VET FEE-HELP | StudyAssist

VET FEE-HELP closed for new students on 31 December 2016.

VET Student Loans began on 1 January 2017 and replaced VET FEE-HELP.

For VET FEE-HELP information, go to the Department of Education's website.

Notice for former students of ACT Education Group Pty Ltd (ACTEG)

Legislation commenced on 1 January 2019 allowing the removal of VET FEE-HELP debt incurred because of inappropriate conduct by a VET FEE-HELP provider or their agent.

This notice is for the purpose of clause 46AA(8) of Schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

If you were enrolled into a course with the ACT Education Group Pty Ltd (ACTEG) between January 2014 and 5 March 2016, you may have had your VET FEE-HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

Legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re-credited) for students:

who were enrolled by ACTEG and commenced between 1 January 2014 and 5 March 2016
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE-HELP units in the course, and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations under sub-clause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 because it is considered reasonably likely that ACTEG (or its agents) engaged in inappropriate conduct in relation to the person’s unit of study or course.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with ACTEG?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with ACTEG, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) and Student ID to log in. These will be in documentation sent to you by ACTEG.

If, in checking myHELPbalance, you see that you have a VET FEE-HELP debt you believe you should not have, or if you are not able to find your CHESSN, please contact the VET Student Loans Ombudsman within the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman using the online complaint form. More information on seeking redress can be found on the Commonwealth Ombudsman VET Student Loans website.

Notice for former students of Harvest Education Technical College Pty Ltd

If you were enrolled into an online course with Harvest Education Technical College Pty Ltd (Harvest) and commenced studies between 8 July 2014 and 31 December 2016 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE‑HELP debts have been removed (and HELP balances re‑credited) for students:

who were enrolled into and commenced in an online VET course with Harvest and commenced within the period of time form 8 July 2014 to 31 December 2016;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE‑HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment under sub-clause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 because it is considered reasonably likely that Harvest (or its agents) engaged in inappropriate conduct in relation to the person’s unit of study or course. A delegate of the Secretary previously made the decision earlier this year to remove a large cohort of Harvest students’ VET FEE-HELP debts. This decision removes a second cohort of Harvest students’ VET FEE‑HELP debts.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with Harvest?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with Harvest, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) and Student ID to log in. These will be in documentation sent to you by Harvest.

If, in checking myHELPbalance, you see that you have a VET FEE-HELP debt you believe you should not have, or if you are not able to find your CHESSN, you can make a complaint to the VET Student Loans Ombudsman within the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman using the online complaint form. More information on seeking redress can be found on the Commonwealth Ombudsman VET Student Loans website.

Notice for former students of Study Group Australia Pty Ltd (Study Group)

If you were enrolled into an online course with Study Group Australia Pty Ltd (Study Group) and commenced studies between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE‑HELP debts have been removed (and HELP balances re‑credited) for students:

who were enrolled into and commenced in an online VET course with Study Group and commenced within the period of time form 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE‑HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment under sub-clause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 because it is considered reasonably likely that Study Group (or its agents) engaged in inappropriate conduct in relation to the person’s unit of study or course. A delegate of the Secretary previously made the decision earlier this year to remove a large cohort of Study Group students’ VET FEE-HELP debts. This decision removes a second cohort of Study Group students’ VET FEE‑HELP debts.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with Study Group?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with Study Group, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) and Student ID to log in. These will be in documentation sent to you by Study Group.

Notice for former students of Phoenix Institute of Australia Pty Ltd (in liquidation) (Phoenix)

If you were enrolled into an online course with Phoenix Institute of Australia Pty Ltd (Phoenix) and commenced studies from 13 January 2015 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE‑HELP debts have been removed (and HELP balances re‑credited) for students:

who were enrolled into and commenced in an online VET course with Phoenix after 13 January 2015;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE‑HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment under sub-clause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 because it is considered reasonably likely that Phoenix (or its agents) engaged in inappropriate conduct in relation to the person’s unit of study or course. A delegate of the Secretary previously made the decision earlier this year to remove a large cohort of Phoenix students’ VET FEE-HELP debts. This decision removes a second cohort of Phoenix students’ VET FEE‑HELP debts.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with Phoenix?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with Phoenix, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) and Student ID to log in. These will be in documentation sent to you by Phoenix.

