HECS-HELP is a loan from the Australian Government that you can use to pay your student contribution amount.

Below you will find answers to the most common questions on eligibility for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or HELP loan.

Below you will find answers to the most common questions on applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or HELP loan.

If you are unhappy with your student experience at your higher education provider, you should firstly raise it with your provider to see if you are able to resolve the issue quickly and informally.

To access a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and/or a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan, students must be enrolled with an approved Australian higher education provider.

Following the passing of legislation on Thursday 28 November 2024, the Australian Government has established a new National Student Ombudsman (NSO) which commenced operations on 1 February 2025.

This booklet is about Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) and the HECS-HELP (also known as HECS) loan from the Australian Government to pay your student contribution amounts.

This booklet is about OS-HELP, a loan from the Australian Government for students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) who want to study part of their course overseas.

This booklet is about STARTUP-HELP, a loan from the Australian Government that can be used to pay for your studies when you attend university and participate in a Startup Year course.