Commonwealth assistance - HELP loans and VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance in the form of the HELP loans and VET Student Loans schemes.

A Commonwealth assistance loan can help eligible students to pay tuition fees, the student services and amenities fee, or to meet overseas study travel expenses.

The different loans schemes are:

HECS-HELP loans

HECS-HELP is for eligible students in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and allows you to defer payment of your student contribution to the Australian Tax Office up to your HELP limit.

To find out about HECS-HELP and if you’re eligible to apply, go to the Government’s Study Assist website.

If you've been offered a Commonwealth supported place, you'll be automatically prompted to complete an application for HECS-HELP when you enrol in your RMIT program.

FEE-HELP loans

FEE-HELP is for eligible full-fee paying students and allows you to defer payment of your tuition fees to the Australian Tax Office up to your HELP limit.

To find out about FEE-HELP and if you’re eligible to apply, go to the Government’s Study Assist website.

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, it’s easy to apply. When you enrol in Enrolment Online, you’ll be asked to indicate which optional loan/s, including FEE-HELP, you want to apply for. You’ll then get an email from the Government with further instructions on how to apply.

VET Student Loans

VET Student Loans (VSL) is an Australian Government loan program that helps eligible students enrolled in an approved course pay for all or part of their VET tuition fees.

If you would like to apply for a VSL, RMIT must collect and verify information about your identity and date of birth and verify that you meet all of the eligibility criteria.

If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete your loan application in the government eCAF system.

To be eligible for a VET Student loan, you must meet ALL eligibility criteria, below:

  1. Be studying in an approved course 
  2. Meet citizenship requirements.

    You must be:
    • an Australian citizen, or,
    • be a qualifying New Zealand citizen, or
    • hold a Permanent Humanitarian visa holder, and have verified your residency status
       
  3. Have been assessed as academically suited to undertake your program
  4. Verify identity and date of birth   
  5. Meet the tax file number requirements
    You must have a tax file number (TFN) or be able to show that you have made an application for a FN.  
  6. Have a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) 
  7. Have submitted a VET Student Loan eCAF on or before your first census date for your program/s  
  8. Have an available HELP balance of more than $0
  9. Have not exceeded the course cap 

Throughout your course, you will need to submit Progression Forms to confirm your on-going engagement with your studies.  This will allow you to continue accessing the loan throughout your course.

RMIT must collect and verify information and documents to support the eligibility requirements from students applying for a VET Student Loan:

Evidence you can use:

Citizenship or residency

VSL program is only available to Australian citizens, qualifying New Zealand citizens or permanent humanitarian visa holders who are residing in Australia.  To meet the citizenship and residency requirements you need to provide evidence that you meet one of the following categories:   

  • An Australian Citizen
  • A qualifying New Zealand citizen, or hold a special visa category such as the New Zealand Special Category Visa, and meet the long-term residency requirements 
  • Permanent Humanitarian Visa holder.   

You will need to verify citizenship, identity and date of birth. Information about the documents you need to provide can be found on the RMIT verify your citizenship page Verify your citizenship

Academic suitability

The following documents are accepted as evidence of academic suitability: 

  • Australian Year 12 completion certificate, (VCE or interstate equivalent), issued by the Education and Assessment Authority of a State or Territory, or
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) diploma 
  • Completion of a qualification that is AQF level Certificate IV or above (where the course was delivered in English), or
  • Competency at Exit Level 3 or above in an approved Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment for both Reading and Numeracy.  

Completing the Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment.

RMIT uses the BKSB tool to assess your LLN. This is completed prior to enrolment. Students will be provided access to the Assessment tool and testing must be conducted with honesty and integrity; RMIT staff must be confident that a student displays the required competence and students must complete the test in accordance with the RMIT Student Charter. The results of your test will be available immediately after completion. 

The LLN results are recorded in RMIT’s Student Management System, and RMIT will only provide these results to authorized officers of the State and Federal Governments if requested.

