Eligible overseas-trained professionals who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia may apply for a FEE-HELP loan to pay their tuition fees for a bridging course for overseas-trained professionals that enables them to meet formal recognition requirements of their profession in Australia. This assistance replaces the Bridging for Overseas-Trained Professionals Loan Scheme (BOTPLS) from 1 January 2005.
To be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan
the proposed study must:
- be less than twelve months of full-time study in duration;
- meet the requirements of the relevant professional body for recognition of the applicant's professional qualifications in Australia; and
- not lead to a higher education award.
FEE-HELP is available for bridging courses beginning on or after 1 January 2005 to assist eligible students to pay their tuition fees. Students repay the loan through the taxation system when their income reaches the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment.
To be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan
a person must:
- be a permanent resident or citizen of Australia;
- hold an overseas qualification in a profession that is regulated or self-regulated in Australia; and
- have had their qualifications assessed by the relevant assessing authority which has provided an assessment statement indicating that the bridging training is required before they can practise their profession in Australia.
For more information about the administration of FEE-HELP please visit the website:
http://www.goingtouni.gov.au.
For information about FEE-HELP which is specific to overseas-trained professionals please visit the website:
http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/RecognisingProfessionalQualifications/SupportForProfessionalRecognition/default.htm.
If you have read the available information but still have questions and would like to speak to a FEE-HELP contact officer, please call the FEE-HELP hotline on
1800 020 108.
Financial Assistance for Overseas-Trained Occupational Therapists
The Department of Education, Science and Training seeks to help overseas-trained professionals who are Australian citizens or permanent residents living in Australia to obtain recognition of their qualifications in Australia.
The AEI-NOOSR
Assessment Subsidy for Overseas Trained professionals (ASDOT) program covers fees for assessments of occupational therapists leading to full and unconditional registration or membership of the professional association.
For further information please read the
AEI-NOOSR ASDOT Information Sheet.