Notice for former students of Australian College of Training and Employment Pty Ltd (ACTE) also trading as Evocca College

If you were enrolled into a course with ACTE Pty Ltd (ACTE/Evocca) and commenced studies between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016, you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE‑HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re‑credited) for students:

who were enrolled by ACTE/Evocca and commenced within the period of time from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2016;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment under sub-clause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 because it is considered reasonably likely that ACTE/Evocca (or its agents) engaged in inappropriate conduct in relation to the person’s unit of study or course. The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with ACTE/Evocca?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with ACTE/Evocca, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) and Student ID to log in. These will be in documentation sent to you by ACTE/Evocca.

Notice for former students of Australian Vocational Learning Institute Pty Ltd (AVLI)

If you were enrolled into a course with Australian Vocational Learning Institute Pty Ltd (AVLI) and commenced studies between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015, you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re-credited) for students:

who were enrolled by AVLI and commenced within the period of time from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with AVLI?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with AVLI, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) and Student ID to log in. These will be in documentation sent to you by AVLI.

Notice for former students of MHM Australasia Pty Ltd (MHM)

If you were enrolled into a course with MHM Australasia Pty Ltd (MHM) trading as Australasian College Broadway and commenced studies between 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016, you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re-credited) for students:

who were enrolled by MHM and commenced within the period of time from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with MHM?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with MHM, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) and Student ID to log in. These will be in documentation sent to you by MHM.

Notice for former students of Australian Careers Institute Pty Ltd (Sage)

If you were enrolled into a course with Australian Careers Institute Pty Ltd (Sage) and commenced studies, you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE‑HELP balances re-credited) for students:

Who were enrolled by Sage and commenced within the period of time from 2014 to 2016 inclusive;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with Sage?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE‑HELP debt for a course with Sage, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) and Student ID to log in. These will be in documentation sent to you by Sage.

Notice for former students of Conwal Assosciates Pty Ltd

If you were enrolled into a course with Conwal Associates Pty Ltd (Conwal) and commenced studies, you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and HELP balances re‑credited) for students:

Who were enrolled by Conwal and commenced within the period of time from 2014 to 2017 inclusive;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with Conwal?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with Conwal, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) and Student ID to log in. These will be in documentation sent to you by Conwal.

If, in checking myHELPbalance, you see that you have a VET FEE‑HELP debt you believe you should not have, or if you are not able to find your CHESSN, you can make a complaint to the VET Student Loans Ombudsman within the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman using the online complaint form. More information on seeking redress can be found on the Commonwealth Ombudsman VET Student Loans website.

Notice for former students of Phoenix Institute of Australia Pty Ltd (Subject to Deed of Company Arrangement) (Phoenix)

If you were enrolled into an online course with Phoenix Institute of Australia Pty Ltd (Phoenix) and commenced studies from 13 January 2015 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and HELP balances re‑credited) for students:

who were enrolled into and commenced in an online VET course with Phoenix after 13 January 2015;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department and other agencies.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with Phoenix?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with Phoenix, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) and Student ID to log in. These will be in documentation sent to you by Phoenix.

Notice for former students of Smart City Vocational College Pty Ltd

If you were enrolled into a course with Smart City Vocational College Pty Ltd (Smart City) and commenced studies between 25 July 2013 and 1 June 2017 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses. Using this new legislation, VET FEE‑HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re-credited) for students:

who commenced in a VET course with Smart City between 25 July 2013 and 1 June 2017;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with Smart City?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with Smart City, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. A CHESSN is unique identifying number. It is important that you only have one CHESSN. Your CHESSN will be in documentation sent to you by Smart City.