Parent/guardian consent form (under 18)

If you are under 18 years of age, a parent / guardian must complete a consent form, or if you have received Youth Allowance on the basis that you are independent, you may be required to provide evidence of this. 

Tax file number (TFN)

You will need to have a TFN or show us that you have applied for one in advance of submitting your VSL application.  All applicants must have provided a TFN before census date. 

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

You must provide a valid, Unique Student Identifier (USI)  

Not all programs are approved for VET Student Loans.   You can browse the list of RMIT programs that are eligible for a VET Student Loan from the lists below. 

Note that in some eligible programs, the VET Student Loan does not cover the full amount of the tuition fee - these programs are listed under the heading Eligible programs - loan amount does not cover subsidised tuition fees

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET Student Loans will not be approved for students who do not meet all eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET Student Loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

Managing your loan

A VSL results in a debt that continues to be a debt due to the government until it is repaid in full.   

You will not be required to begin to repay your loan until you reach the compulsory threshold.  This figure is adjusted annually.  More information can be found at Australian Government Study Assist

There is a loan cap for each VSL program.  The loan cap is the maximum amount you can borrow for your program. 

If your loan cap is lower than your total tuition fees, you must pay the ‘gap’ to RMIT by the due date, or your enrolment may be cancelled in line with RMITs Discontinuation of Student program procedure.

Programs with tuition fees higher than the loan cap are listed under Eligible programs - loan amount does not cover subsidised tuition fees.

If you have accessed a VET Student Loan for the same program at another provider, you will have already used part of your applicable program cap with that provider.

You are responsible for monitoring your program loan cap and your available HELP balance.  

You can check your VSL debt and any existing HELP debt at  myHELPbalance.

Your program loan limit will be stated on your RMIT issued VET Student Loan Fee notice and VET Student loan statement of Covered Fees, after you enrol.

Your loan debt incurred at RMIT will be provided via a Commonwealth Assistance Notice after each census date.

Progress in your course

To continue accessing a VET Student Loan, you must demonstrate that you are a genuine student continuing with your studies. 

To do this, at least twice a year, you must complete a Progression Form in the electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) system when you receive the invitation email (via ecafsystem@education.gov.au). This process ensures protection for students accessing the VET Student Loans program.

Refer to the VSL Progression Form Fact Sheet for more information.

If you do not submit your progression forms, your enrolment may be cancelled in line with RMITs Discontinuation of Student program procedure.

The below list of RMIT programs and VSL caps is correct as of October 2023.

The maximum loan amount for a program is indexed by the Australian Government.

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees apply to 2024 only.

National code

RMIT code

Program name

Total 2024 RMIT full-fee domestic place

Total 2024 RMIT government subsidised tuition fee

2024 VSL cap

CHC50413 

C5331 

Diploma of Youth Work 

$12,250.00 

$6,500.00 

$12,063.00 

CHC52015 

C5345 

Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) 

$11,250.00 

$6,500.00 

$18,097.00 

CHC53215 

C5346 

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs 

$12,250.00 

$6,500.00 

$18,097.00 

CUA51015

 

C5350

 

Diploma of Screen and Media

 

$16,750.00

 

$11,500.00

 

$18,097.00

 

TAE50116 

C5353 

Diploma of Vocational Education and Training 

$10,250.00 

$7,250.00 

$18,097.00 

TAE50216 

C5354 

Diploma of Training Design & Development 

$7,500.00 

$7,250.00 

$18,097.00 

HLT52015

 

C5357

 

Diploma of Remedial Massage

 

$27,375.00

 

$16,875.00

 

$18,097.00

 

CHC51115 

C5360 

Diploma of Financial Counselling 

$12,750.00 

$6,500.00 

$18,097.00 

PSP50916 

C5364 

Diploma Interpreting (LOTE-English) 

$7,250.00 

$5,250.00 

$12,063.00 

HLT54115

 

C5365

 

