Legislation and Guidelines

This page contains HELP resources for higher education providers.

Higher Education Support Act 2003 and Guidelines

The Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) is the main piece of legislation governing higher education in Australia. HESA received Royal Assent in December 2003.

Changes to HELP from passage of the Higher Education Support Legislation Amendment (Student Loan Sustainability) Act 2018.

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA)

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA) is the main piece of legislation regulating and assuring the quality of higher education in Australia.

Higher Education Funding Act 1988

The Higher Education Funding Act 1988 (HEFA) was the main piece of legislation governing higher education in Australia until the introduction of HESA in 2003. Australian Government funding for higher education providers was administered under the HEFA until the end of 2004.

Higher Education Support (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2003

The Higher Education Support (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2003 (TCA) is a supporting piece of legislation, which covers transitional and consequential matters arising from the enactment of the HESA.

Administrative Information for Providers (AIP) manual

The administrative information for providers (AIP) manual have been developed to help approved higher education providers interpret and implement the student support policies that are enacted under Commonwealth legislation and associated guidelines.

Higher Education Administrative Information for Providers – March 2020

HELP IT system (HITS)

HITS is an integrated IT system for the higher education and VET sectors. HITS caters for HELP provider applications from higher education providers and on-going compliance requirements for those providers approved to offer HELP under the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

For all HITS enquiries relating to higher education providers and approved FEE-HELP Providers, please email FEE-HELP@education.gov.au.

VET Student Loans providers that require assistance with the HELP IT System (HITS) can direct their enquiries to the department via the VET Student Loans Provider online enquiry form.

HITS user guide

eSAM system

The eSAM System is the overarching system which allows organisations to manage and create users in HITS. For any enquiries, email FEE-HELP@education.gov.au.

eCAF

The Government eCAF system allows approved providers to provide enrolment information to the Department of Education and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations for students who have expressed an interest in accessing a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loans, or VET Student Loan (VETSL). The eCAF system facilitates access to CSPs, HELP loans and VETSL, removing the requirement for paper CAFs or maintenance of in-house eCAFs by providers.

The Government eCAF system does not provide verification of eligibility. Confirming a student's eligibility remains the responsibility of the provider.

All provider eCAF users are required to have individual access credentials. If you have not been granted access to the eCAF system, please contact the department at HEenquiries@education.gov.au (Higher Education providers) or VETStudentLoans@dewr.gov.au (VET Student Loans providers).

Providers must be aware of the requirements and their obligations when using the Government eCAF system.

The eCAF Factsheet includes important information for providers.