What are VET Student Loans (VSL) and how do they work?

What are VET Student Loans (VSL) and how do they work?

The VET Student Loans (VSL) scheme assists eligible students pay tuition fees for approved higher-level (diploma and above) vocational education and training (VET) courses.

The scheme is designed to provide financial support to students undertaking higher level training in vocational courses that address workplace and industry needs, creating better opportunities for employment. However, it does not cover your student services and amenities fee or other fees and material expenses.

Please note: Vocational education students are not eligible to apply for an SA-HELP loan and must pay the SSAF by the due date.

What is the difference between a VET Student Loan and a traditional loan?

Unlike a traditional loan, where repayments typically begin immediately according to a fixed schedule, VSL repayments start only when your income exceeds the compulsory threshold amount.

Traditional loans accrue interest while VSLs are indexed annually. Both interest and indexation increase the amount owed on a loan, but they function differently. Interest is a fee from the lender for borrowing money, whereas indexation is an adjustment made to align the value of the loan with inflation, ensuring the loan maintains its real-world value as the cost of living changes. Unlike interest, indexation doesn’t compound; it simply updates the total amount owed to reflect economic conditions.

Lastly, repayments for a VSL are automatically handled through the tax system, whereas you would typically make direct payments for a regular loan.

Compare the difference between a VET Student Loan and a traditional loan

VET Student Loan

Traditional loan
Loan from government Loan from private lender, such as a bank
Repayments only begin when your income exceeds the compulsory threshold amount Repayments begin immediately regardless of income
Indexed annually to align the value of the loan with inflation Accrues interest as a fee from the lender for borrowing money
Automatically repaid through the Australian tax system Make direct manual payments to the lender

Is there a loan limit?

VET Student Loans are added to your HELP debt and also contribute to your HELP loan limit.

Your HELP loan limit varies based on your course and is set by the government each year. For 2027, the HELP loan limit for most students is $134,558.

If you’ve reached your combined HELP loan limit, or your VSL course loan limit, you’ll need to pay your tuition fees before the census date.

VET Student Loan approved courses

To receive a VSL, the course you're studying must be approved for the VSL scheme and you must meet all eligibility criteria. Not all vocational courses are approved for a VSL, and in some eligible courses, the VSL may not cover the entire tuition fee.

There is a VSL loan limit for each VSL course. The loan limit is the maximum amount you can borrow for your course. If you have accessed a VET Student Loan for the same course at another provider, you will have already used part of your applicable course loan limit with that provider.

What happens if I come to RMIT after my original provider closed?

If you come to RMIT to complete a course that you commenced at a provider that has now closed, you may be eligible for course credits for parts of the original course successfully completed as evidenced by a Statement of Attainment issued in accordance with the Australian Qualification Framework. You will not be charged tuition fees for the replacement component of the replacement course.

Tuition Protection and Provider Default

What does a VET Student Loan cover?

If your course is eligible for a VSL and it has:

  • a loan limit that covers the total amount of the subsidised tuition fees for your course, then the VSL will cover the full amount of subsidised tuition fees for that course (based on a standard full-time enrolment).
  • a loan limit that doesn’t cover the total amount of the subsidised tuition fees for your course, then you must pay the 'gap' to RMIT by the due date (this is most likely to occur in the final term of your course), or your enrolment may be cancelled in line with RMIT's Discontinuation of Student Program procedure.

VET Student Loan caps

The Department of Education and Training will only allocate RMIT a capped amount of funding for VSLs and this may not cover all eligible student loans. 

You should therefore apply as soon as possible.

Eligible courses

The below list of RMIT courses eligible for VSL is correct as of September 2026. You can find the VET Student Loan cap amount for the course you are applying for under Fees on the relevant course page.

A VET Student Loan has a cap and may not cover the full cost of your subsidised tuition fee for each course. See your specific course page for full details on fees and cap amounts. Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by the due date specified in your invoice.

Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies. The maximum loan amount for a course is indexed by the Australian Government.

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees apply to 2027 only.

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Advanced diplomaBusiness

Advanced Diploma of Accounting

FNS60222 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year, Part-time 2 years
Advanced diplomaArchitecture, Design

Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

22627VIC VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years
Advanced diplomaProperty

Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing

BSB60220 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1.5 years
Advanced diplomaHealth

Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics

HLT65015 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Part-time 2 years
Advanced diplomaEngineering

Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering

UEE60220 VSL approved
  • next intake February
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years
Advanced diplomaEngineering

Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical)

MEM60122 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years
Advanced diplomaEngineering

Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical)

MEM60122 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years
Advanced diplomaEngineering

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering Design)

22700VIC VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years
Advanced diplomaEngineering

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology - Electrical

UEE62122 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years
Advanced diplomaSocial and community

Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language)

PSP60922 VSL approved
  • next intake February
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
Advanced diplomaMedia

Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production)

CUA60525 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
Advanced diplomaHealth

Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy

22656VIC VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
Advanced diplomaCommunication, Media

Advanced Diploma of Professional Screenwriting

11115NAT VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years
Advanced diplomaMedia

Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation and Design)

CUA60620 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
Advanced diplomaProperty, Science, Engineering

Advanced Diploma of Surveying

CPP60121 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 6 months
Advanced diplomaArt

Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts

CUA60725 VSL approved
  • next intake February
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaBusiness

Diploma of Accounting

FNS50222 VSL approved, Free TAFE course
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus or online
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 6 months, Part-time 1 year
DiplomaFashion

Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles

MST50122 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Brunswick
  • duration Full-time 1 year, Part-time 3 years
DiplomaBuilding

Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

CPC50220 VSL approved, Free TAFE course
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City, Bundoora, Trades Innovation Centre
  • duration Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years
DiplomaBusiness

Diploma of Business

BSB50120 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus or online
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaSocial and community

Diploma of Community Services

CHC52025 VSL approved, Free TAFE course
  • next intake February
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaEnvironment, Science

Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

AHC51120 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years
DiplomaHealth

Diploma of Dental Technology

HLT55118 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Other
DiplomaEngineering

Diploma of Engineering - Technical (Mechanical)

MEM50222 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year, or part-time equivalent
DiplomaFashion

Diploma of Fashion Styling

11342NAT VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Brunswick
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaCommunication, Design

Diploma of Graphic Design

CUA50725 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Brunswick
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaInformation technology

Diploma of Information Technology

ICT50220 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year, Part-time 2 years
DiplomaDesign

Diploma of Interior Design

MSF50222 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years
DiplomaSocial and community

Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language)

PSP50922 VSL approved
  • next intake February
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaHealth, Biomedical sciences, Science

Diploma of Laboratory Technology

MSL50122 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaBusiness

Diploma of Leadership and Management

BSB50420 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Essendon Education Academy, Melbourne Cricket Education Academy
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaMedia

Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services

CUA50425 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaBusiness

Diploma of Logistics

TLI50224 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year, or part-time equivalent
DiplomaCommunication, Business

Diploma of Marketing and Communication

BSB50620 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaMedia

Diploma of Music (Sound Production)

CUA50825 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaHealth

Diploma of Nursing

HLT54121 VSL approved, Free TAFE course
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City, Bundoora
  • duration Full-time 2 years
DiplomaArt

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging

CUA50925 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaBusiness

Diploma of Project Management

BSB50820 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaProperty, Building

Diploma of Project Management

BSB50820 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Bundoora
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaHealth

Diploma of Remedial Massage

HLT52021 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1.5 years
DiplomaMedia

Diploma of Screen and Media

CUA51020 VSL approved
  • next intake February
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaDesign, Media

Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)

CUA51020 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaCommunication, Media

Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation)

CUA51020 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaBusiness

Diploma of Social Media Marketing with Artificial Intelligence

11426NAT VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaScience, Engineering

Diploma of Surveying

CPP50121 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaEducation

Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation

22602VIC VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaArt

Diploma of Visual Arts

CUA51125 VSL approved
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year
DiplomaHealth, Social and community

Diploma of Youth Work

CHC50425 VSL approved, Free TAFE course
  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1 year

Who is eligible for a VET Student Loan?

Citizenship and residency requirements

You must be one of the following:

  • an Australian citizen, or
  • a qualifying New Zealand citizen, or
  • a permanent humanitarian visa holder, who is usually resident in Australia, or
  • a pacific engagement visa holder, who is usually a resident in Australia.

Other requirements

You must meet the following criteria:

  • you are enrolled in a VSL approved course
  • have an available HELP balance
  • meet academic suitability requirements (see below) 
  • complete a parental consent form if you are under the age of 18 when applying for VSL.

What documents are required to qualify for a VET Student Loan?

RMIT must collect and verify information and documents to support the eligibility requirements from students applying for a VET Student Loan.

passport icon

Evidence of citizenship or residency

You will need to verify citizenship or residency, identity and date of birth using:

  • a valid passport, birth certificate or citizenship certificate, or 
  • Immicard and current evidence of your visa entitlement (such as your Visa Grant Notice or current VEVO entitlement statement)
How to verify your citizenship/residency

Academic suitability

You can meet the academic suitability requirement by achieving:

  • Competency at Exit Level 3 or above in an approved Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment for both Reading and Numeracy.
  • RMIT uses the BKSB tool to assess your LLN. This is completed prior to enrolment. Students will be provided access to the Assessment tool and testing must be conducted with honesty and integrity; RMIT staff must be confident that a student displays the required competence and students must complete the test in accordance with the RMIT Student Charter. The results of your test will be available immediately after completion. The LLN results are recorded in RMIT’s Student Management System, and RMIT will only provide these results to authorized officers of the State and Federal Governments if requested.

