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Student loans

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What is a student loan?

Unlike a HECS-HELP loan that is funded by the Australian Government, a student loan comes directly from UNSW. A UNSW student loan is an interest-free loan for students whose academic progress is, or may be, impacted by a financial need.   

  • UNSW student loans are typically offered up to a value of $1,500. However, a value of up to $4,000 may be accessed in exceptional circumstances. These loans must be repaid within six or 24 months (depending on the type of loan) or prior to degree completion (whichever comes first).

  • UNSW student loans are offered for specific circumstances and should only be used for transactions that directly support your ability to complete your studies to a satisfactory level.

    These could include:

    • The cost of personal or medical expenses
    • Study supplies, materials or equipment
    • Course-related costs such as field trips
    •  Accommodation or relocation costs
    • Laptop/computer costs
    • Other relevant costs (e.g. elite athlete program fees).

  • UNSW student loans should not be used for:

    • General living costs, if a student is receiving a scholarship that covers general living costs
    • Repayment of existing debts or loans, except in cases of minimal debt (e.g. a small library fine) that may prevent the student’s continuation at UNSW. In these cases, the debt amount must be incorporated into the loan repayment arrangements and the student must agree to repay the debt immediately upon receipt of the loan.
    • Repayment of tuition fees
    • Luxury goods and services, such as jewellery and overseas travel
    • Travel/health insurance costs
    • Exchange program costs.

Who is eligible for a student loan?

Student loans are available to eligible students, including domestic and international students and those studying part-time and full-time. To be eligible, you must:

  • Be currently enrolled at UNSW
  • Have completed at least one semester/term of study 
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Demonstrate the capacity to repay the loan within the required timeframe
  • Have no outstanding debts to UNSW
  • Provide documentary evidence for loans over $200.

  • If you want to apply for a loan, you can book an appointment with a Student Support Advisor on the Health and Wellbeing booking page.

    For loans of greater than $200, you must provide documentary evidence in support of any claim you make on the application form. Documentary evidence includes:

    • a copy of your most recent bank statement
    • proof of income e.g. a Centrelink statement, payslips for the month preceding the application
    • a quote/statement for the purpose of the loan.

  • You will be notified of the outcome of your application via email to your student email inbox. 

    If you wish to appeal against the decision on your loan application, you should send a letter of appeal to the Lead, Student Support at advisors@unsw.edu.au.

  • Loans are typically paid into the bank account nominated on the loan application form and may take up to five working days to be credited.

  • Loans are generally up to $1,500. In exceptional circumstances, loans up to $4,000 may be available.

    The repayment terms are as follows:

    • Loans up to $500: Repay within six months
    • Loans up to $1,500: Repay within twelve months or before degree completion
    • Loans over $1,500: Repay within 24 months or before degree completion.

    Students will not be permitted to graduate until their loan has been repaid in full.

  • Loan repayments can be made online or in-person

    Online

    1. Log in to the Student Loan Repayments portal
    2. Enter your student ID, name and date of birth
    3. Enter the amount you wish to pay
    4. Follow the prompts to the payment page.

    In-person

    In-person payments can be made via EFTPOS at The Nucleus: Student Hub.

  • If you fail to repay your loan, the University may:

    • Terminate your loan contract and take legal action to recover the balance
    • Place a block on your student record, preventing future enrolment, access to exam results, library services, and graduation.

  • To cancel your loan, email the Student Financials Team at fees@unsw.edu.au. Note that the administrative fee is non-refundable once the loan is activated.

  • You may also be eligible for a HDR Student Loan. The HDR Student Loan is for postgraduate research students in need of a loan for materials or equipment (including laptop/computer) not covered by the Facilities and Resources to Support Higher Degree Research Candidate Guidelines.
    Find out more

  • In addition to Student Loans, emergency assistance loans are available for UNSW Canberra students through UNSW Canberra Student Administrative Services. 

    Phone: +61 2 6268 6000 
    Email: sas@adfa.edu.au

  • Here are a few helpful resources to help you manage your money.

See also

Looking for help with managing your money? 

Our Student Support Advisors can provide tips and advice on basic budgeting.
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