, earth sciences, life sciences, and physical sciences. |
| Zoologist |
Studies the anatomy, physiology, characteristics, ecology, behaviour and environments of animals. |
HECS-HELP benefit for early childhood education teachers
Early childhood education teachers who work in regional or remote areas, Indigenous communities or areas of high socio-economic disadvantage will be able to apply for a HECS-HELP benefit that will:
- reduce their compulsory HELP repayment, which will also reduce their accumulated HELP debt, or
- reduce their accumulated HELP debt only if they do not have to make a compulsory repayment.
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Who is eligible?
You are eligible for the HECS-HELP benefit as an early childhood education teacher if all the following apply.
You:
- have graduated from an early childhood education teaching course of study;
- were a Commonwealth supported (or HECS) student for some or all of that course;
- had a HECS/HELP debt when you completed your early childhood education teaching course;
- have a HELP debt in the income year for which you are applying;
- were employed as an early childhood education teacher for at least a week in the income year for which you are applying (there is a lifetime limit of 260 weeks for the benefit);
- spent the majority of the time in which you were employed in an early childhood setting (including child care centre, kindergarten or preschool, but not primary school) teaching children aged 0-5 years; and
- were teaching in a regional or remote area, Indigenous community or area of high socio-economic disadvantage. For the postcodes of eligible areas click here.
Note: An early childhood education teaching course means a course that leads to the award of a qualification this is recognised by a state or territory government as meeting the requirements to teach early childhood education.
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You are not eligible for the benefit if you:
- paid all your student contribution (previously called ‘HECS’) up front and did not have a HECS/HELP debt when you completed your teaching course.
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How much will you receive?
The maximum HECS-HELP benefit you will receive as an early childhood education teacher is
- $1,600 for the 2008–09 income year,
- $1,662.40 for the 2009–10 income year, and
- $1,693.99 for the 2010–11 income year.
This amount will be indexed in later years.
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How do you apply for the benefit?
Applications for the early childhood education HECS-HELP benefit may be made to the Tax Office from 1 July 2009, preferably at the same time as you submit your income tax return. Further information about the application process is available on the Australian Taxation Office website.
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HECS-HELP benefit for education, nursing, and midwifery graduates
Eligible education, nursing and midwifery graduates (who graduate from second semester 2009 onwards) who take up employment in these professions will be able to apply for a HECS-HELP benefit which will reduce their Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) repayments. The benefit will be available for the 2009–10 income year. The maximum benefit for that year will be $1,558.50.
An education, nursing or midwifery graduate is a person who has graduated from a course of study that is required for initial entry to teaching or nursing professions.
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Who is eligible?
An education, nursing and midwifery graduate is a person who has graduated from an education or nursing/midwifery course of study in or later than second semester 2009. A person who has undertaken only some units in education, nursing, or midwifery is not regarded as an education, nursing and midwifery graduate.
You are eligible for the benefit if all the following apply.
You:
- graduated from an education, nursing and midwifery course of study after 30 June 2009;
- were a Commonwealth supported student for some or all of that course;
- had a HELP debt when you completed your eligible course;
- have a HELP debt in the income year for which you are applying;
- are required to make a compulsory HELP repayment for the income year of your application; and
- are/were employed
- in a teaching related occupation. For a list of eligible occupations click here.
- in a nursing/midwifery related occuption.
- for at least a week in the eligible occupation in the income year for which you are applying. There is a lifetime limit of 260 weeks for the benefit.
You are not eligible for the benefit if you:
- paid all your student contribution up front and did not have a HELP debt when you completed your eligible course, or are not required to make a compulsory HELP repayment in the income year.
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How much will you receive?
The maximum HECS-HELP benefit you will receive as an education, nursing or midwifery graduate is
$1,558.50 for the 2009–10 income year, and
$1,588.11 for the 2010–11 income year.
This amount will be indexed in later years.
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How do you apply for the benefit?
Applications for the education, nursing and midwifery HECS-HELP benefit may be made to the Tax Office from 1 July 2010, preferably at the same time as you submit your income tax return. An application must be submitted no later than two years after the end of the income year for which you are applying for the HECS-HELP benefit. Further information about the application process will soon be available on the Australian Taxation Office website.
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Eligible occupations for Education graduates applying for the HECS-HELP benefit
To be eligible for the HECS-HELP benefit as an education graduate you must, along with other eligibility criteria, be employed for at least one week, in the income year for which you are applying, in an occupation that is specified in the table below:
|
|
| OCCUPATION |
DESCRIPTION |
| Early education teacher (including early childhood special education teachers) |
Teach the basics of numeracy, literacy, music, art and literature to early childhood students and promote students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. |
| Primary school teacher |
Teach a range of subjects within a prescribed curriculum to primary school students and promote students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. |
| Middle school teacher |
Teach one or more subjects within a prescribed curriculum to middle school or intermediate school students and promote students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. |
| Secondary school teacher |
Teach one or more subjects within a prescribed curriculum to secondary school students and promote students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development |
| Special education teachers |
Teach primary, middle or intermediate, or secondary school students with learning difficulties, hearing impairment or sight impairment, and promote students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. |
| School principal (Headmaster/mistress) |
Plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the educational and administrative aspects of primary, middle or intermediate, or secondary schools including physical and human resources. |
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