HELP
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) assists eligible students with their student contribution or tuition fees from a university or other higher education provider.
There are different types of HELP loans available, depending on the student's circumstances.
For more information see Study AssistExternal Link.
VSL
The VET Student Loans (VSL) program offers protection for students and focuses on courses that address industry needs, creating better opportunities for employment.
VSL offers income contingent loan support to eligible students studying certain diploma level and above vocational education and training qualifications. Use the VSL Eligibility ToolExternal Link as a guide to help check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan.
For more information, see Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, for:
- Information for VET Student Loans StudentsExternal Link
- VET Student Loans Information BookletExternal Link
VET FEE-HELP (VFH)
The former VET FEE-HELP (VFH) scheme operated between 2008 and 2016, with some VFH students continuing to access the scheme until 2018.
Between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2023, people with VFH loans could apply to have their loans re-credited under the VET FEE-HELP Student Redress Measures, in circumstances where their training provider engaged in 'inappropriate conduct.' These measures have now closed.
To understand more about VFH, see Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, for Information for former VET FEE-HELP studentsExternal Link.
SFSS
The Student Financial Supplement Scheme (SFSS) was a voluntary loan scheme to help tertiary students cover their expenses while they studied.
This scheme closed on 31 December 2003. However, all existing SFSS loans continue to be collected through the tax system.
For more information see Department of Social Services: SFSSExternal Link.
SSL and ABSTUDY SSL
The Student Start-up Loan (SSL) and ABSTUDY Student Start-up Loan (ABSTUDY SSL) schemes started on 1 January 2016 and replaced the Student Start-up Scholarship payment.
This is a voluntary loan available to eligible students in higher education who receive:
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy
- ABSTUDY Living Allowance.
The Services Australia administers the payments.
For more information see Services Australia – Student Start-up LoanExternal Link.
AASL
Generally, under the Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan (AASL) – previously known as Trade Support Loan (TSL) – program, eligible Australian apprentices are offered loans over a 4-year period. An Australian Apprentice may attract payments at the fourth-year rate for any additional years of their apprenticeship (past the fourth year) until they complete their apprenticeship or reach the lifetime limit.
A 20% discount will be granted where an Australian Apprentice successfully completes their apprenticeship. The discount applies to the amount borrowed and does not include any indexation that has been applied or repayments that have been made.
AASL payments are administered by the Australian Apprenticeships Centres and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
For more information see Australian ApprenticeshipsExternal Link.