Notice for former students of Australian Institute of Professional Education Pty Ltd (AIPE)

If you were enrolled into a course with Australian Institute of Professional Education Pty Ltd (AIPE) and commenced studies between 1 January 2013 and 1 December 2015 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re-credited) for students:

who commenced in a VET course with AIPE between 1 January 2013 and 1 December 2015;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business under sub-clause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 because it is considered reasonably likely that AIPE (or its agents) engaged in inappropriate conduct in relation to the person’s unit of study or course.

The decision was made on the basis of findings against AIPE by the Federal Court of Australia in the case of Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Australian Institute of Professional Education Pty Ltd (in liq) (No 3) [2019] FCA 1982, as well as existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with AIPE?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with AIPE, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to log in. A CHESSN is unique identifying number. It is important that you only have one CHESSN. Your CHESSN will be in documentation sent to you by AIPE.

Notice for former students of ASCET Institute of Technology Pty Ltd

If you were enrolled into a course with ASCET Institute of Technology Pty Ltd (ASCET) in 2015 you may have had your VET FEE-HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re-credited) for students:

who commenced in a VET course with ASCET between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business under sub-clause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 because it is considered reasonably likely that ASCET (or its agents) engaged in inappropriate conduct in relation to the person’s unit of study or course.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with ASCET?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with ASCET, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to log in. A CHESSN is unique identifying number. It is important that you only have one CHESSN. Your CHESSN will be in documentation sent to you by ASCET.

Notice for former students of The Australian Academy of Business

If you were enrolled into a course with The Australian Academy of Business(TAAB) and commenced studies between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re-credited) for students:

who commenced in a VET course with TAAB between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business under sub-clause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 because it is considered reasonably likely that TAAB (or its agents) engaged in inappropriate conduct in relation to the person’s unit of study or course.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with TAAB?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with TAAB, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to log in. A CHESSN is unique identifying number. It is important that you only have one CHESSN. Your CHESSN will be in documentation sent to you by TAAB.

Notice for former students of Unique International College Pty Ltd

If you were enrolled into a course with Unique International Pty Ltd (Unique) and commenced studies between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re-credited) for students:

who commenced in a VET course with Unique between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business under sub-clause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 because it is considered reasonably likely that Unique (or its agents) engaged in inappropriate conduct in relation to the person’s unit of study or course.

The decision was made on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with Unique?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with Unique, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to log in. A CHESSN is unique identifying number. It is important that you only have one CHESSN. Your CHESSN will be in documentation sent to you by Unique.

Notice for former students of Asia Pacific Training Institute Pty Ltd

If you were enrolled into a course with Asia Pacific Training Institute Pty Ltd (APTI) and commenced studies between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re-credited) for students:

who commenced in a VET course with Asia Pacific Training Institute Pty Ltd between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business under sub-clause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 because it is considered reasonably likely that APTI (or its agents) engaged in inappropriate conduct in relation to the person’s unit of study or course.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with APTI?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with APTI, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to log in. A CHESSN is unique identifying number. It is important that you only have one CHESSN. Your CHESSN will be in documentation sent to you by APTI.

Notice for former students of Franklyn Scholar Pty Ltd

If you were enrolled into a course with Franklyn Scholar Pty Ltd (Franklyn Scholar) and commenced studies between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider (or its agents) inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re-credited) for students:

who commenced in a VET course with Franklyn Scholar between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016;
for whom there is evidence they did not complete, or it is reasonably likely they did not complete, the VET FEE‑HELP units in the course; and
who had a VET FEE-HELP debt for those incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business under sub-clause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 because it is considered reasonably likely that Franklyn Scholar (or its agents) engaged in inappropriate conduct in relation to the person’s unit of study or course.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with Franklyn Scholar?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with Franklyn Scholar, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to log in. A CHESSN is unique identifying number. It is important that you only have one CHESSN. Your CHESSN will be in documentation sent to you by Franklyn Scholar.

Notice for former students of Careers Australia Education Institute Pty Ltd (Careers)

This is a notice for the purposes of clause 46AA(8) of Schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

If you were enrolled by Careers between 1 August 2013 and 31 March 2015 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re-credited) for students who enrolled with Careers between 1 August 2013 and 31 March 2015 and for whom there is evidence they did not complete any VET FEE-HELP units in the course.

