HECS-HELP is a Commonwealth government loan program used by Australian citizens, permanent humanitarian visa holders and some New Zealand citizens to defer payment of their subject fees.

Am I eligible?

If you are:

• an Australian citizen, or
• a permanent humanitarian visa-holder, or
• a New Zealand citizen who meets certain criteria,
• Commonwealth supported, and
• you meet residency requirements,

you are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.

New Zealand citizens (who do not meet certain criteria), permanent residents and international students are not eligible to defer payment of their fees.

Steps to defer

Submit the Request for Commonwealth support and HECS-HELP form through eStudent. See defer your fees.

When do I repay my loan?

You can make voluntary repayments of your HELP loan at any time to the Australian Taxation Office. Otherwise, repayments will automatically be deducted once you begin earning an income above the compulsory repayment threshold.

How do I view my HECS-HELP balance?

Each study period, JCU will provide you with a Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN). This notice details your payments and debts for that study period.

The CAN only shows the current study period, not your entire HECS-HELP debt.  For a complete statement of your accumulated HELP debt, contact the Australian Tax Office.

You can also keep track of how much you have borrowed through a HECS-HELP loan at the Government’s myUniAssist website. You’ll need your Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN) to log in. This is detailed on your CAN. myUniAssist will not show your entire debt balance or any payments made.

Related information

• StudyAssist's HECS-HELP booklet

• Submitting and viewing Commonwealth assistance form

• Defer your fees

• Pay your fees