OS-HELP

2024

In 2024, the maximum you can borrow for a six-month study period is:

• AU$7,921 - country outside of Asia
• AU$9,504 - studying in Asia
• AU$1,263 - additional if undertaking Asian language study in preparation for overseas study in Asia

2025

In 2025, the maximum you can borrow for a six-month study period is:

• AU$8,245 - country outside of Asia
• AU$9,893 - studying in Asia
• AU$1,314 - additional if undertaking Asian language study in preparation for overseas study in Asia

Note: You must request a minimum of $1,000 but are not obliged to apply for the maximum amount available.

The amount you are loaned depends on the overall OS-HELP funding available to UNSW.

The amounts above are the maximum that can be loaned in a calendar year. If you are applying above the current year’s maximum for the following year, this will not be paid until after 1 January. Keep this in mind when arranging flight, accommodation and other expense purchases.

The Asian language study supplementary amount does not count towards the lifetime maximum of two OS‑HELP loans. We will aim to provide this funding before you leave for your overseas study.

To be eligible for an OS-HELP loan at UNSW you must be one of the following:

• an Australian citizen
• a permanent humanitarian visa holder 
• an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder
• a pacific engagement visa (PEV) holder
• a New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) holder or an eligible former New Zealand SCV holder who meets the long-term residency requirements.
   

You must also meet all the following eligibility requirements:

• not have received an OS‑HELP loan on more than one other occasion, including from another higher education provider
• not have received a second OS-HELP loan for the same six-month period
• be enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place
• have completed 48 units of credit towards your current program
• be undertaking full-time study overseas that will count towards your current program
• have at least 6 units of credit left to complete once you have finished your overseas study
• have a valid tax file number (TFN) at the time of applying
• have a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
• have read the OS-HELP Statement of terms and conditions.
   

To be eligible for the extra Asian language study amount, you must meet the following criteria in addition to the above:

• have been selected for OS-HELP assistance for overseas study in Asia for that six-month period, and
• be undertaking language study in preparation for that overseas study, and
• have indicated on your OS-HELP debt confirmation form that you would like to receive a supplementary amount for Asian language study, and
• have not yet completed the Asian language study at the time you apply for the supplementary amount, and
• you plan to study overseas in at least one of these countries in Asia:  
  
  Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

Apply for OS-HELP on myUNSW. 

1. Download and complete OS-HELP Academic Credit Approval form

You will require signed approvals from: 

• the Learning Abroad and Student Exchange office, and
• your School or Faculty

2. Submit an online OS-HELP Debt Confirmation form 
 
Access the OS-HELP Debt Confirmation form on myUNSW - go to My Student Profile > Commonwealth Gov. Forms. 
 
Attach your OS-HELP Academic Credit Approval form and any supporting documentation before submitting your application.

You will receive a confirmation email for your application within five (5) business days from the Student Financials team. 
 
You will be advised of the outcome of your application through your student email. You must study overseas within six months of your OS-HELP application being approved.

Outcome

You will receive a confirmation email for your application within 5 business days from Student Financials. We will also let you know the outcome of your application by your student email. 

If successful, you will need to accept your offer and confirm your bank details.

The money will then be paid to your nominated bank account.

You must study overseas within six months of your OS-HELP application being approved.

If your plans or circumstances change before you receive the funds, we may withdraw the offer. You are required to notify UNSW of any changes to circumstances that may affect your eligibility.

Repayments

Once you have received the money from us, the debt has been incurred. 

It can only be repaid through the Australian Taxation Office in the same way that you repay your student contribution with HELP.