The eligibility criteria are set in legislation but each higher education provider is responsible for assessing whether a student meets the eligibility requirements.

A student’s current or prospective provider should be the first point of contact about enrolment and eligibility matters and their specific circumstances.

HELP loan eligibility criteria are based on citizenship and residency status, available HELP balance and available Student Learning Entitlement. A provider must also be satisfied that you are academically suited to undertake the unit(s) of study in your course.

Importantly, access to HELP loans is not means tested.

The eligibility criteria vary slightly between each loan. It is important you understand the specific criteria your HELP loan application will be assessed against by your provider.

The eligibility criteria for each loan are outlined in the relevant HELP loan section as well as in the HELP loan booklets and fact sheets.