Overview
The Redcliffe Aero Club is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that has been approved by the Australian Government to offer VET Student loans to eligible students undertaking approved higher-level VET qualifications (diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate and graduate diploma courses).
If you are thinking of enrolling into a VET course at the diploma level or above, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan to pay upfront for your tuition fees.
Whilst you do not pay for the course on enrolment, the VET Student loan becomes a HELP debt with the Commonwealth Government and needs to be repaid. These loans are only approved on meeting certain eligibility and entry criteria. (please refer to the VET Student Loan page for detailed information).
VET Student loans can be used to fully or partially cover the cost of course tuition fees. It is charged on a block by block basis for the entire VET course of study unless the student wishes to contribute payment towards the tuition fees. Tuition fees covered through VET Student Loans cannot be used to pay for other expenses such as textbooks, equipment, travel and accommodation.
Using a VET Student loan for your course
Some of our Diploma level courses have a VET Student Loan payment option available for eligible students.
Please note, that the federal government applies a one-off 20-25%* loan fee to your loan amount if you are a full fee-paying or fee for service student. This loan fee does not apply towards your total FEE-HELP limit.
*Please refer to the Study Assist website and the VET Student Loan Handbook for current government fees.
Recreational Pilot > Commercial Pilot
This course provides you with the core qualifications to start your career in Aviation.
This course begins at your first flight and takes you all the way through to a Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL).
Private Pilot > Commercial Multi-Engine Instrument Rated Pilot
During this course you will develop the attributes of a professional pilot and learn the advanced skills required to pilot a multi-engine aircraft in all weather operations.
Commercial Pilot > Flight Instructor
The Advanced Diploma of Aviation (Flight Instructor) provides you with the fundamental skills to deliver quality training for a flight training organisation.
A Commercial Pilots Licence is required prior to commencing this course.
Application process
- Check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan. To do this you must read the VET Student Loans Information Booklet 2017.
- Download and review the information in the RAC Student handbook.
- Complete the course enrollment form for the course you would like to enroll in. Click on the ‘Courses’ tab to view our current available courses.
- Send your expression of interest to info@redcliffeaeroclub.com.au. Include any relevant information about previous aviation experience or training undertaken.
- Attend an information meeting at the club.
Applicants will be assessed prior to being offered a course.
Student guidance
Statement of VET Tuition Assurance
Accreditation
- Our courses offered under VET Student Loans are nationally recognised under the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF).
- RAC Is a Registered Training Organisation. RTO 40971.
- RAC Is a member of the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET).
- RAC Australian Student Tuition Assurance Scheme (ASTAS) Certificate.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
You are eligible for a VET Student Loan if you:
- Are an Australian citizen, NZ Special Categories Visa (SCV) holder who meets eligibility criteria, or a permanent humanitarian visa holder (resident in Australia for the duration of the unit); AND
- Have a Unique Student Identification (USI) number or are otherwise exempt; AND
- Meet course requirements as follows; AND
- is specified on the Vet Student Loans (courses and loan caps) determination; and
- delivered by an approved course provider; and
- is a qualification of diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate or graduate diploma in the Australian Qualifications Framework.
- Have not exceeded the VET Student Loan limit (see below); AND
- You have been assessed as academically suited by either:
- Providing your Australian Year 12 Certificate; OR
- Providing evidence of successful completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework Certificate IV or higher qualification (where the language of instruction is English); OR
- Displaying competence at or above Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) in both reading and numeracy through a CSPA (Core Skills Profile for Adults) LLN (Language, Literacy and Numeracy) assessment.
- In addition, Redcliffe Aero Club must reasonably believe you show competence in completing the course.
How do I apply?
To apply for a VET Student Loan, you will need a tax file number (TFN) and a Request for VET Student Loan ECAF Form.
Before you sign and submit your form, you must read the VET Student Loan Student Information Booklet 2017. The form will ask you to provide your TFN. If you don’t have a TFN, you can give your provider a Certificate of application for a TFN. This certificate is available from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) after you have applied for a TFN. Contact the ATO on 13 28 61 for TFN information.
You must submit the signed and completed form to your provider by the census date or administrative date. If you do not submit your form on or before the census date, you will not be eligible for a VET Student Loan.
How much can I borrow?
There is a set maximum amount you can borrow through VET Student Loan over your lifetime; this is the VET Student Loan limit. To view the latest VET Student Loan limit visit Study Assist.
How do I repay the loan?
Your HELP debt is repaid through the tax system once your repayment income is above the minimum repayment threshold for compulsory repayment, even if you are still studying. Your HELP debt is indexed each year in line with movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to maintain its real value but is otherwise interest fee.
Visit the ATO website at www.ato.gov.au for further information about HELP debt repayments.
When do I have to repay my HELP debt?
You have to start repaying your HELP debt through the taxation system once your repayment income is above the compulsory repayment threshold, even if you are still studying. The compulsory repayment threshold is adjusted each year. The compulsory repayment threshold for the 2015-2016 income year is $54,126 and the compulsory repayment threshold for the 2016-2017 income year is $54,869.
Repayment income is calculated from the amounts given on your income tax return for:
- your taxable income;
- reportable fringe benefits (reported on your payment summary);
- total net investment loss (which includes net rental loss);
- reportable super contributions; and
- exempt foreign employment income amounts.
Helpful Links & Documents
Department of Education Information – VET Student Loan Student Information Booklet.
Student loan payment information – Study Assist
HELP Student loan re-payment plans – The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Student loan limits – Study Assist