Financial Assistance
Assistance available from the Australian Government - VET FEE-HELP
VET FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme for the vocational education and training (VET) sector that is part of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP). The scheme covers the cost of your tuition fees, through a loan. You will not need to start paying anything back until you are employed and earning a certain level of income.
If you are studying at the diploma and above you may be able to apply through your training provider for VET FEE-HELP assistance to defer the cost of your studies.
If you commence a course in the Skills Deepening category after 1 July 2009, you can apply for a loan to pay your tuition fees if your provider is registered as a VET FEE-HELP provider. You will need to check that your provider is registered to offer loans.
Further information about VET FEE-HELP loans is also available from your provider.
The repayment of your loan will depend on your income. Full details of the repayment requirements are available from your provider.
You can find out more by talking to your training provider, by visiting the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website or calling 13 38 73.
Returning to work
The Victorian Government provides grants to eligible people returning to work. These funds can be used to cover any costs associated with approved training, such as books and materials, course fees, transport and child care.
Visit the 'Returning to Earning' website for more information.
Centrelink assistance for individuals studying or training
Centrelink offers schemes for adults in study, training or looking for work.
See the are you studying or training? page on the Centrelink website to apply for payments online and access all relevant education and training information.
Two schemes of interest to students and young people are the Youth Allowance Scheme and ABSTUDY.
Youth Allowance Scheme
Youth Allowance helps if you are a young person who is studying, undertaking training or an Australian Apprenticeship, looking for work, or sick.
For more information, see the Youth Allowance Scheme page on the Centrelink website.
ABSTUDY
If you are an Indigenous student or a full-time apprentice, ABSTUDY may help you stay in training or go on to further studies. It consists of a fortnightly living allowance as well as additional components to help with the costs associated with studying. Indigenous students are also assisted by the Indigenous Completions Initiative, under which they pay only the minimum tuition fee for enrolment in government funded training at all levels, including diploma and above.
For more information, see the ABSTUDY page on the Centrelink website.
Scholarships
Many TAFE institutions and associations provide scholarships to assist in the payment of tuition fees, books and other associated costs of undertaking studies.
Contact the institution directly to find out what scholarships may be available, if you are eligible to apply and how to put in an application.
Travel - student concession cards
Student concession cards are available for students (TAFE, university and other providers). They entitle the cardholder to purchase Metcards at a reduced fare for public transport within Victoria. Application forms are available from staffed train stations, selected bus depots, and online at the 'Metlink' website
For more information, call Metlink:
Metlink
Tel: 131 638