Study Assist
HECS-HELP and Commonwealth supported places
A government-subsidised uni place, plus a loan that covers your share of the fees so you pay nothing upfront.
GovernmentApply or sign up
$129,883
HELP borrowing limit for most students: $129,883 (2026).
Who can get it
- Australian citizens who study part of the course in Australia.
- Some non-citizens resident in Australia, such as New Zealand Special Category Visa and permanent humanitarian visa holders.
What you'll need
- A Unique Student Identifier (USI).
- A tax file number, or proof you have applied for one.
- The Request for Commonwealth support and HECS-HELP form (eCAF) from your provider.
How to claim
- Check the course is offered as a Commonwealth supported place, on your uni's site or Course Seeker.
- Apply for the course. Your offer letter says whether it is a supported place and how to accept.
- Submit the eCAF through your provider on or before the census date.
- Enrol in your units, then pay upfront or defer to HECS-HELP by the census date.
- Check your balance any time on myHELPbalance.
Conditions and catches
- If you don't pay or defer by the census date, your supported-place enrolment is cancelled.
- It covers tuition only, not rent, laptops or textbooks.
- Eligibility for non-citizens depends on your visa. Check the Study Assist page for yours.