Visa information
Use VEVO to find out what type of visa you hold.
Once you know what visa you have, check to see if you are eligible for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and/or a HELP loan.
Contact the Department of Home Affairs about visas or immigration.
New Zealand citizens
New Zealand citizens can get a subsidised place at a university or a higher education provider, called a CSP.
Only some New Zealand citizens can get a HELP loan. You must:
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be a New Zealand Special Category visa (SCV) holder;
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meet ALL of the long-term residency requirements; and
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be living in Australia while you study.
Long-term residency requirements
The long term residency requirements for New Zealand SCV holders are that you:
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first began to be usually resident in Australia at least 10 years ago,
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were a child under the age of 18 with no spouse or de facto partner when you first began to be usually resident in Australia, and
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have been in Australia for at least:
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a total of eight out of the past 10 years (from when you apply for the loan), and
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a total of 18 months out of the last two years (from when you apply for the loan).
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Residency requirements during study
If you live outside Australia during your study, you will no longer be able to get a HELP loan because once you leave Australia, you no longer hold a 'Special Category visa'.
This does not apply if you live outside Australia for the purpose of completing a requirement of that unit (e.g. an overseas exchange or study tour).
If you do not meet ALL of the above requirements, you will not get a HELP loan.
Permanent and temporary residents
Permanent residents can get a subsidised place at a provider, called a CSP. Use the Course Seeker website to search for courses around Australia.
Temporary residents are not able to get a CSP.
Permanent and temporary residents are not able to get HELP loans, except for very specific bridging study courses.
Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders
Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders can get both a CSP and a HELP loan if they meet the residency requirements below.
Residency requirements during study
If you live outside Australia during your study, you will no longer be able to get a CSP or a HELP loan.
This does not apply if you live outside Australia for the purpose of completing a requirement of that unit (e.g. an overseas exchange or study tour).
If you do not meet ALL the above requirements, you will not get a HELP loan.
International students
International students cannot get a HELP loan, and must pay the international student fees set by their provider.
Ask your provider about financial assistance or scholarships it offers.
Some Australian Government-funded scholarships are also available.
Information for international students who want to study in Australia can be found here.