Changes from Vet Fee Help to Vet Student Loans

 You've got VET Student Loans questions - We've got answers

It is little wonder there has been so much angst for students training under the Vet Fee Help system.   The changes have been sudden leaving students wondering what it means to their studies.   Not only has this caused fear for students but it has also had a damaging impact on the training providers doing the right thing.  There is no doubt in my mind that the rorting by approximately 19 training providers had to cease. It is most definitely time for a fresh start with a system that prevents further rorting.  However, the very short lead in time has sent us all into a frenzy and I believe this could have been managed a whole lot more effectively by the current government.  Most importantly students must be kept fully informed along the way.    No matter what college you studied with I hope the information I provide will help with some of your much-needed answers! Much of this information has been sourced and collated from https://docs.education.gov.au fact sheets.  

I am currently studying under Vet Fee Help – Can I continue under this system?

  All current VET FEE-HELP students will be contacted by the Department of Education and Training where records indicate the student has not completed their course. Contact will be made via postal or electronic mail, with students who have an email address being contacted first. For students that do not have an email, the department will be sending you a letter in the mail. Due to the volume of students being contacted by the department, letters will be sent progressively commencing from December 2016. Existing students who:

• Enrolled in VET courses prior to 1 January 2017,
• Have already received VET FEE-HELP assistance for units of those courses, and
• Remain enrolled in those courses with their original provider

Will be given the opportunity to continue their studies under the existing VET FEE-HELP arrangements for units with census dates to 31 December 2017.  

What do I need to do to continue?

Once you receive your email or letter from the department:

• Go to the VET FEE-HELP opt-in portal https://ecaf.education.gov.au/vfh
•  Sign in using the passkey number provided from your email/letter and your Date of Birth
•  Check the prefilled details and complete the form
•  Press the submit button
•  A confirmation email will be sent to you which will confirm the opt-in process has been accepted
•  Take this confirmation email to your provider so that you can continue to receive VET FEE‑HELP

 Can I keep studying if I don’t opt-in?

Students must opt-in before returning to study - that is, before attending any classes or logging in to continue a course so if you wish to continue studying the sooner you opt-in the better for you.  

What should I do if I have not received an email/letter with my passkey?

  If you do not, please fill in the enquiry form on www.education.gov.au/vet-student-loans/vet-fee-help-opt-in and select “Requesting passkey” in the “What is your question regarding?” field. Please Note: Your passkey will expire after 10 days.  

Can my training provider opt in for me?

  VET FEE-HELP providers cannot submit the opt-in form on your behalf.  

What if my training provider has recently closed?

  If your training provider has closed and you have not heard from them, you have rights: If a VET FEE-HELP provider ceases to provide a VET course of study, the tuition assurance scheme provides a mechanism to give currently enrolled students the option to complete their course at another provider. Contact Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET) on 1800 657644 or email them at studentenquiries@acpet.edu.au for further assistance and information about continuing your studies. Where the training company is unable to provide the training for which it has received payment, you can be placed with a suitable alternative training provider.  

Tuition fee repayment option

  In exceptional circumstances where you cannot be placed in a similar course of study, you may be offered the tuition fee repayment option. You may receive a refund of any upfront tuition fees paid for any units of study they were enrolled in at the time the course ceased to be delivered, or request to have their VET FEE-HELP debt remitted for any uncompleted units of study.  

Finally,…… and off the track a little……

  There are many factors to take into consideration when deciding what to study; interests, skills, entry requirements, employment prospect etc. When choosing a course to study it is a good idea to ask yourself “what outcome am I looking for?”  Why am I enrolling in this course?”  “Does this course really inspire me?”   Be sure that this is what you want, not what someone else thinks would be “great for you.” If you are enthusiastic, engaged, and driven then your future will become clear and your goals can be aligned.  The choice of course is of upmost importance, there should be a real passion for the subject matter.   If you haven’t found that passion, then it is worthwhile investing in a career planning session with a qualified career planner.  One or two sessions may just save you time, money and energy and help you get clear on your vision and in looking at all the possible alternatives. I wish you every success in your future studies. If you have any other concerns or questions, please go to https://docs.education.gov.a or alternatively feel free to email me sally@jcg.edu.au.

Sally Healey - CEO at Jigsaw Training Group