Finances

Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)

Adelaide University campus building

Financial help at Adelaide University

The Australian Government administers the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) to support eligible domestic students with the cost of their studies. The type of HELP loan you can access depends on your enrolment, eligibility and study plans.

Types of HELP loans

  • HECS-HELP: If you're enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to cover your student contribution amounts.
  • FEE-HELP: If you're a fee-paying student (not in a CSP), you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to cover your tuition fees.
  • SA-HELP: All domestic students pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) for each study period. You may be eligible for a SA-HELP loan to cover this fee.
  • OS-HELP: If you're enrolled in a CSP and planning to study overseas, you may be eligible for an OS-HELP loan to help with travel and living costs.

Combined HELP loan limit

There is a cap on the total amount you can borrow through HELP loans. This includes HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP student loans. Learn more at Study Assist.

Your renewable HELP balance

Your renewable HELP balance is the amount you can still borrow under HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and Student Loans. This is your available HELP balance.

When you make repayments on your HELP debt, your available balance increases, up to your HELP loan limit. Taking out a new loan reduces your available balance.

How to check your HELP balance

Log in to your myGov account to see how much you owe and any repayments you've made.

Visit the myHELPbalance portal to check your available HELP balance, and the amount you can still borrow.

Notes:

  • To access myHELPbalance, you’ll need your USI, student ID and personal details (first and last names and date of birth).
  • The myHELPbalance portal does not show your total debt, loan fees or indexation, or any debts from before 2005. That information is available in your myGov account, linked to your record with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).