Most Australian undergraduate students at Australian universities study in a Commonwealth supported place (previously known as a HECS place). Most of the cost of their education is paid for by the Australian Government. Commonwealth supported students pay student contribution amounts for their units of study. The amount of these contributions are set by their higher education provider within limits set by the Australian Government. HECS-HELP is available to these students to pay their student contribution amounts. Students know that they are Commonwealth supported because they are advised of this by their provider.
Students who are not Commonwealth supported are known as fee-paying or non-Commonwealth supported students and pay tuition fees for their units of study. Fee-paying students may receive FEE-HELP if they meet the eligibility criteria and take the actions that are necessary to establish entitlement to FEE-HELP. The eligibility criteria for FEE-HELP and the actions that students need to undertake are outlined in detail in this booklet.