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.

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.

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA)

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA) establishes TEQSA as Australia’s independent national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education.

Administrative Information for Providers (AIP) manual

The Higher Education Administrative Information for Providers (AIP) has been developed to help approved higher education providers understand their obligations under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA), legislative instruments made under HESA, and other Australian Government legislation.

HELP IT system (HITS)

The HELP IT System (HITS) is an integrated IT system for the higher education and VET sectors. HITS is used to manage HELP provider applications from higher education providers and supports ongoing compliance requirements for those 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 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.

Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)

The Government Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (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.