FEE-HELP

Previously known as PELS and BOTPLS

From 1 January 2005 FEE-HELP replaced the previous schemes PELS and BOTPLS.

• Important Information for FEE-HELP
• Information for Pre-2005 PELS Students
• Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN)
• Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN)

FEE-HELP is a loan facility for students enrolled in fee-paying undergraduate or postgraduate (non-research) courses. FEE-HELP is generally only available for study in award courses, (ie those leading to a recognised award such as a Bachelor, Graduate Certificate, Masters etc). However, students who have obtained a professional degree overseas may receive FEE-HELP for non-award (bridging) study if this study is essential for them to meet Australian industry standards. An assessment letter from the relevant authority is required in this instance.

FEE-HELP is available to Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.  Holders of other permanent visas which are not classified as humanitarian may only access FEE-HELP if:

• they qualify under the transitional arrangements for pre-2005 PELS or
• they are undertaking a bridging course for overseas trained professionals.

In 2008 the FEE-HELP limit is $81,600 for all courses except medicine, veterinary science and dentistry, for which the FEE-HELP limit is $102,000. The FEE-HELP limit applies to all eligible students regardless of when they commenced their studies.

Eligible students who wish to pay for part or all of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP must complete a 'Request for FEE-HELP assistance' form by the due date in their fee statement, including the provision of a tax file number. A student can then elect to pay a portion of their fees directly to the university, and the remaining debt will be registered as a loan through the Australian Taxation Office. A student will commence repaying any FEE-HELP loan through the Australian Taxation Office once their income reaches the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment.

The university will provide a Commonwealth Assistance Notice for each teaching period which will outline the enrolment and fee liability for units with a census date in that period.

Students who are not in receipt of FEE-HELP must pay their tuition fees in full by the due date on their fee statement or risk having their enrolment invalidated.

More information is available by contacting the Student Services Centre on your home campus or by contacting the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) inquiry line on 1800 020 108 or visit the DEEWR  site.