Educational Assistance Program

What you need to know

PayPal wants you to further your education — on us! When you take classes and developmental programs for your current role (or potential future role), we’ll reimburse you through the Educational Assistance Program’s study assistance.

Who’s eligible

Permanent full-time and part-time employees of PayPal are eligible for the program. Casual and temporary employees are not eligible to participate.

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Your manager’s approval

All full-time employees are eligible to receive a reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of their course fees, textbooks, and relevant expenses, with a maximum of AUD 5,000. Just get your course approved by your manager before you enrol, and successfully complete your coursework for reimbursement.

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What else to know

Individual eligibility

You must be employed with PayPal for at least 1 year before you can apply for study assistance.

Your performance must meet business goals or go beyond those goals.

You must not be on any form of disciplinary action before seeking study assistance reimbursement or while using the benefit.

Your application must be completed and discussed with your team leader and manager.

The courses you take must be integrated into your personal development plan (PDP).

The academic program must have a direct relevance to your current or a future role in the short term.

The course you take must be through a recognised institute of learning.

Course / program requirements

Education reimbursement is available for certificates, diplomas, and bachelor's, master's, or graduate degree programs that are job-related.

Individual courses will be reviewed for approval on a case-by-case situation.

Programs leading to professional certification must be in a specific job-related field of professional discipline. They should provide you with skills, knowledge, and competencies for your current or future role within the company.

What to do before you apply

Once you’ve researched and decided on a course of study, you may be ready to apply for education reimbursement. Be sure to take these steps before you apply:

  • Review the full policy and associated criteria
  • Obtain the form from HR Hub, and discuss your plans with your manager and team leader
  • Submit the request form 4 weeks prior to course start to HR Hub (this page is only accessible within the PayPal firewall); an Education Agreement with reimbursement details will be set up
  • Update your personal development plan (PDP) to reflect your participation in an educational program

Once your application is approved, you may register for the course. Be sure to retain original copies of payment receipts to submit for reimbursement.

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Reimbursement process

Once you successfully complete the course or complete an essential part of the course, submit the following documents to HR Hub:

  • A copy of the transcript from the college or program administrator to you confirming you’ve successfully completed the course or essential parts of the course
  • The original receipt of payment from the college
  • A copy of your study assistance reimbursement form as well as a copy of the completed Education Agreement

For approved courses, reimbursable expenses include enrolment fees, tuition, union fees, textbooks, HECS, co-op bookshop membership fees, and travel.

HR Hub records and checks the information provided by you. Once HR Hub processes this, payment information will be provided to payroll for reimbursement. You will receive this payment in the next pay run, and you will not pay taxes on this amount.

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Tax concessions

You are not eligible to apply for a tax exemption for expenses reimbursed by PayPal.

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Deferring or discontinuing your education

Notify your manager immediately if you defer or discontinue your education. You will no longer be eligible for study assistance.

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Termination, retrenchment, and transfers

Termination: If you leave the company before completing the approved course, you will not receive reimbursement for expenses. You’ll also be required to repay all study assistance made to you for the course.

Retrenchment: PayPal will reimburse all relevant fees and expenses that accrue to the end of the semester or year.

Transfer: PayPal will pay for fees and expenses that accrued during employment with the company only.

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Termination of assistance

Study assistance will terminate if you:

  • Don’t obtain a passing standard in all subjects
  • Defer or discontinue the course
  • Perform an unsatisfactory level of work at PayPal
  • Are terminated or counselled for misconduct

You may be required to repay any reimbursement received.

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Parental leave

Employees on paid or unpaid parental leave who are already enrolled in a course and receive study assistance will continue to receive this benefit. 

Refer to the Educational Assistance Program’s study assistance policy on the Bridge for complete details (this page is only accessible within the PayPal firewall).

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Provider contact information

Educational Assistance Program

HR Hub

This page is only accessible within the PayPal firewall.