If you are unable to continue your study because of an issue beyond your control, you may be able to have your Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt remitted or reversed due to ‘special circumstances’.

To apply for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan you need a Unique Student Identifier (USI). You also need a USI to graduate at the end of your degree.

Once you have received a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan, it is important you monitor and manage your HELP debt. 

On 2 November 2024 the Australian Government announced it is making the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) and student loan repayment system fairer by changing the repayment system and increasing the amount people can earn bef

On 11 September 2024 the Universities Accord (National Student Ombudsman) Bill 2024 was introduced into Parliament to establish a new National Student Ombudsman (NSO), as a new function of the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

On 3 November 2024 the Australian Government announced it will reduce all current Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt and other student loan debt by 20%.

There are a number of ways you can start studying at a higher education provider.

The Student Learning Entitlement is the amount of time a student can study in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP). 

Indexation is added to your Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt each year. This means means the amount you repay in total will be more than the original amount of the loan.