Beyond Year 12
The Australian Government has a range of means-tested payments available to support eligible students who are undertaking, or who are planning to undertake, approved study or an Australian Apprenticeship.
Higher Education qualifications (e.g. Bachelor degree)
SA-HELP
SA-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible higher education students to pay for all or part of their student services and amenities fee. Students should check whether their provider charges this fee.
HECS-HELP
HECS-HELP is a scheme that assists eligible Commonwealth supported students to pay their student contribution amount with a loan. HECS‑HELP loans are available at all public universities and at a handful of private higher education providers. Important note: you must be studying in a Commonwealth supported place at an approved HECS‑HELP provider in order to access a HECS-HELP loan.
FEE-HELP
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible full fee paying students pay their tuition fees at university and other higher education providers. Important note:you must be studying at an approved FEE-HELP provider in order to access a FEE-HELP loan. For a list of providers who are approved to offer FEE-HELP loans, please visit the Providers that offer Commonwealth assistance page.
Bridging study
Bridging study is a specific type of study that is required in order to meet the professional recognition requirements to practise your professional occupation in Australia. This is the only instance in which permanent residents may access a FEE-HELP loan for their tuition fees if their study meets the specific eligibility criteria.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don't have to pay it back. This subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. The remaining portion is called the 'student contribution amount', the payment of which YOU are liable for.
These places are mainly offered for undergraduate study at public universities and at some private higher education providers. Some providers will offer limited CSPs at the postgraduate level.
