All loans offered by UNSW are repayable and interest-free. Domestic and international students, and Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students are eligible to apply.  

Students must satisfy specific application and approval criteria, including proving capacity to repay the loan and sign a legally binding contract that outlines the repayment arrangement.  

Loans are generally, up to $1500, although up to a value of $4000 for exceptional circumstances. Repayable within 24 months or prior to degree completion, whichever comes first. Please note that students will not be able to graduate without having paid off student loans.  

You can read more about the Student Loans in the UNSW Student Loans Procedure.

What are loans NOT available for?

  • General living costs if in receipt of a scholarship that covers general living costs.
  • Repayment of existing debts or loans.
  • Tuition fees.
  • Luxury goods and services such as jewellery and overseas travel.
  • Travel/health insurance costs.
  • Exchange program costs.

A student who already has a current loan cannot apply for another loan unless they:

  • repay the current loan
  • agree to combine the debt for both loans and have the capacity to repay the renegotiated amount.

Eligibility

Applications for loans will only be considered from students who:

  • are currently enrolled
  • have completed at least one semester/term of study, or, if in their first term, the census date has passed
  • have the capacity to repay the loan within the required time frame
  • are in good academic standing
  • do not have any outstanding debts owed to UNSW
  • provide documentary evidence in support of their application for loans of more than $200.

Students on Study Abroad or Exchange programs are classified as non-award students and are not eligible to apply for a student loan.

How to apply

If you want to apply for a loan, you can book an appointment with a Student Support advisor on the Health and Wellbeing booking page here.

For loans of greater than $200, you must provide documentary evidence in support of any claim you make on the application form. Documentary evidence includes:

  • a copy of your most recent bank statement
  • proof of income e.g. a Centrelink statement, payslips for the month preceding the application
  • a quote/statement for the purpose of the loan.

Frequently asked questions

How is the loan paid to me?

Loans are normally paid into the bank account nominated on the loan application form and may take up to five working days to be credited. 

How are repayments determined?

  • Loans of up to $200 must normally be repaid in full within two months.
  • Loans of up to $500 must normally be repaid in full within six months.
  • Loans of up to $1500 must normally be repaid in full within twelve months.
  • Repayments for loans in excess of $1500 are negotiated at the time of interview.

What happens if I do not repay my loan?

If you fail to repay your loan, the University will terminate your loan contract and may take legal proceedings to recover the outstanding balance of the loan. In addition, you will have a block placed on your student record. This block will prevent:

  • future enrolment
  • access to examination results
  • access to library services
  • access to buildings and computer labs
  • access to Web CT
  • Issuing of transcripts
  • graduation.

What happens if I discontinue my studies before I have repaid the loan?

If you discontinue your studies, the balance of the loan becomes payable immediately. If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to meet this repayment arrangement, you must immediately advise Student Support and Success.

How will I be notified if my loan is successful/unsuccessful?

You will be notified of the outcome of your application by email to your student email account.

How do I appeal if I am refused a loan?

If you wish to appeal against the decision on your loan application, you should send a letter of appeal to the Manager, Student Support and Success, G17A  John Goodsell Building, UNSW, Kensington NSW 2052.

Can part-time students apply for a student loan?

Yes

Can International Students apply for a loan?

Yes.

Is interest charged on the loan?

No.

What happens if my circumstances change again, and I cannot make the repayments?

How do I make my repayments?

Loan repayments can be made online.

Online

  1. Go to https://webpay.fin.unsw.edu.au/OneStopWeb/StudentLoanRepayment
  2. Enter your Student ID, name and date of birth.
  3. Enter the amount you wish to pay.
  4. Follow the prompts to the payment page.

In-person

In-person payments can be made via EFTPOS at The Nucleus: Student Hub.

Helpful resource links

  • Budgeting - A fantastic 'how-to' resource for those managing a tight budget.
  • Scholarships Office - Industry training, leadership and professional development scholarships.
  • Centrelink - Fares allowance, Austudy, Abstudy enquiries.

Contacts

Enhance your knowledge and insight when it comes to all things related to money.

Our Student Support Advisors can provide tips and advice and assist students effectively manage their finances.

Visit the Student Support webpage to find out more.

Postgraduate Research Students

In addition to Student Loans, you may also be eligible for a HDR Student Loan. The HDR Student Loan is for postgraduate research students in need of a loan for materials or equipment (including laptop/computer) not covered by the Facilities and Resources to Support Higher degree Research Candidate Guidelines.

For more information, see https://unsw.sharepoint.com/sites/unswhdr

UNSW Canberra students

In addition to Student Loans, emergency assistance loans are available for UNSW Canberra students through UNSW Canberra Student Administrative Services. 

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