Diploma of Nursing

 

$36,000.00

 

$20,000.00

 

$18,097.00

 

 

SIR50217  

C5381 

Diploma of Visual Merchandising 

$15,500.00 

$9,250.00 

$12,063.00 

22446VIC 

C5382 

Diploma of Product Design 

$24,500.00 

$15,500.00 

$18,097.00 

22451VIC 

C5383 

Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation 

$5,000.00 

$5,000.00 

$18,097.00 

CHC52015 

C5385 

Diploma of Community Services (Statutory and Forensic child youth and family welfare) 

$11,250.00 

$6,500.00 

$18,097.00 

MSL50118 

C5388 

Diploma of Lab Tech. 

$16,750.00 

$7,500.00 

$18,097.00 

FNS50217 

C5390 

Diploma of Accounting  

$9,250.00 

$6,250.00 

$12,063.00 

ICT50418

 

C5394

 

Diploma of Information Technology Networking

 

$13,750.00

 

$5,750.00

 

$18,097.00

 

 

 

ICT50118

 

C5395

 

Diploma of Information Technology

 

$14,250.00

 

$9,500.00

 

$10,813.00

 

 

 

MSF50218 

C5396 

Diploma of Interior Design 

$29,000.00 

$16,000.00 

$18,097.00 

CHC52015 

C5397 

Diploma of Community Services 

$11,250.00 

$6,500.00 

$18,097.00 

22524VIC 

C5400 

Diploma of Bus (Public Relations) 

$11,500.00 

$9,500.00 

$12,063.00 

10871NAT

C5401

Diploma of Fashion Styling

$12,750.00

$7,250.00

$12,063.00

ICT50220 

C5402 

Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking) 

$16,500.00 

$10,500.00 

$18,097.00 

BSB50620 

C5404 

Diploma of Marketing & Communication 

$8,250.00 

$6,250.00 

$12,063.00 

BSB50820

C5405

Diploma of Project Management

$8,250.00

$6,750.00

$12,063.00

BSB50120 

C5406 

Diploma of Business 

$10,750.00 

$9,250.00 

$12,063.00 

BSB50420 

C5407 

Diploma of Leadership & Management 

$14,970.00 

$12,792.00

$12,063.00 

CUA50420 

C5408 

Diploma of Live Production & Tech Services 

$18,250.00 

$9,750.00 

$18,097.00 

CUA50720 

C5409 

Diploma of Graphic Design 

$15,500.00 

$8,500.00 

$18,097.00 

CUA50820 

C5410 

Diploma of Music (sound production) 

$16,000.00 

$9,750.00 

$18,097.00 

CUA50920 

C5411 

Diploma of Photography & Digital Imaging 

$15,750.00 

$9,500.00 

$18,097.00 

CUA51020 

C5412 

Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation) 

$16,750.00 

$11,500.00 

$18,097.00 

CUA51020

 

C5413

 

Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation Gaming and Visual Effects)

 

$16,750.00

 

$11,500.00

 

$18,097.00

 

CUA51120 

C5414 

Diploma of Visual Arts 

$16,500.00 

$9,750.00 

$18,097.00 

CPC50220

 

C5415

 

Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

 

$27,000.00

 

$15,000.00

 

$18,097.00

 

CPP50121

 

C5416

 

Diploma of Surveying

 

$18,000.00

 

$10,500.00

 

$18,097.00

 

AHC51120 

C5418 

Diploma of Cons. & Ecosystem Mgmt. 

