What HECS-HELP covers
HECS-HELP covers your tuition fees, also known as your student contribution. Applying for HECS-HELP means that the Australian Government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin. Once employed, you'll be required to start paying back the loan. The loan doesn’t cover your Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). You can apply for SA-HELP to defer the SSAF fee, if you're eligible.
Am I eligible for HECS-HELP?
You can apply for HECS-HELP if you’re enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and would prefer to defer your tuition fees. You must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, or hold a permanent humanitarian visa and meet residency requirements
- be studying part of your course in Australia
- provide Deakin your tax file number (TFN) or a certificate of application for a TFN from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Need more information?
Have a question about HECS-HELP, eligibility or loan repayments? The Australian Government’s StudyAssist website provides up-to-date information about financing your university study.
How does HECS-HELP work?
The Australian Government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin and a HECS-HELP debt is recorded with the ATO. You repay your loan from your employment income – but only once you're earning above the current compulsory repayment threshold for the 2023-2024 income year, which is $51.550. You can either defer the full amount of your tuition fees or choose to pay some of your student contribution upfront and use the loan to defer the remaining balance. You don’t have to use HECS-HELP, but you can change your mind at any time.
What happens if I suspend or transfer my studies?
If you temporarily suspend your studies, your HECS-HELP status will remain in place. If you transfer to another course, you'll need to complete a new HECS-HELP form.
What happens if I pay my fees upfront?
If you choose to pay your fees upfront, the full amount of your student contribution will show as owing on your invoice. You can make payments of any amount before the invoice due date. You can also enter your TFN so that if you can't pay your fees by the due date, they'll defer to HECS-HELP.
How do I apply for HECS-HELP?
To apply for HECS-HELP, you must complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form on Deakin’s StudentConnect when you enrol. On the form, you'll either choose to pay your fees upfront or defer. If you defer, your student contributions will be reported through the Department of Education to the ATO so you can start paying your loan back when your income reaches the threshold.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 HECS-HELP loan.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
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International students
+61 3 9034 6205
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