Frequently Asked Questions about FEE-HELP
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible fee-paying students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. FEE-HELP does not cover textbooks and other items required to undertake the course, such as equipment kits. FEE-HELP also does not cover any penalty fees applied by Think: Colleges. Refer to Additional Fees Schedule.
A FEE-HELP loan can cover all or part of a student’s tuition fees. A maximum of $86,422 (for 2011–indexed annually) in tuition fees may be paid using FEE-HELP over a student’s lifetime. A one-off loan fee of 25% applies to FEE-HELP loans for undergraduate courses of study. The FEE-HELP limit does not include the loan fee. No loan fee applies to FEE-HELP loans for postgraduate courses.
The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Think: Colleges.
Your eligibility for FEE-HELP is not affected by your income and assets. However, once your income is above the minimum repayment threshold you will have to commence repayments of your FEE-HELP debt through the tax system. The current threshold for 2010-11 is $44,911.
Interest is not applied to FEE-HELP debts; however an index amount is applied each year. This indexation amount is not counted as part of your FEE-HELP limit. The indexation amount is in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and is applied to the outstanding debt that has existed for 11 months or more.
Who is eligible for FEE-HELP at Think: Colleges?
You ARE eligible for a FEE-HELP loan if you are either:
- an Australian citizen; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa; or
- hold a permanent visa who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals.
AND you are studying one of the Think: Colleges FEE-HELP enabled courses.
How do I apply for FEE-HELP?
If you are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance and would like to obtain a FEE-HELP loan, you can obtain a Request for FEE-HELP Assistance form from Think: Colleges. The form must be completed and returned to the College before the start date of the study period for which you wish to receive FEE-HELP support.
When is the closing date for requesting FEE-HELP?
Think: Colleges has set the closing date for requesting FEE-HELP as the first day of the study period for which you wish to claim FEE-HELP assistance.
Do I need anything in particular to apply for FEE-HELP?
You need an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) or a Certificate of Application for a TFN from the Australian Taxation Office confirming that you have applied for a TFN. You need to provide the document to Think: Colleges on or before the start date of the study period for which you wish to receive FEE-HELP support. If you cannot quote your TFN or supply a certificate that you have applied for one, you will not be able to apply for FEE-HELP.
What is the census date?
The census date is the last day you can withdraw from a unit of study without incurring any financial or academic penalty for that unit of study. The Census Dates for current year are published on the Think: Colleges website:
FEE-HELP
VET FEE-HELP
When do I incur a debt?
You incur a FEE-HELP debt immediately after the census date for each unit of study for which you have received FEE-HELP assistance. If you have requested FEE-HELP assistance but changed your mind about studying, you must withdraw your enrolment in each unit of study on or before the census date or you will incur a debt.
Can I enrol in a course or unit of study at Think: Colleges before deciding whether I want to become a FEE-HELP student or pay fees up front?
No. Tuition fees must be paid, or a request for FEE-HELP received, before students can enrol in a course or unit of study.
What is a CHESSN?
As a Commonwealth assisted student, you will be allocated a Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN). The CHESSN is a unique identifier that will allow Think: Colleges and the Australian Government to manage your FEE-HELP assistance.
How do I get a CHESSN?
Think: Colleges will allocate you a CHESSN as part of your enrolment process if you do not already have one. You will be notified of your CHESSN in your Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN).
How will I know what FEE-HELP debt I have incurred?
After each census date you will receive a CAN (Commonwealth Assistance Notice) detailing your FEE-HELP debt.
What happens if I withdraw on or before the census date?
You will not incur a FEE-HELP debt. FEE-HELP fees for withdrawn units of study will be credited to your FEE-HELP balance.
What happens if I withdraw after the FEE-HELP census date?
You will incur a FEE-HELP debt.
What if there are extenuating circumstances which necessitated my late withdrawal (after the census date)?
You can apply to have your FEE-HELP balance credited (and your FEE-HELP balance remitted) in special circumstances. Refer to Student Review Policy and Procedure for Re-Crediting a FEE-HELP Balance.
Can I still get FEE-HELP if I have received HECS or PELS in the past?
Yes, if you meet the FEE-HELP eligibility requirements.
I am an international student; can I apply for FEE-HELP?
Only if you are the holder of a permanent humanitarian visa.
Want to know more?
To find out more about FEE-HELP at Think: Colleges visit our website at www.think.edu.au, or call us on (02) 9955 1122 or email us at info@think.edu.au.
The Commonwealth Government has established a special website for students with questions about FEE-HELP at www.goingtouni.gov.au
