HELP Loan Limit
Understand the HELP loan limits, how to check your balance and more about financial study support.
What is a HELP loan limit?
A HELP loan limit is the maximum amount you can borrow from the Australian Government to cover your tuition fees. Previously known as the FEE-HELP limit, the HELP loan limit now includes HECS-HELP loans. The combined HELP loan limit is adjusted annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and excludes any loan fees.
HELP loan limit in 2024
In 2024, the HELP loan limit is $121,844 for most students and $174,998 for students studying medicine and some aviation courses.
Common questions about HELP loan limits
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Your combined HELP loan limit includes:
- Any existing and new FEE-HELP borrowed.
- Any new HECS-HELP (with census dates after 1 January 2020).
Note: HECS-HELP accumulated before 1 January 2020, SA-HELP, and OS-HELP are not included in the new combined HELP loan limit but will remain part of your overall HELP debt.
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No, you cannot exceed the HELP loan limit. However, any payments you make will reduce your balance, freeing up capacity to add additional loan support. For example, if you reached the maximum HELP loan limit in 2023, but have since made $20,000 in repayments, you’ll have an additional $20,000 credit to access for future study.
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To check your HELP balance, you’ll need your Commonwealth Higher Education Support Number (CHESSN) or Unique Student Identifier (USI). You can obtain these from any Commonwealth Assistance Notice.
Log in to myHELPbalance using your CHESSN or USI to check your balance. If your remaining HELP balance is insufficient for your studies, you will need to pay your fees upfront each enrolment period.
Relevant information
Still have questions?
Check the StudyAssist website for more information.