What FEE-HELP covers
FEE-HELP covers your tuition fees, also known as your student contribution, so you can pay it later. The loan doesn’t cover your Student Services and Amenities Fee, but if you’re eligible, you can apply for SA-HELP to defer this fee.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP isn't means tested. Neither your income, nor the income of a partner or your family, will affect your eligibility. You must:
- be an Australian citizen, eligible New Zealand citizen, holder of a permanent humanitarian visa or a permanent resident who is undertaking a bridging course for overseas-trained professionals
- meet residency requirements
- meet the tax file number (TFN) requirements by providing your TFN or a certificate of application for a TFN from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- be a fee-paying student studying an eligible course
- not exceeded your HELP limit.
Eligible courses are:
- accredited undergraduate and postgraduate award programs
- bridging courses for overseas-trained professionals to enable them to meet entry requirements for their profession in Australia
- courses to enable students to meet the requirements for entry into an award program.
Need more information?
Have a question about FEE-HELP, eligibility or loan repayments? The Australian Government’s StudyAssist website provides up-to-date information about financing your university study.
How does FEE-HELP work?
The Australian Government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin and a HELP debt is recorded with the Australian Tax Office (ATO). You'll be issued with a Commonwealth Assistance notice (eCAN) each enrolled study period. This will detail any amount deferred to the ATO.
What is the HELP limit?
The HELP limit is the maximum amount that you can borrow over your lifetime. This excludes the loan fee of 20%, which is applied to FEE-HELP for undergraduate courses of study. For 2023, the HELP limit is $113,028 for most students. The limit for students studying medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses is $162,336.
When do I make payments?
You pay back your loan when your employment income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold – currently $48,361. You can make payments directly to Deakin before the invoice due date. Alternatively, once the FEE-HELP debt has been reported to the ATO you can make voluntary repayments directly to them of any amount.
What happens if I suspend or transfer my studies?
If you temporarily suspend your studies, your FEE-HELP status will remain in place. If you transfer to another course, you'll need to complete a new FEE-HELP form.
How do I apply for FEE-HELP?
To apply for FEE-HELP, you must complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) on Deakin’s StudentConnect when you enrol. FEE-HELP applies for the duration of your course and carries over for each study period. If you change course or start a new one, you'll need to complete another eCAF
Got a question but can't find the answer?
We've curated some of the most commonly asked questions our future student advisers get about course fees and study costs.
Fees
Skip to next topicHow much does it cost to study at Deakin?
Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are, the course you study and the year you start. Fees are based on an annual amount; they don't cover the entire duration of the course. Use our fee estimator to check what your fees could be per year.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Does it cost more or less to study online?
Whether you study online or on campus, there's no difference in cost. Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are (i.e. undergraduate, postgraduate, research), the course you study and the year you start. Use our fee estimator to check what your fees could be per year.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a university place for which the government pays a proportion of your tuition fees. This will vary per course and year. Use our fee estimator to gauge what your fees could be per year.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is HECS-HELP?
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan program that helps eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students pay their tuition fees. If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, the Government will pay your tuition fees on your behalf until you're able to repay your loan from your employment income.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is a non-means tested loan program. If you're an eligible fee-paying student you can receive a loan from the Australian Government to help pay your tuition fees. Once employed, you'll be required to start paying back the loan. The compulsory repayment threshold for the 2022-2023 income year is $48,361.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Is there a discount for past students?
Yes! If you're a past student of Deakin you may be eligible to receive a 10% discount on your tuition fees through the Deakin alumni postgraduate bursary. Available only for those commencing a postgraduate award course in a full-fee paying place.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can my employer chip in for part of my fees?
Yes, if you're enrolled in an upcoming study period, your employer can contribute to or pay your tuition fees in full directly to Deakin. They must complete a Sponsorship Agreement form, which outlines the relevant course requirements, duration and level of sponsorship agreed to between you and your employer.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can I be sponsored by my employer?
Yes, if you're enrolled in an upcoming study period, your employer can sponsor you to study at Deakin. They must complete a Sponsorship Agreement form, which outlines the relevant course requirements, duration and level of sponsorship agreed to between you and your employer.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How do I calculate fees for single-unit study?
Single units or non-award courses are full-fee paying, with the cost per unit depending on the study discipline. To find out information about specific unit and course fees visit Fees Estimator.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is the difference between Commonwealth supported places and fee-paying places?
If you're offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), you'll only need to contribute part of the cost of your course, as your fees are partially funded by the Australian Government. If you are offered a fee-paying place, the university doesn't receive any government funding, so you'll need to pay the full cost of your course. You may be eligible to defer payment of your fees through the Australian Government FEE-HELP loan scheme. Find out more about CSP and fee-paying places.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is the difference between HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP?
For more information on future student services and courses:
Contact us
We're here to support you. Contact us if you have a question about the FEE-HELP loan.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
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International students
+61 3 9034 6205
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