What SA-HELP covers
SA-HELP covers your Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) so you can pay it later. SSAF pays for important student services at Deakin, such as sporting and recreational activities, and student health and wellbeing. You can request a SA-HELP loan whether you’re using other HELP loans or paying upfront. The amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
Am I eligible for SA-HELP?
You may be eligible for SA-HELP if you meet one of the following criteria:
- you are an Australian citizen, who studies at least one unit of your course while living in Australia
- you are a New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) holder, or an eligible former New Zealand SCV holder, who meets the long-term residency requirements, and who studies your entire course while living in Australia
- you are a permanent humanitarian visa holder, or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder, who studies your entire course while living in Australia
- you are a Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) holder, who studies your entire course while living in Australia.
In addition, you must provide Deakin with your tax file number (TFN), or a certificate of application for a TFN, from the Australian Taxation Office before your first census date.
Need more information?
Have a question about SA-HELP, eligibility or loan repayments? The Australian Government’s StudyAssist website provides up-to-date information about financing your university study.
How does SA-HELP work?
The Australian Government pays your SSAF directly to Deakin and an SA-HELP debt is recorded for you with the ATO. You'll be issued with a Commonwealth Assistance Notice (eCAN) each enrolled study period. This will detail any amount deferred to the ATO.
How do I apply for SA-HELP?
To apply for SA-HELP, you must complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) on Deakin’s StudentConnect when you enrol.
Got a question but can't find the answer?
We've curated some of the most commonly asked questions our future student advisers get about course fees and study costs.
Fees
Skip to next topicHow much does it cost to study at Deakin?
Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are, the course you study and the year you start. Fees are based on an annual amount; they don't cover the entire duration of the course. Use our fee estimator to check what your fees could be per year.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Does it cost more or less to study online?
Whether you study online or on campus, there's no difference in cost. Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are (i.e. undergraduate, postgraduate, research), the course you study and the year you start. Use our fee estimator to check what your fees could be per year.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a university place for which the government pays a proportion of your tuition fees. This will vary per course and year. Use our fee estimator to gauge what your fees could be per year.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is HECS-HELP?
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan program that helps eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students pay their tuition fees. If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, the Government will pay your tuition fees on your behalf until you're able to repay your loan from your employment income.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is a non-means tested loan program. If you're an eligible fee-paying student you can receive a loan from the Australian Government to help pay your tuition fees. Once employed, you'll be required to start paying back the loan. The compulsory repayment threshold for the 2023-2024 income year is $51,550.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Is there a discount for past students?
Yes! If you're a past student of Deakin you may be eligible to receive a 10% discount on your tuition fees through the Deakin alumni postgraduate bursary. Available only for those commencing a postgraduate award course in a full-fee paying place.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can my employer chip in for part of my fees?
Yes, if you're enrolled in an upcoming study period, your employer can contribute to or pay your tuition fees in full directly to Deakin. They must complete a Sponsorship Agreement form, which outlines the relevant course requirements, duration and level of sponsorship agreed to between you and your employer.
For more information on future student services and courses:
Can I be sponsored by my employer?
Yes, if you're enrolled in an upcoming study period, your employer can sponsor you to study at Deakin. They must complete a Sponsorship Agreement form, which outlines the relevant course requirements, duration and level of sponsorship agreed to between you and your employer.
For more information on future student services and courses:
How do I calculate fees for single-unit study?
Single units or non-award courses are full-fee paying, with the cost per unit depending on the study discipline. To find out information about specific unit and course fees visit Fees Estimator.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is the difference between Commonwealth supported places and fee-paying places?
If you're offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), you'll only need to contribute part of the cost of your course, as your fees are partially funded by the Australian Government. If you are offered a fee-paying place, the university doesn't receive any government funding, so you'll need to pay the full cost of your course. You may be eligible to defer payment of your fees through the Australian Government FEE-HELP loan scheme. Find out more about CSP and fee-paying places.
For more information on future student services and courses:
What is the difference between HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP?
For more information on future student services and courses:
Contact us
We're here to support you. Contact us if you have a question about the SA-HELP loan.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online