Funding
There's a lot to think about when planning for your Exchange program and money is a big part of that.
There are two main ways that Swinburne Abroad can assist with your financial planning for your Exchange program- through the Australian Government OS HELP Loan and Centrelink support letters.
Australian Government
OS-HELP Loan
OS-HELP Loan
OS-HELP is a loan available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) who want to undertake part of their studies overseas. It helps with a range of expenses, such as airfares, accommodation, travel insurance, and other study-related costs.
This loan is added to your HECS debt, which you do not have to repay until your income reaches the minimum repayment threshold.
How much can I borrow?
For 2025, the maximum OS-HELP loan amounts are:
You can apply for up to two OS-HELP loans in your lifetime. However, they can't be within the same six-month period.
Can I borrow half the amount?
Yes. Swinburne allows students to apply for half the loan amount if they do not wish to borrow the full amount.
However, please note that once your OS-HELP loan is processed, you cannot increase the amount to the full loan limit. The processed amount will count as one of your OS-HELP loans.
Am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible, you must:
This loan is added to your HECS debt, which you do not have to repay until your income reaches the minimum repayment threshold.
How much can I borrow?
For 2025, the maximum OS-HELP loan amounts are:
- $8,245 if you do not study in Asia, or
- $9,893 if you study in Asia, plus an extra $1,314 if you do Asian language study in preparation for study in Asia (before your overseas program).
You can apply for up to two OS-HELP loans in your lifetime. However, they can't be within the same six-month period.
Can I borrow half the amount?
Yes. Swinburne allows students to apply for half the loan amount if they do not wish to borrow the full amount.
However, please note that once your OS-HELP loan is processed, you cannot increase the amount to the full loan limit. The processed amount will count as one of your OS-HELP loans.
Am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen, a permanent humanitarian visa holder, a New Zealand Special Visa (SCV) holder, or eligible former New Zealand SCV holder who meets the residency requirements and who will be resident in Australia at the time of applying
- Be enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
- Have completed at least one EFTSL (usually one year of full-time study – 8 units at Swinburne)
- Have at least 0.125 EFTSL units (one unit at Swinburne) to complete in your degree after your overseas study
- Be studying full-time overseas and have your overseas study count towards your Australian course
- Be approved by Swinburne Abroad for an overseas study program
- Have not received an OS-HELP loan on more than one other occasion
For more information on OS-HELP visit the Study Assist website or read the OS-HELP and overseas study booklet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can the loan be used for?
The OS-HELP loan will be paid into your nominated bank account as cash and can help with:
When can I apply?
You can apply for the OS-HELP Loan once you have been officially accepted by your host university and moved into the 'Pre-Departure' stage by Swinburne Abroad.
If you are not eligible at that time or choose not to apply immediately, you may still apply later- provided your application is submitted and approved before the end date of your overseas program.
How do I apply?
Once you are in the ‘Pre-Departure’ stage, Swinburne Abroad will guide you through the application process:
Do I need to provide supporting documents if I want the extra loan for Asian language study in preparation for my overseas program?
Yes. You can get an extra loan amount if you study an Asian language BEFORE your overseas program. You will need to provide the following to Swinburne Abroad:
Note: You cannot get an extra study amount if your Asian language study is a part of your course or if you are already using a HELP loan to pay for those units.
When will I receive the funds?
Your OS-HELP application may only be assessed and approved within six months of your overseas program start date.
If approved, the OS-HELP loan will be paid directly into your nominated bank account. The timing varies, but it is usually within a few weeks of submission and approval.
Do I have to repay the OS-HELP loan?
Yes. OS-HELP is part of the HELP loan system, so you will start repaying it once your income exceeds the repayment threshold.
Repayments are made through the Australian tax system to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
What if I change my mind or my plans change?
If your overseas study is cancelled or you decide not to go, please inform Swinburne Abroad immediately.
If the funds have already been disbursed, you may be required to repay the loan in full. You can also make voluntary repayments to the ATO at any time to reduce the balance of your HELP debt.
Can I use OS-HELP for multiple programs?
You may be eligible for a second OS-HELP loan, but only if:
Need Help?
Contact Swinburne Abroad at exchange@swin.edu.au.
Visit the full OS-HELP guide at: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/os-help-loans-and-overseas-study.
The OS-HELP loan will be paid into your nominated bank account as cash and can help with:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Study materials
- General living expenses while overseas
When can I apply?
You can apply for the OS-HELP Loan once you have been officially accepted by your host university and moved into the 'Pre-Departure' stage by Swinburne Abroad.
If you are not eligible at that time or choose not to apply immediately, you may still apply later- provided your application is submitted and approved before the end date of your overseas program.
How do I apply?
Once you are in the ‘Pre-Departure’ stage, Swinburne Abroad will guide you through the application process:
- You will receive an email titled “You can now apply for your OS-HELP Loan”, prompting you to apply
- This application form will become available for you to access in your “Tasks” list via the Swinburne Abroad Student Portal
- As part of your application, you must also submit your OS-HELP debt confirmation form (Government Assistance Form), and update your bank account details in your Swinburne Student Portal.
Do I need to provide supporting documents if I want the extra loan for Asian language study in preparation for my overseas program?
Yes. You can get an extra loan amount if you study an Asian language BEFORE your overseas program. You will need to provide the following to Swinburne Abroad:
- Proof of acceptance or enrolment into the language course.
Note: You cannot get an extra study amount if your Asian language study is a part of your course or if you are already using a HELP loan to pay for those units.
When will I receive the funds?
Your OS-HELP application may only be assessed and approved within six months of your overseas program start date.
If approved, the OS-HELP loan will be paid directly into your nominated bank account. The timing varies, but it is usually within a few weeks of submission and approval.
Do I have to repay the OS-HELP loan?
Yes. OS-HELP is part of the HELP loan system, so you will start repaying it once your income exceeds the repayment threshold.
Repayments are made through the Australian tax system to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
What if I change my mind or my plans change?
If your overseas study is cancelled or you decide not to go, please inform Swinburne Abroad immediately.
If the funds have already been disbursed, you may be required to repay the loan in full. You can also make voluntary repayments to the ATO at any time to reduce the balance of your HELP debt.
Can I use OS-HELP for multiple programs?
You may be eligible for a second OS-HELP loan, but only if:
- The programs are on separate occasions, and six-months apart
- You meet the eligibility criteria each time
Need Help?
Contact Swinburne Abroad at exchange@swin.edu.au.
Visit the full OS-HELP guide at: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/os-help-loans-and-overseas-study.
Centrelink Letter
If you already receive payments from Centrelink (such as Austudy, Youth Allowance) these payments can continue while you are overseas on Exchange.
You will be placed in an Exchange Holding Code while you are away- so you will remain enrolled as a Swinburne student.
Swinburne Abroad can provide you with a Centrelink support letter, that confirms your approved program and program dates, as well as your full-time enrollment status. You will then need to liaise with Centrelink directly yourself to provide this letter and manage your payments.
*Note: Swinburne Abroad does not liaise with Centrelink and cannot guarantee eligibility for any payments.
Want to request a Centrelink Letter?
You can request this letter after you are officially accepted by your host university. You will have received a Pre-Departure email from Swinburne Abroad titled "Your Pre-Departure Checklist - Getting ready for your Exchange"- the link to request a Centrelink Letter is here.
You'll need to complete the form (accessible via the Swinburne Abroad Student Portal) and an automatic email with the letter will be sent to you.
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