HECS-HELP allows eligible domestic Commonwealth supported students to defer their student contribution through a loan.

Any amount borrowed becomes part of an accumulated HELP debt which you will be required to repay through the tax system once you meet a certain salary threshold.

There is combined HELP loan limit on what you can borrow from the Australian Government to cover the cost of your fees.

Up to date information on the HELP loan limit can be found on the Study Assist website.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for HECS-HELP, you need to:

• be enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
• be an Australian citizen or
• an Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder, or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder or
• a pacific engagement visa holder (effective 1 February 2024) or
• be a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency requirements and
• meet the HECS-HELP citizenship and residency requirements.

Eligibility criteria and legislation around HECS-HELP can change. See the Australian Government's Study Assist website for full details.

How to apply

When you complete the Request for Commonwealth support and HECS-HELP form to take up your CSP place, if eligible you can apply to defer your student contribution through HECS-HELP. To apply for HECS-HELP you will need to provide your Tax File Number (TFN).

This form can be completed as part of your enrolment process in Sydney Student, or at a later time through Sydney Student (go to 'My finance', 'Your finances', then 'Government forms'). The form must be submitted on or before your earliest census date.

You need to read the Commonwealth supported places and HECS-HELP information booklet available at Study Assist prior to submitting the form.

Your Student Financial Statement in Sydney Student will include your liability status (depending on which payment option you have chosen) and the fees you are either deferring to HECS-HELP or paying up front.

If you’re a Commonwealth supported student eligible for HECS-HELP and have not provided a TFN or paid your student contributions up front before census, your enrolment will be cancelled.