Overview
What is FEE-HELP
FEE-HELP limit
Overview
If you enrol in a unit of study as a fee paying (non-Commonwealth supported) student:
- you must pay full tuition fees for your studies
- the Commonwealth does not contribute towards the cost of your education
- you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to help pay your tuition fees.
This section has been designed to assist you in understanding the eligibility requirements for applying for FEE-HELP assistance.
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What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible fee paying students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees.
FEE-HELP limit
You can borrow up to the amount of the tuition fee being charged by your provider for your unit of study. However, over your lifetime you can borrow only up to the FEE-HELP limit. In 2008, the FEE-HELP limit is $81,600, and $102,000 for students studying dentistry, medicine or veterinary science. This amount is indexed each year.
A loan fee of 20% applies to FEE-HELP loans for undergraduate courses of study. The FEE-HELP limit does not include the loan fee. No loan fee applies to FEE-HELP loans for postgraduate courses, bridging courses for overseas-trained professionals, enabling courses or units of study undertaken directly with Open Universities Australia 
(formerly OLA).
The Australian Government pays the amount of the loan directly to the student’s provider.
Students repay their loan through the tax system once their income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment.
See also: Compulsory and voluntary
FEE-HELP began on 1 January 2005 and is available to all eligible fee paying students.
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