$27,500.00 

$16,500.00 

$18,097.00 

FNS50322

C5419

Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management

$8,250.00

$3,250.00

$18,097.00

TLI50221 

 C5420 

Diploma of Logistics 

$15,000.00 

$8,250.00 

$12,063.00 

CUA51020

 

C5421

 

Diploma of Screen and Media

 

$16,750.00

 

 

$11,500.00

 

 

$18,097.00

 

22602VIC

C5422

Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation

$12,250.00

$5,500.00

$18,097.00

FNS50222

 

C5424

 

Diploma of Accounting

 

$9,250.00

 

$6,250.00

 

$12,063.00

 

10904NAT

 

C5425

 

Diploma of Social Media Marketing

 

$7,000.00

 

$4,000.00

 

$18,097.00

 

HLT52021

 

C5426

 

Diploma of Remedial Massage

 

$27,375.00

 

$16,875.00

 

$18,097.00

 

PSP50922

 

C5427

 

Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language)

 

$7,250.00

 

$5,250.00

 

$12,063.00

 

CHC50421

 

C5428

 

Diploma of Youth Work

 

$12,250.00

 

$6,500.00

 

 

$12,063.00

 

MSF50222

 

C5431

 

Diploma of Interior Design

 

$29,000.00

 

$16,000.00

 

$18,097.00

 

           

CHC52021

 

C5432

 

Diploma of Community Services

 

$16,875.00

 

$12,000.00

 

$18,097.00

 

MEM50822

 

C5433

 

Diploma of Applied Technologies

 

$13,750.00

 

$8,250.00

 

$18,097.00

 

MSL50122

 

C5434

 

Diploma of Laboratory Technology

 

$16,750.00

 

$7,500.00

 

$18,097.00

 

22622VIC

 

C5435

Diploma of Product Design

 

$24,500.00

 

$16,500.00

 

$18,097.00

 

CHC52051 C5436 Diploma of Community Services (Responding to Family Violence) $11,250.00 $8,000.00 $18,097.00

UEE62111

C6120

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology - Electrical

$29,500.00

$14,500.00

$18,097.00

UEE60411

C6121

Advanced Diploma Computer Systems Eng

$30,500.00

$14,500.00

$18,097.00

UEE60211

C6122

Advanced Diploma Electronics and Communication Engineering

$42,500.00

$14,500.00

$18,097.00

MEM60112 

C6130 

Adv Dip of Eng (Mechanical) 

$27,500.00 

$15,500.00 

$18,097.00 

MEM60112 

C6131 

Adv Dip of Eng (Aeronautical) 

$24,000.00 

$14,500.00 

$18,097.00 

CHC62015 C6147 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management $12,250.00 $6,500.00 $12,063.00

PSP60816 

C6153 

Advanced Dip of Translating 

$7,500.00 

$5,500.00 

$12,063.00 

PSP60916 

C6154 

Adv Dip Interpreting (LOTE-Eng) 

$8.500.00 

$6,500.00 

$12,063.00 

22316VIC 

C6159 

Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy 

$16,750.00 

$12,000.00 

$18,097.00 

10678NAT

C6160

Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting

$23,500.00

$17,000.00

$18,097.00

22479VIC 

C6162 

Adv Dip of Eng Technology 

$31,000.00 

$15,500.00 

$18,097.00 

FNS60217 

C6163 

Advanced Diploma of Accounting 

$12,750.00 

$8,250.00 

$12,063.00 

BSB61115

C6164

Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing

$11,625.00

$8,250.00

$6,031.00

CUA60520 

C6171 

Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production) 

$16,000.00 

$10,000.00 

$18,097.00 

CUA60620 

C6172 

Adv Diploma of Screen & Media (Directing) 

$17,750.00 

$11,000.00 

$18,097.00 

CUA60620 

C6173 

Adv Diploma of Screen & Media (Content Creation & Design) 

$17,750.00 

$11,000.00 

$18,097.00 

CUA60720 

C6174 

Advanced Dip of Visual Arts 

$14,000.00 

$9,500.00 

$18,097.00 

CPP60121 

C6175 

Advanced Diploma of Surveying 

$16,250.00 

$10,500.00 

$18,097.00 

UEE60420 

C6176 

Adv Dip Computer Systems Eng 

$30,500.00 

$14,500.00 

$18,097.00 

UEE60220 

C6178 

Adv Dip Electronics&Comm Eng 

$42,500.00 

$14,500.00 

$18,097.00 

11115NAT

C6180

Adv Diploma of Prof Screenwriting

$23,500.00

$17,000.00

$18,097.00

FNS60222

C6181

Advanced Diploma of Accounting

$12,750.00

$8,250.00

$12,063.00

UEE62122

C6182

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology -Electrical

$29,500.00

$14,500.00

$18,097.00

PSP60922

C6183

Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language) 