The decision was made largely on the basis that in 2016, Careers’ parent entity gave a court enforceable undertaking (following investigatory action undertaken by the NSW Department of Fair Trading and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission), admitting to Careers or its agents acting unconscionably in relation to its enrolment of students (ACCC Careers Australia Group Limited (Careers Australia) - s.87B undertaking 16 May 2019), as well as on the basis of existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with Careers?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with Careers, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to log in. A CHESSN is unique identifying number. It is important that you only have one CHESSN. Your CHESSN will be in documentation sent to you by Careers.

Notice for former students of Cornerstone Investments (Aust) Pty Ltd trading as Empower Institute (Empower Institute)

This is a notice for the purposes of clause 46AA(8) of Schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

If you were enrolled by Empower Institute between 1 March 2014 and 31 December 2016 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE-HELP balances re-credited) for students who:

were enrolled in the following VET courses with Empower Institute from 1 March 2014 and 31 December 2016, Diploma of Business, Diploma of Management, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care; and
had a VET FEE-HELP debt for incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business under subclause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003. The decision was made on the basis of findings against Empower Institute by the Federal Court of Australia in the case of ACCC and Commonwealth v Cornerstone Investment Aust Pty Ltd (in Liq) (No4) [2018] FCA, as well as existing data and information held by the department.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with Empower Institute?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with Empower Institute, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to log in. A CHESSN is unique identifying number. It is important that you only have one CHESSN. Your CHESSN will be in documentation sent to you by Empower Institute.

Notice for former students of Productivity Partners Pty Ltd (trading as Captain Cook College)

If you were enrolled by Captain Cook College between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016 you may have had your VET FEE‑HELP debt removed.

What does this Notice mean?

New legislation was introduced from 1 January 2019 to help people if a vocational education and training (VET) provider inappropriately signed them up to courses.

Using this new legislation, VET FEE-HELP debts have been removed (and FEE‑HELP balances re-credited) for students who:

were enrolled in a VET course with Captain Cook College from 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016; and
had a VET FEE-HELP debt for incomplete units of study in those courses.

This decision was made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Education under subclause 46AA(1) of schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 because it is considered reasonably likely that Captain Cook College engaged in inappropriate conduct in relation to the person’s unit of study or course.

How can I check if I have a VET FEE-HELP debt with Captain Cook College?

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with Captain Cook College, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to log in. A CHESSN is unique identifying number. It is important that you only have one CHESSN. Your CHESSN will be in documentation sent to you by Captain Cook College.

Notification to persons enrolled by Cornerstone Investment Aust Pty Ltd (trading as ‘Empower Institute’) from 1 June 2014 to 15 December 2014

This is a notice for the purposes of clause 46AA (8) of Schedule 1A of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA):

Persons who were enrolled into a vocational education and training (VET) course (Diploma of Business, Diploma of Management or Diploma of Early Childhood Education) with Empower Institute between 1 June 2014 and 15 December 2014, who never completed a unit of study in those courses, and who incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for incomplete units of study in those courses, have had their FEE-HELP balances re-credited for those units. This means that their VET FEE‑HELP debt to the Australian Government for those units will be remitted (removed).
This decision has been made by a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Education under clause 46AA(1) of Schedule 1A of HESA, on the basis of findings against Empower Institute by the Federal Court of Australia in the case of ACCC and Commonwealth v Cornerstone Investment Aust Pty Ltd (in liq) (No4) [2018] FCA, as well as existing data and information held by the department.

If you think you may have incurred a VET FEE-HELP debt for a course with Empower, you can check whether you are affected by this decision by logging onto myHELPbalance at. You will need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to log in. A CHESSN is unique identifying number. It is important that you only have one CHESSN. Your CHESSN will be in documentation sent to you by Empower Institute.

If, in checking myHELPbalance, you see that you have a VET FEE‑HELP debt which you believe you should not have, or if you are not able to find your CHESSN, you can make a complaint to the VET Student Loans Ombudsman within the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman using the online complaint form. More information on seeking redress can be found on the Commonwealth Ombudsman VET Student Loans website.