VET Student Loans

The VET Student Loans program is a Commonwealth Government initiative to help eligible students pay for VET courses that are diploma level and above. 

This program is managed by TAFE NSW under the Commonwealth VET Student Loans Act 2016.

The Australian Government has approved TAFE NSW to offer VET Student Loans to eligible students. VET Student Loans are available for courses that are diploma level or above.

The government sets a limit on the fees it will cover for each course. This is called a loan cap. If your course fees are more than the loan cap, you will need to pay the difference.

If you are studying full-time, part-time or online, you may be eligible to apply for a VET Student Loan to cover fees up to the loan cap on your course.

You can use a VET Student Loan to:

• cover some, or

• all of your tuition fees.

A VET Student Loan doesn’t cover extra costs like:

• textbooks, or

• accommodation.

A VET Student Loan is repaid through the Australian taxation system once you start earning over a certain amount. This income level is reviewed and updated yearly by the government.

Important information

Remember, a VET Student Loan is a personal debt, so ensure you:

• read and understand all the terms before progressing

• assess if it is right for you, as it can impact your future borrowing ability

• consider getting financial advice.

For more information, visit the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations VET Student Loans.

If you are a full fee paying student (not subsidised), a 20% loan fee applies, on top of your VET Student Loan.

You do not have to pay the loan fee upfront. It will be added to your VET Student Loan debt.

You will not have to pay the 20% loan fee if your course is subsidised by the NSW Government.

For more information, please visit our page on Paying for your VET Student Loan. Also use the links below to visit the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and the VET Student Loans Information Booklet (Information Booklet).

Sometimes different fee types, such as concession fees and fee-free training, are available for TAFE NSW students.

Concession fees

A concession fee is a reduced fee that you pay for a course. Concession fees are available for certificate I to certificate IV level only. Concession fees are not available for a VET Student Loan (diploma level and above courses).

You may be able to get a concession fee if you receive an eligible Centrelink payment. To see if you’re eligible, visit our Smart and Skilled page. Please refer to the section under ‘Smart and Skilled Concession Fees’ called ‘Check your eligibility.’

Fee-free training

Fee-free training is also known as a fee exemption, which means you receive your training for free.

The Smart and Skilled program offers places for students who are eligible for fee-free training. To check your eligibility, visit our Smart and Skilled page and scroll down to the section on ‘Fee-free Training.'

Not all courses are approved for a VET Student Loan, so check the VET Student Loan-approved course list provided below. Your TAFE NSW campus can also provide a list of approved courses.

If your course fee is more than the amount you can borrow, other payment options may be available. Contact our customer support team on 131 601 for more information or read the information booklet below.

Fees for courses approved for VET Student Loans are charged by units of study. These courses have at least three units of study, with fees divided across the duration of the course. 

View the VET Student Loan tuition fees here.   

VET Student Loan tuition fees are published and updated regularly in accordance with the VET Student Loans Act 2016.

If you have more questions or need help, check out our VET Student Loans FAQs page below or contact our customer support team on 131 601.