Pre-2005 Open Universities Australia Students
From 1 January 2005, the Open Learning Deferred Payment Scheme (OLDPS) for Open Universities Australia students was replaced by FEE-HELP. Eligible Open Universities Australia students are now be able to access FEE-HELP for up to the full amount of their tuition fees, subject to the FEE-HELP limit.
The major differences for Open Universities Australia students are:
- FEE-HELP is available to students enrolled in both postgraduate and undergraduate units;
- students studying part-time are eligible for FEE-HELP;
- only Australian citizens and holders of permanent humanitarian visas are able to access FEE-HELP. However, permanent visa holders may be able to access a FEE-HELP loan for studies undertaken as bridging studies for overseas-trained professionals;
- students are able to obtain a loan for the full amount of the fee charged by Open Universities Australia, as the Government no longer sets a “basic charge”;
- students no longer have to defer payment for all the units of study they choose to undertake in a study period, or have to defer the full amount of their fee;
- there is no limit on the number of units for which a student can defer payment through FEE-HELP, although the FEE-HELP limit will apply; and
- the requirement for a 50% pass rate for all units will only apply after students have completed eight units through Open Universities Australia.
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