Combined HELP loan limit

The combined HELP loan limit is a cap on what you can borrow from the Australian Government to cover the costs of your tuition fees. Your HELP loan limit includes HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, VET FEE-HELP and VET Students Loans.

HECS-HELP debts with a census date prior to 1 January 2020 are not included in the HELP loan limit. SA-HELP, OS-HELP and loan fees are not included in your HELP loan limit.

What is the HELP loan limit amount?

For 2023, the HELP loan limit is $113,028 for most students.

The limit for students studying medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses leading to initial registration, or eligible aviation courses with census dates in 2023 will be $162,336.

Available HELP balance

Your available HELP balance is your available borrowing capacity for HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, VET FEE-HELP and VET Student Loans.

Your available HELP balance is your HELP loan limit of that given year, minus your HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, VET FEE-HELP and VET Students Loans borrowing.

Taking out a loan will reduce your available HELP balance, and making repayment will increase your available HELP balance.

What if I don't have enough HELP balance to cover my fees?

If you enrol in a unit of study and your tuition fees exceed your available HELP balance, you must pay the outstanding amount upfront to your provider.

If you do not have enough HELP balance at census date for your deferral to be reported to the Department of Education/ATO the deferral will be removed from your my Student Centre account and:

  • FEE-HELP students - must pay the tuition fees owing directly to Federation University
  • HECS-HELP students - must make immediate upfront payment or your CSP enrolment will be cancelled

Where do I find my available HELP balance?

You can view your available HELP balance through the Australian Government myHELPbalance portal. You will need your USI or CHESSN, student ID number and personal details to login to the website.

For more information about HELP balance credits and repayments visit the Study Assist Combined HELP loan limit webpage.