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Loan scheme for full fee paying students

VET FEE-HELP is an income contingent loan scheme for the vocational education and training (VET) sector, as part of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), administered through the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). VET FEE-HELP assists eligible full-fee paying students to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees. Students repay this loan through the Australian taxation system when they reach the minimum income threshold for repayment. This means you can study now, gain the qualification you need to get the new job or promotion, and pay back the loan when you can afford it.

VET FEE-HELP assistance is available for Graduate Diplomas, Graduate Certificates and some Advanced Diplomas and Diplomas with approved credit transfer arrangements towards a Bachelor Degree at university. TAFE Western is currently applying to DEEWR for approval for more courses for delivery under the VET FEE-HELP assistance scheme. Courses that are available for VET FEE-HELP assistance are listed here. The person to contact in TAFE Western about VET FEE-HELP is the Student Admnistration Manager on phone (02) 6391 5678 or by email.

To be eligible to apply for VET FEE-HELP you must

• be an Australian citizen OR
• be the holder of a permanent humanitarian visa who will be resident in Australia for the duration of the unit of study
• provide a tax file number
• provide a Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) or be allocated one
• not exceed your FEE-HELP loan limit.

You can use this link to download useful publications.

To Apply

The college where you wish to enrol will be able to provide a Request for VET FEE-HELP assistance form and other information you need. You need to complete this form on enrolment, or close to enrolment.

If you are considering applying for VET FEE-HELP assistance, you must read the VET FEE-HELP Information – Student Booklet to ensure you are aware of your obligations under VET FEE-HELP. This is available online or in hard copy from your college.

In accordance with the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA), TAFE NSW provides fair treatment and ensures equal benefits and opportunities for students who are entitled to VET FEE-HELP assistance. For more information about VET FEE-HELP, go to the TAFE NSW website.