HECS-HELP vs FEE-HELP: What's the Difference?
There's More Than One Type of Student Loan
When people say "HECS," they usually mean any student loan from the government. But there are actually two main loan types, and which one you get makes a big difference to how much debt you end up with.
HECS-HELP
This is what most students get. It's for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) at public universities, where the government subsidises a large chunk of your tuition. You only pay the leftover portion, called the "student contribution."
A typical 3-year degree on HECS-HELP costs between $16,000 and $55,000 depending on what you study. No hidden fees. You borrow $30,000, you owe $30,000 (before indexation).
FEE-HELP
This is for students who don't have a Commonwealth Supported Place. That usually means you're at a private university (like Bond or Torrens) or doing a postgraduate degree at a public uni that doesn't offer CSPs for that course.
There's no government subsidy, so you're paying the full cost of tuition. FEE-HELP debts are almost always significantly larger than HECS-HELP debts for a similar degree.
Same Degree, Very Different Debt
Here's where it hits home. A law degree at a public university like the University of Queensland in a CSP would cost roughly $40,000–$50,000 in student contributions through HECS-HELP.
A law degree at Bond University costs approximately $142,720 through FEE-HELP.
Same career outcome. The debt is 3x larger.
Bond runs on an accelerated system so you finish faster, which is a genuine advantage. But the raw cost difference is massive, and it's worth understanding before you commit.
There's also a lifetime borrowing limit on all HELP loans. In some cases, the degree costs more than you're even allowed to borrow. Learn more about the HELP borrowing limit →
The Quick Comparison
| HECS-HELP | FEE-HELP | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Students in Commonwealth Supported Places | Full fee-paying students (no CSP) |
| Where | Most undergrad degrees at public unis | Private unis, most postgrad degrees |
| Government subsidy | Yes | No |
| Typical debt (3-year degree) | $16,000 – $55,000 | $60,000 – $150,000+ |
| Repayment rules | Same | Same |
| Indexation | Same | Same |
Both Get Repaid the Same Way
Once the debt exists, the ATO treats them identically. Same thresholds, same marginal rates, same indexation. The only difference is how much you start with.
The Bottom Line
If you're weighing up a private uni vs a public uni, make sure you understand the cost difference. Going private isn't wrong, but it's a decision worth tens of thousands of dollars. Make sure the specific program offers something genuinely worth the premium, not just a nicer campus.
Compare the numbers yourself: Use the HELP Loan Calculator → — try $45,000 (public uni, HECS-HELP) vs $130,000 (private uni, FEE-HELP) and see how the repayment timeline changes.
Where This Info Comes From
This guide is for educational purposes only. It is not financial or career advice. Always check current fees with your chosen university.