OS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that helps eligible undergraduate students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place at an Australian university undertake some of their study overseas.
OS-HELP can be used for a range of expenses associated with the overseas study, such as airfares, accommodation and other travel or study expenses. As a student, you may receive one OS-HELP loan for a six-month study period and you can access a total of two OS-HELP loans over your lifetime.
OS-HELP loans are administered through ECU on behalf of the Australian Government according to the procedures set out below.
To be eligible for an OS-HELP loan, students must meet the minimum eligibility requirements set out by the Australian Government found on their Study Assist OS-HELP loans website.
Further information on changes to the OS-HELP eligibility requirements for students assessed and selected for OS-HELP assistance can also be found at the above website.
You can apply for an OS-HELP loan amount that is less than the maximum OS-HELP loan amount but not more. For more information, please visit the Study Assist OS-HELP loans website: How much can I borrow?
You must apply for OS-HELP assistance through ECU. You must submit an OS-HELP loan application to ECU in order to be assessed for OS-HELP assistance. Your OS-HELP loan application must include the following supporting documentation:
You must not have completed or discontinued your overseas study program at the time of your OS-HELP application. The Student Hub may request further information from you in order to determine your eligibility for OS-HELP assistance.
There is currently no OS-HELP application deadline at ECU and you may download and submit your OS-HELP application and supporting documents to the Student Hub at any time.
Please note that ECU cannot select students for OS-HELP assistance more than six months prior to the start of their overseas study programs.
You will be notified by ECU, in writing, of the outcome of your OS-HELP loan application within two months from submitting your OS-HELP application.
You will be assessed by ECU to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for OS-HELP assistance. If there are more eligible students applying for OS-HELP loans than funding available, students will be selected for OS-HELP assistance based on academic merit.
If you are selected for OS-HELP assistance, before payment can be made you will need to:
OS-HELP loan payments will be paid to you as a single payment by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) approximately 4 - 6 weeks after the above payment requirements have been satisfied.
You should ensure you have access to other funds to cover any initial upfront costs associated with your overseas study program as delays in OS-HELP payments can occur.
If you are selected for OS-HELP assistance you will be provided with an OS-HELP debt confirmation form and the OS-HELP Statement of Terms and Conditions booklet. You must read this booklet before completing your OS-HELP debt confirmation form.
You can also download the OS-HELP 'Statement of Terms and Conditions' or access it from the Australian Government Study Assist website.
Your OS-HELP debt is included in your accumulated HELP debt recorded by the Australian Taxation office. You must repay your accumulated HELP debt through the taxation system once your income is above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayments.
Once your OS-HELP loan payment is made to you, it cannot be remitted under any circumstances. You must repay your OS-HELP debt, even if you do not complete or undertake your overseas study.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your OS-HELP loan application, you must complete the following steps:
Step 1 - Request a review of the original decision
Step 2 - Further appeal
If you require further information about the OS-HELP loan and application process, please contact the Student Hub.