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Changes to PELS: FEE-HELP

What is FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible fee-paying students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The deferred payment arrangements for postgraduate fee-paying students that existed under PELS still apply, but will now exist under this new loan scheme.

Please Note: FEE-HELP assistance does NOT cover compulsory subscriptions, including University of Sydney union fees or SUPRA fees.

The Government pays the amount of the loan directly to the student's higher education provider. Students repay their loan through the tax system once their income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment ($36,184 for the 2005-6 income year).

FEE-HELP began on 1 January 2005 and has been available for both eligible commencing and continuing students since that time.

Who is eligible for FEE-HELP?

Australian citizens and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance.

If you are a continuing student, generally you will be considered a pre-2005 PELS student if you commenced your course and incurred a PELS debt before 1 January 2005.

If you are a pre-2005 PELS student who holds a permanent visa (other than a permanent humanitarian visa), your eligibility for FEE-HELP assistance will be determined under the old PELS rules until the end of 2008. This means if you were eligible for a PELS loan, you will be eligible for FEE-HELP assistance.

How do I apply for FEE-HELP assistance?

  • Pre-2005 PELS students who are continuing their studies can complete this form online at MyUni, http://myuni.usyd.edu.au/, after pre-enrolment. You will need your UniKey login and password to access MyUni.
  • Since 2005, eligible students enrolling for the first time need to complete a hard copy of this form, which can be sent to you upon request.

Where can I find further information on FEE-HELP?

For more comprehensive information on FEE-HELP, please visit the website http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/Main/FeesLoansAndScholarships/Undergraduate/FullFeesAndFEE-HELP/Default.htm. For information on changes to PELS, visit http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/Main/Quickfind/PayingForYourStudiesHELPLoans/Default.htm.. You can access an online version of the FEE-HELP information 2007 booklet from both of these websites.

If you have any queries or you would like a copy of the FEE-HELP information 2007 booklet, please contact Postgraduate administration, by email .