Study and training loans – what's new

Get updated information on any new legislation for study and training support loans.

On this page

• HELP debt reduction for rural doctors and nurse practitioners
• Startup Year

HELP debt reduction for rural doctors and nurse practitioners

On 10 November 2022, the Australian Government introduced a bill into parliament to establish the HELP for Rural Doctors and Nurse Practitioners initiativeExternal Link to encourage doctors and nurse practitioners to live and work in rural, remote or very remote areas of Australia.

The Higher Education Support Amendment (2022 Measures No. 1) Bill 2022 (the bill) amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003. The bill received Royal Assent on 20 February 2023.

The initiative gives doctors and nurses the opportunity to reduce their outstanding Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debtExternal Link if they meet:

• the eligibility criteriaExternal Link
• their obligationsExternal Link to complete the required amount of eligible work in specified areas.

For further information, contact the Department of Education at veryremotehelp@education.gov.au.

Startup Year

On 9 March 2023, the Australian Government introduced a bill into parliament to create a new form of Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) assistance, the Startup Year program.

The Education Legislation Amendment (Startup Year and Other Measures) Bill 2023 (the bill) will amend the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and other related Acts to deliver the Startup Year loans through the existing HELP system. The bill has not been passed in the Australian Parliament.

Under the Startup Year program, income contingent loans will be offered to 2,000 final year undergraduate students, current post-graduate students and recent graduates to support their participation in accelerator programs.

The loan is intended to help cover costs associated with participation in the accredited accelerator program, up to the maximum Band 3 annual student contribution level under the HELP.

The Startup Year consultation paperExternal Link is available on the Department of Education website.