In August 2008, the Government announced that it would extend VET FEE-HELP assistance to government subsidised diploma and advanced diploma students in any State or Territory that undertakes VET sector reform, and that these students would not be required to pay the 20 per cent VET FEE-HELP loan fee. Recent changes to the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and the VET FEE-HELP Guidelines have been made to implement this commitment.
 
From 22 December 2009 these students will not be charged a 20 per cent VET FEE-HELP loan fee, and any loan fee charged to these students from 1 July 2009 will be retrospectively removed from their VET FEE-HELP debt.
 
VET providers and students can find more information on the VET FEE-HELP Assistance Scheme page and can also contact the Helpline on 13 38 73 or email vetfeehelp@deewr.gov.au.