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Home>Australia>Public Policy Management (MSPPM)>Costs & Financial Aid>Australian Citizens Financial Aid
Australian Citizens Financial Aid
Australian citizens (and holders of permanent humanitarian visas) studying in Australia may apply for FEE-HELP, a loan given to eligible fee-paying students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. Over their lifetime a student may borrow through FEE-HELP an amount up to the FEE-HELP limit (AUD$80,000 as at 1 January 2007) to pay their tuition fees. There is no interest charged on a FEE-HELP debt. However, debt is indexed annually by the Tax Office to maintain its real value. Income and assets do not affect eligibility for FEE-HELP.
The Australian Government pays the amount of the loan direct to the University. Students repay their loans through the Australian taxation system once their repayment income is above the minimum repayment threshold for compulsory repayment (AUD$38,149 in FY 2006-07). Voluntary repayments may be made at any time, regardless of income.
The Programs Manager can provide you with information on obtaining FEE-HELP assistance. Email to irinaf@cmu.edu.au call (08) 8110 9904.
For more information, visit the FEE-HELP Web site maintained by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST). Alternatively you may wish to call the DEST student enquiry line on 1800 020 108.
The Tax Office can explain what happens once you have a Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) debt, including how compulsory repayments are calculated and how indexation works. Visit www.ato.gov.au or get the booklet Repaying your HELP debts by phoning 1300 720 092.