The application form to study in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or to apply for 1 of the 5 Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loans is provided by your university or higher education provider.
They are also responsible for assessing if you meet the eligibility criteria.
The application form is called an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF).
What's on this page
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Applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
Things to know:
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You may apply for a CSP at a university through the Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) in the state or territory where your university is located. You may also be able to apply directly to your provider.
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A small number of non-universities may offer CSPs. You should contact them directly about applying for a CSP.
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Your offer of enrolment will indicate whether you have been offered a CSP or a full fee-paying place. To accept your CSP offer, you need to submit a valid CSP eCAF to your provider on or before the census date (or earlier administrative date).
Applying for a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan
Things to know:
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Applying for a HECS-HELP (also known as HECS) or FEE-HELP loan is a step in the enrolment process with your provider.
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If you are offered a CSP, your application for a HECS-HELP loan will be included in the same form.
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If you are not offered a CSP, your application will be for a FEE-HELP loan only.
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You must submit your application on or before the census date.
Applying for a STARTUP-HELP loan
Things to know:
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Applying for a STARTUP-HELP loan is a step in the enrolment process with your provider.
Applying for an OS-HELP loan
Things to know:
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You will need to take proactive steps to apply for an OS-HELP with your provider.
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You will need to complete a separate eCAF to the one you submitted for your CSP and/or HECS-HELP loan.
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The OS-HELP eCAF may be available in your student portal or you can talk to your provider’s enrolment area.
Applying for a SA-HELP loan
Things to know:
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You will need to take proactive steps to apply for a SA-HELP loan with your provider.
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You will need to complete a separate eCAF to the one you submitted for your CSP and/or HECS-HELP loan or FEE-HELP loan.
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The SA-HELP eCAF may be available in your student portal or you can talk to your provider’s enrolment area.
For example
Leo has submitted a CSP and HECS-HELP eCAF for his Bachelor of Laws degree. He wants to access a SA-HELP loan to pay his university’s student services and amenities fee (SSAF). He logs into his student portal and accesses a SA-HELP eCAF and submits it to his university before the SSAF due date.