If you do not achieve competency at level 3 or above on your LLN, the following documents are accepted as evidence of academic suitability: 

  • Australian Year 12 completion certificate, (VCE or interstate equivalent), issued by the Education and Assessment Authority of a State or Territory, or
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) diploma, or
  • Completion of a qualification that is AQF level Certificate IV or above (where the course was delivered in English).

Why does RMIT use the BSKB tool to test language, literacy and numeracy?

The BKSB tool has been approved by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations as an appropriate way to assess your language, literacy and numeracy skills against the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).  Students who demonstrate an Exit level 3 or higher in both Reading and Numeracy will be eligible for VSL.  RMIT will provide the LLN results to authorised officers of the State and Federal Governments if requested.  

DEWR LLN Information

Checklist icon image.

Other documents

  • Tax File Number (TFN) - You will need to have a TFN or show us that you have applied for one and submit it on your VSL application.  All applicants must have provided a TFN before census date. 
  • Unique Student Identifier (USI) - The USI is your life-long individual education number. It’s a government requirement that you have a USI to enrol in a vocational education course and to access a VET Student Loan.
  • Parent/guardian consent form (under 18) - If you are under the age of 18, you must submit an enquiry via the Student Connect portal to notify us at least 5 business days before your census date.

 

How to apply for a VSL

Indicate you want to access a VET Student Loan

While enrolling, you'll be prompted to indicate you want to access a VSL.

Login to the government eCAF portal

The Department of Education will send an email to your RMIT student email address with instructions for how to access your eCAF.

Enter your Tax File Number (TFN)

Enter your TFN or certificate of application for a TFN on your eCAF.

Submit your application

You must submit your application via the government's eCAF portal before you can proceed with your enrolment.

VET Student Loan recipients must complete all progression forms

If you have a VSL, and are currently studying, or have recently been studying, you are required to complete a progression form 2–3 times a year throughout your studies. They're issued in February, June and October of each year. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations will send an email (via ecafsystem@education.gov.au) to your nominated email account when it's time to complete your progression forms.

The purpose of the form is for the Government to confirm your current study status, to determine if you still require your VSL. If you do not complete the Form within 14 days of receiving it:

  • Your VSL may be stopped and you’ll need to pay your tuition fees to RMIT
  • You may incorrectly incur debt for studies that you are not continuing with. 
  • Your enrolment may be cancelled in line with RMIT's Discontinuation of Student program procedure for failing to meet the ongoing requirements of your loan.

Refer to the VSL Progression Form Fact Sheet for more information.

Learn more about applying for a VSL

How to repay your VET Student Loan

VET Student Loans are added to your HELP debt. You only start repaying your HELP debt once your annual income is above the compulsory threshold amount. If your annual income is less than the compulsory threshold amount, you do not need to make repayments.

The current compulsory threshold amount is $69,528*.

*2026-2027 income year

Your annual compulsory repayment amount is worked out by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) when you lodge your tax return and your debt will automatically be repaid through the Australian tax system.

The amount you repay per year scales with your income. This means that the more you earn, the higher your compulsory repayment will be.

In addition to your compulsory repayments, you can also choose to make voluntary repayments at any time. Voluntary repayments do not count towards or reduce any compulsory repayment you are required to make and are not refundable. HELP debts have indexation applied annually. If you make voluntary repayments before 1 June to reduce your HELP debt, indexation will be calculated against this lower amount, so less indexation is added to your HELP debt.

What do I do if I believe I have incurred a debt unfairly?

If you believe you changed your enrolment, were assessed unfairly or for any reason that you believe lead to you incurring a debt that you think is unreasonable, please contact Student Connect.

Contact Student Connect
Learn more about repaying your fees

Other types of fee assistance

Vocational fee concession and exemption

Vocational students enrolled in a government subsidised place may be eligible for further fee concessions or a fee exemption.

Free TAFE

Free TAFE gives more Victorians the chance to gain the skills they need at TAFE for a range of vocational qualifications associated with in-demand jobs.

HELP loans

The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a special type of loan from the Australian Government to help pay for the cost of undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Scholarships

RMIT supports a comprehensive scholarship program that addresses some of the financial, educational and difficult circumstances our students can face.

Fee information by level of study

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Pre-university study

Fee information for Australian residents studying Foundation Skills, English language and tertiary preparation courses.

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Apprenticeships and traineeships

Fee information for Australian residents studying trade apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs through RMIT.

Portia Firoz smiling

Fees for vocational study

Fee information for Australian residents studying vocational education courses, including certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas.

Student Jake Deakin walking through campus

Fees for undergraduate study

Fee information for Australian residents studying undergraduate education programs, including bachelor, associate degree and honours programs.

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Fees for postgraduate study

Fee information for Australian residents studying postgraduate education programs, including graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master by coursework programs.

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Research programs

Fee information for Higher degree by research candidates.

Useful government resources for up to date government fee information

Have more questions?

Our friendly staff at Study@RMIT are available five days a week to assist you.

If you are a current RMIT student, please contact RMIT Student Connect.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples