ato

 
 
Show download pdf controls
Show print controls

  • Types of loans

    You can find a number of loans available from the Australian Government to help you complete further training and study.

    On this page

    HELP

    The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) assists eligible students with their student contribution or tuition fees from a university or other higher education provider.

    There are different types of HELP loans available, depending on the student's circumstances. If you have obtained one of these loans, you will have a HELP debt.

    See Study AssistExternal Link.

    VSL

    The VET Student Loans (VSL) program offers protection for students and focuses on courses that address industry needs, creating better opportunities for employment.

    VSL offers income contingent loan support to eligible students studying certain diploma level and above vocational education and training qualifications. Use the VSL Eligibility ToolExternal Link as a guide to help check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan.

    For more information, see Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, for:

    SFSS

    The Student Financial Supplement Scheme (SFSS) was a voluntary loan scheme to help tertiary students cover their expenses while they studied.

    This scheme closed on 31 December 2003. However, all existing SFSS debts continue to be collected through the tax system.

    See Department of Social Services: SFSSExternal Link.

    SSL and ABSTUDY SSL

    The Student Start-up Loan (SSL) and ABSTUDY Student Start-up Loan (ABSTUDY SSL) schemes started on 1 January 2016 and replaced the Student Start-up Scholarship payment.

    This is a voluntary loan available to eligible students in higher education who receive:

    • Youth Allowance
    • Austudy
    • ABSTUDY Living Allowance.

    The Services Australia administers the payments.

    See Services Australia – Student Start-up LoanExternal Link.

    TSL

    Under the Trade Support Loans (TSL) program, eligible Australian apprentices are offered loans over a 4 year period. A 20% discount applies to the loan on completion of the apprenticeship.

    TSL payments are administered by the Australian Apprenticeships Centres and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

    See Australian ApprenticeshipsExternal Link.

    Last modified: 17 May 2023QC 44853