Q: What payment options are available for courses?

Sometimes it can be hard to reconcile spending so much money on getting a qualification, even though you know it will all be worth it. Luckily, there are plenty of higher education, VET and TAFE payment options in Australia; you just have to know where to look.

HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) provides students with four types of fee assistance. The eligibility for each type will depend on what it is used for and Australian residency status.

• HECS-HELP for student contributions
• FEE-HELP for tuition fees
  OS-HELP for overseas study expenses
• SA-HELP for student service and amenities fees

Discover more about HELP on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.

State government and Australian government course funding schemes focus on training in high priority sectors to address and avoid essential skills shortages.

As each state and territory has their own policies and funding programs in place, you can discover more about course funding, payment plans and other information like VET payment options by visiting your state education website.

The Vet Student Loan (VSL) program provides financial support to learners who wish to complete VET (vocational education and training) qualifications that prepare them to enter the workforce, upskill in their current industry or change careers.

For eligibility requirements, visit the VET Student Loans page on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.

Private colleges and registered training providers may have funding available for some courses, and most offer payment plan options for any fees required.

Each individual provider will have their own payment policies to adhere to, but they often offer payment in instalments via direct debit or eftpos, so you can spread the cost out and have it paid by a specific date.

Check out hundreds of TAFE courses now and find out which payment options are available to you.

Find answers to your burning questions about everything, from vocational education, to payment options, and everything in between.