As a result of the Senate vote that blocked the Government’s proposed higher education package, current HELP loan and Government scholarship arrangements will remain unchanged during 2015.
HELP loans will continue to be indexed at the rate of inflation during 2015 and the 10 per cent discount for upfront payments of $500 or more to CSU will still be available. Student Start-Up Scholarships of up to $1025 will be available to eligible students studying in Session 1 2015. In addition, for those students receiving student payments, the personal income free area and student income bank will be indexed on 1 January 2015, rising to $427 per fortnight and $10,600.
The Government has indicated that it will attempt to pass a new higher education package early in 2015, any changes will likely come into effect from 1 January 2016.
Stay tuned for updates and for more on understanding HELP loans, see http://student.csu.edu.au/support/financial-support/understanding-help-loans
