Can You Get a HECS-HELP Loan for a Masters in Australia?

The Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) provides financial help to Australian students at the university level. There are different schemes within HELP, so it’s important you know what you’re entitled to, as it depends whether you’re paying your tuition fees in full, studying overseas or doing a vocational training course.

The HECS-HELP loan is only available to students on a Commonwealth supported place (CSP). Here are the things to check to know if you are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan for your Masters.

#1 Are you studying on a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)?

A CSP is a place at a university where the Australian government pays part of your fees as a subsidy. However, the subsidy is unlikely to cover all of your tuition fee. The portion you are liable for is called the ‘student contribution amount’. This amount can range from AUS$4,445 to AUS$16,323.

The HECS loan is only available to help you cover this ‘student contribution amount’.

#2 Do you meet the nationality requirements for the HECS loan?

The HECS loan is only available for Australian citizens, holders of a New Zealand Special Category Visa or a permanent humanitarian visa holder. This means international students coming to Australia to study only will not be eligible for the HECS loan.

So, if you’re one of the above (i.e not an international student) then you may be eligible for the HECS-HELP loan for your Masters. We have detailed information on HELP eligibility criteria in our Australia funding guide.

I’m not eligible for the HECS loan, what can I do?

However, there are only limited CSPs available at postgraduate level. If you’re not enrolled on a CSP, you are liable for the entire amount of your tuition fee in which case a HECS loan will not be applicable to you. Don’t worry, there are still HELP schemes that you can apply for!

You can apply for the FEE-HELP scheme instead which offers financial help to students not on a CSP to cover their tuition fee.

There are some other HELP schemes you may also be eligible for:

• OS-HELP loans are available for students studying a part of their course abroad. Your degree should still be awarded by an Australian institution
• SA-HELP loans are available to help you with the cost of your Student Services and Amenities fee.

How much HELP loan can I get for a Masters?

Most students can borrow up to AUS$121,844 in HELP loans. Students studying Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Sciences, or eligible Aviation courses can borrow up to AUS$174,998.

This limit applies to HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and VET Student loans. However, this limit does not include the SA-HELP and OS-HELP loans.

Read our guide on funding in Australia to find out more about the HELP loans and other funding options for Masters students in Australia.

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