$9,000.00

$7,000.00

$12,063.00

MEM60122

C6186

Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical)

$27,500.00

$15,500.00

$18,097.00

MEM60122

C6187

Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical)

$24,000.00

$15,000.00

$18,097.00

The below list of RMIT programs and VSL caps is correct as of October 2023.

The maximum loan amount for a program is indexed annually by the Australian Government.

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees apply to 2024 only.  

National code RMIT code Program name Total 2024 RMIT  full-fee domestic place Total 2024 RMIT government subsidised tuition fee 2024 VSL cap
HLT54115 C5365 Diploma of Nursing $36,000.00 $20,000.00 $18,097.00

HLT55118 

C5387 

Diploma of Dental Technology 

$35,000.00 

$25,000.00 

$18,097.00 

BSB50420 C5407 Diploma of Leadership and Management $14,970.00 $12,792.00 $12,063.00
HLT54121 C5417 Diploma of Nursing $36,000.00 $20,000.00 $18,097.00

HLT65015 

C6157 

Adv Dip of Dental Prosthetics 

$50,500.00 

$44,500.00 

$18,097.00 

22477VIC 

C6161 

Adv Dip of Bld Design (Arch) 

$39,000.00 

$22,500.00 

$18,097.00 

BSB60220  C6170  Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing  $11,625.00 $8,250.00 

$6,031.00 

22627VIC C6188 Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) $39,000.00 $22,500.00 $18,097.00

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loans (VSL) scheme and it has:

  • a loan limit that covers the total amount of the subsidised tuition fees for your program, then VSL will cover the full amount of subsidised tuition fees for that program (based on a standard full-time enrolment).
  • a loan limit that doesn’t cover the total amount of the subsidised tuition fees for your program, then once you reach the VSL loan limit, you’ll need to pay the remaining tuition fees to RMIT - this is most likely to occur in the final term of your program.


It’s important to note
 that The Department of Education and Training will only allocate RMIT a capped amount of funding for VSL loans and that this may not cover all eligible student loans. You should therefore apply as soon as possible.

What happens if I come to RMIT after my original provider closed?

If you come to RMIT to complete a program that you commenced at a provider that has now closed, you may be eligible for course credits for parts of the original course successfully completed as evidenced by a Statement of Attainment issued in accordance with the Australian Qualification Framework. You will not be charged tuition fees for the replacement component of the replacement course.

Tuition Protection and Provider Default


What do I do if I believe I have incurred a debt unfairly?

If you believe you changed your enrolment, were assessed unfairly or for any reason that you believe lead to you incurring a debt that you think is unreasonable you can lodge a complaint with RMIT to have the matter reviewed. 

Student complaints - RMIT University


Why does RMIT use the BSKB tool to test language, literacy and numeracy?

The BKSB tool has been approved by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations as an appropriate way to assess your language, literacy and numeracy skills against the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).  Students who demonstrate an Exit level 3 or higher in both Reading and Numeracy will be eligible for VSL.  RMIT will provide the LLN results to authorised officers of the State and Federal Governments if requested.  

DEWR LLN Information

SA-HELP loans

An SA-HELP loan allows you to defer paying your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

To find out about SA-HELP and if you’re eligible to apply, go to the Government’s Study Assist website.

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, it’s easy to apply. When you enrol in Enrolment Online, you’ll be asked to indicate which optional loan/s, including SA-HELP, you want to apply for. You’ll then get an email from the Government with further instructions on how to apply.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.