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Deciding to undertake postgraduate study is exciting, but it may come with financial considerations that can feel daunting at first.
In Australia, the FEE-HELP loan scheme plays a crucial role in accessible postgraduate education. Eligible students have the opportunity to defer tuition fees and focus on their study.
Let's explore how this scheme works, who is eligible for it and how it can help you further your career with postgraduate study as soon as you’re ready.
What is FEE-HELP and how does it work?
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan program designed to assist eligible students with their tuition fees for postgraduate or other fee-paying higher education courses. It’s a flexible system designed to ease your financial stress as you focus on achieving your educational and career goals.
The way it works is straightforward. You can apply for FEE-HELP as part of your enrolment process. Once it’s approved, the government pays your tuition fees directly to your university or education provider.
Repayments are based on your income. That means you’ll only start repaying the loan once your income reaches a certain threshold. The minimum threshold is subject to change, visit the Study Assist website to view the current repayment threshold.
Once you meet the threshold, repayments will be automatically deducted from your salary through the Australian Tax Office (ATO). You’ll also have the option to make voluntary repayments at any time, which could help to reduce your balance faster and pay off your loan sooner.
What is covered by FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP only applies to tuition fees, meaning other expenses like living costs, textbooks and course materials aren’t covered by the loan.
Who is eligible for FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP isn’t available to everyone, so it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria before applying. To access the loan, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be enrolled in a full fee-paying place at a provider that offers FEE-HELP loans
- Meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- Submit the request for Commonwealth assistance form to your university or education provider by the census date of your first subject
- Have available HELP balance
- Be assessed as a genuine student and as academically suitable for your subject(s) of study
- Not undertake more than the equivalent of two years higher education study in 12 months unless approved by your provider.
Citizenship and residency requirements
To meet the citizenship and residency requirements of FEE-HELP, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen enrolled in at least one subject within Australia or
- Hold a permanent humanitarian visa and reside in Australia or
- Be a New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) holder who meets specific long-term residency requirements or
- Hold a Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) or
- Be an Australian permanent resident who has been approved for bridging studies supporting permanent residency.
Check your eligibility
The Study Assist website is an excellent resource, providing comprehensive information on whether you qualify for FEE-HELP.
How to apply for FEE-HELP
Applying for FEE-HELP is a simple but important process that requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Step 1: Complete and submit an eCAF via your university’s portal
Start by logging in to your university's student portal – if you’re studying at the University of Melbourne, this would be my.unimelb. Follow the steps to apply for Commonwealth Assistance and fill out the electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF). This is your official application for FEE-HELP assistance.
Step 2: Provide required information
Make sure you have all the supporting documentation you might need to prove your eligibility. You’ll also have to provide your Tax File Number (TFN) and Unique Student Identifier (USI).
Step 3: Wait for approval
Approval can take up to three working days from the day you apply. Plan accordingly and apply early so your tuition fees can be organised before your study begins.
When the process is complete and your application is approved, your FEE-HELP loan will be applied directly to your tuition fees – one less thing to worry about.
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Tip: Enrol before the census date
Make sure your enrolment and application are submitted before the census date for your first subject. Missing this date means you won’t be able to access FEE-HELP for that online term.
What’s the difference between HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP?
If you have studied in Australia before, you may wonder how FEE-HELP is different from HECS-HELP.
While both are government loan schemes designed to assist students, they support different types of places. HECS-HELP is available to students in Commonwealth-supported places (CSPs), where part of the tuition fee is subsidised by the government. FEE-HELP, on the other hand, is a loan specifically designed for full fee-paying students who are not eligible for subsidised places.
For example, a student pursuing an undergraduate degree in a CSP might use HECS-HELP, while a postgraduate student enrolled in a fee-paying course would access FEE-HELP. Both schemes have similar repayment mechanisms, but they cater to different student needs, ensuring that higher education remains accessible to a wide range of learners.
Tips for managing your FEE-HELP loan
While your repayments might not start right away, FEE-HELP is still a loan that requires thoughtful management. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
Make voluntary repayments if it suits your situation
Making extra repayments can decrease your loan faster and help minimise the effects of annual indexation (when your debt is adjusted to reflect changes in the cost of living).
Stay informed about repayment thresholds
Repayment thresholds – the amount you need to earn before you start making repayments – can change from year to year. Keep an eye on changes to income thresholds and indexation rates that might mean you need to make payments sooner or at a higher rate than you expected.
Include FEE-HELP in your budget
While your FEE-HELP repayments will come out of your salary automatically when you reach the threshold, it can help to plan ahead by incorporating them into your budget. How much you’ll pay depends on your income: the Study Assist website can help you figure out when your repayments will begin and how much they will be.
By adopting these habits early, you can stay in control of your FEE-HELP loan and reduce financial stress down the track.
Why consider online postgraduate study at the University of Melbourne?
The financial cost of postgraduate education is only one part of the equation. FEE-HELP offers a practical solution to help you invest in your future without letting upfront expenses hold you back, but choosing where to study is a critical step. Here’s why the University of Melbourne might be the right place for you.
Learn from world-leading academics at Australia’s #1 university1
World-leading academics shape each course through cutting-edge research and the latest insights, ensuring you gain career-relevant knowledge from day one.
It’s not just about who you learn from, but who you learn with. As a University of Melbourne student, you’ll join a lifelong knowledge community that shares the same passion for excellence and growth.
Plus, you’ll have access to all of the university’s resources and student support, from its comprehensive library to financial guidance and career counselling.
Be in control of your learning
All online courses are designed with flexibility in mind so you can pursue your goals – both personal and professional. Studying online at the University of Melbourne means you can learn at your own pace, whether in real-time or on demand. You are empowered to learn how, when and where best works for you.
Gain immediate influence
Online postgraduate study at the University of Melbourne is designed to enhance your impact from the day you begin. Every subject is designed to guide you through topics that enhance your existing expertise, build on your specific interests and encourage you to think and act more critically.
Get the edge to influence the future of your industry and become the expert others look to. If you’d like to know more about studying online with the University of Melbourne and FEE-HELP, speak to our team of Online Education Advisers.
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1 QS World University Rankings, 2026