Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FEE-HELP
Q. What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is a government loan scheme which assists eligible students to pay their course fees. FEE-HELP can cover all or part of your 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 www.actheology.edu.au
Q. Who is eligible for FEE-HELP?
You are eligible for FEE-HELP if you are both:
* an Australian citizen, and
* enrolled in a Diploma subject that is leading towards a Diploma or Advanced Diploma award (i.e. you will be doing the assessments for that subject).
Q. Do my income and assets affect my eligibility for FEE-HELP?
Not at all. Eligibility for FEE-HELP is not affected by your income and assets, nor by the income and assets of your spouse or family.
Q. 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 2011-2012 financial year is $47,196 (indexed to CPI). (Note: If you receive a capital gain from the sale of property, this might affect your income in the twelve months following the sale).
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. Are you interested in FEE-HELP?
For more information on FEE-HELP, ask the Mary Andrews College office or for a current government FEE-HELP information booklet www.goingtouni.gov.au