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HELP and VET student loans

There are many types of student loans available. Find out if you're eligible to apply for one.

Student loans allow you to defer your university or TAFE fee payments. If you receive one, you'll only have to start repaying the debt through the tax system once your income reaches the repayment threshold. 

There are lots of different kinds of loans available – find out if you fit the eligibility criteria and how to apply. If you're a New Zealand Citizen and need to update your eligibility, follow our instructions.

Types of loans

HECS-HELP
A HECS-HELP loan covers Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) student contribution amounts.
Learn more and apply for HECS-HELP
FEE-HELP
A FEE-HELP loan covers the tuition costs for domestic full fee–paying students.
Learn more and apply for FEE-HELP
SA-HELP
A SA-HELP loan covers the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) for domestic students.
Learn more and apply for SA-HELP
OS-HELP
An OS-HELP loan covers study abroad or exchange course expenses for domestic students.
Learn more about OS-HELP
VET Student Loan
A VET Student Loan covers the tuition fees for approved TAFE courses.
Learn more and apply for a VET Student loan

Am I eligible for a loan?

Find out if you meet the eligibility criteria for a higher education student loan on the Study Assist website. Check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.

How much can I borrow?

There’s a cap on how much you can borrow through HELP loans. This is called your HELP loan limit, and it's set by the Australian Government each year.

Your limit depends on what you’re studying. In 2025, most students have a HELP loan limit of $126,839, but students studying medicine, dentistry, vet science or aviation may have a higher limit.

You can find out more about the HELP loan limit on the Study Assist website, and you can use the myHELPbalance portal to view your available balance.

How to update your loan eligibility

New Zealand citizens who are Special Category Visa (SCV) holders and meet the eligibility criteria will be able to apply for HELP assistance. To update your eligibility, you must provide proof that you have been a long‑term resident of Australia.

Commonwealth Assistance Notice

The Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN) is an official document that contains information about your enrolment, fees, payments and loans. We’ll send you an email after census date to let you know that yours is available through my Student Centre. You’ll get a new CAN every semester that you’re enrolled.

If you’ve applied for FEE-HELP, SA-HELP, OS-HELP or a VET Student Loan, your CAN will include:

  • the units of study you’re enrolled in
  • the tuition fees you've been charged
  • any upfront payments you’ve made
  • any FEE-HELP, SA-HELP, OS-HELP or VET Student Loan debt you have.

It’s important to check your CAN carefully. If you notice any errors, you have 14 days to submit a written request for corrections via our online portal.