VET FEE-HELP

Are you planning to undertake study in a Diploma, an Advanced Diploma, a Graduate Certificate or a Graduate Diploma? VET FEE-HELP may give you the opportunity to pursue a new career or gain higher qualifications by providing financial assistance that is not subject to income or assets tests. Full-fee paying students enrolled in an eligible course of study with TAFE NSW may be offered two choices when paying their tuition fees. You may have the option to:

• pay some or all of your tuition fees upfront, or
• submit a request for VET FEE-HELP assistance to defer your tuition fees through VET FEE-HELP.

Some VET FEE-HELP programs have an approved credit transfer arrangement to a Bachelor Degree with a higher education provider. To find out about the credit you may get towards a Bachelor Degree when you complete a Diploma or Advanced Diploma with TAFE NSW under VET FEE-HELP, click here

What is VET FEE-HELP?

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). You repay this loan through the Australian taxation system when you reach the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year to reflect any change in average weekly earnings. The current minimum income threshold, along with a range of helpful resources and FAQs about VET FEE-HELP, is available on the Study Assist website. 

Am I eligible for VET FEE-HELP?

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 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.

How do I know if a course is eligible for VET FEE-HELP?

VET FEE-HELP is available for all Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and many Diploma or Advanced Diploma courses. You will find them listed on the VET FEE-HELP courses page.

You may also view a summary of courses eligible for VET FEE-HELP offered by TAFE NSW. This course summary is updated regularly as new courses are added. Please review it often to ensure that you have the latest copy.

How do I apply?

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. You will then need to read and complete the online Request for VET FEE-HELP Asssistance form as part of your enrolment.

What are my rights and responsibilities as a VET FEE-HELP student?

Information on your rights and responsibilities are included in the VET FEE-HELP Information – Student Booklet. 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.

Fair treatment and equal opportunity

TAFE NSW policies in regards to student selection, entry requirements, assessment and equal opportunity ensure that all students are treated fairly. Read the VET FEE-HELP policy here.

Student grievance for academic matters

If you have any concerns about your academic results or wish to appeal a result, TAFE NSW undertakes to deal with your concerns or appeal in a timely manner. In the first instance, please talk to your teacher or head teacher who can give you more information about the appeals process.

Student grievance procedures for non-academic matters

As a student of TAFE NSW, you are entitled to raise any concerns or grievances in regard to non-academic matters. Read more...VET tuition fee refund policy

The following links give details of the circumstances under which you may be entitled to a refund, if you have paid upfront, or a recrediting of your VET FEE-HELP balance, if you have taken a loan.

Tuition fees and refunds for VET FEE-HELP students
Withdrawal application form
Application to re-credit balance

Student review procedures

All students are entitled to request a review of a decision not to re-credit or remit a FEE-HELP balance.  Procedures for requesting a review, including special circumstances, are outlined on the Application to review a decision not to re-credit a FEE-HELP balance form, which is available from your college. Read the TAFE NSW VET FEE-HELP Tuition Fee and Refund Policy for more information.

Personal information

TAFE NSW strives to provide you with the opportunity to study, learn and develop skills in a safe and supportive environment. When you enrol you agree to follow TAFE NSW instructions and rules – details are available in TAFE NSW libraries and at the campus where you enrol. Find out more.

Statement of VET tuition assurance

In the event that TAFE NSW ceases to provide a course of study in which you are enrolled, TAFE NSW will ensure that you are offered enrolment in a similar course of study. Alternatively, TAFE NSW will:

• refund any upfront payment if you paid upfront for any Unit of Study that you have commenced but not completed because TAFE NSW ceased to offer that course
• recredit your FEE-HELP balance for the affected unit.

Find out more about TAFE NSW Statement of VET Tuition Assurance.