10. FEE-HELP financial assistance
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay their course fees. FEE-HELP can cover all or part of your Diploma fees. This incentive by the Australian Government aims to encourage Australians to pursue further education and study. The Australian Government pays the fees to Mary Andrews College via our Higher Education Provider (HEP), The Australian College of Theology.
Who is eligible for FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is an option for Diploma and Advanced Diploma students who meet the following criteria. You are eligible for FEE-HELP if you are:
- an Australian citizen, and
- enrolled in a subject that is leading towards an award (i.e. you will be doing the assessments for that Diploma subject).
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Do my income and assets affect my eligibility for FEE-HELP?
Not at all. Your income and assets do not affect your eligibility for FEE-HELP. Similarly, the income and assets of your spouse or family do not affect your eligibility for FEE-HELP.
When do I start repaying the FEE-HELP loan?
You do not have to start repaying the FEE-HELP loan until your personal taxable income is above the minimum threshold, which for the 2009-2010 financial year is $43,151 (indexed to CPI). (Note: If you receive a capital gain from sale of property, that might affect your income in the twelve months following the sale.)
How do I repay the loan?
Repayments are indexed to the CPI and are made to the Australian Taxation Office. To pay off any amounts on your FEE-HELP debt call the Higher Education Loan Accounts Unit on 1300-650-225. They will set up an account for you if they have not already done so.
But is it ethical to take FEE-HELP, as I will probably never earn over the minimum threshold?
The Government is aware that some people may never be in a position to repay the FEE-HELP loan. However, it is committed to higher education and believes that anyone undertaking such study will make a continuing contribution to the Australian community.
More information on FEE-HELP
For more information on FEE-HELP, ask the Registrar or your lecturer for a copy of the current government FEE-HELP information booklet (and application form), or see the government website
How do I apply for FEE-HELP?
If you are interested in applying for FEE-HELP, you will need to fill out the "Request for FEE-HELP Assistance" form and then return it to the Registrar or your lecturer before the census date for your subject(s).
