Financing study
StudyLink wants students to get the financial assistance they are entitled to so they can complete their studies. There is a range of ways StudyLink can help including the Student Allowance, Student Loans and extra help with costs.
Cost of student life – the big picture
Money is an important consideration as you decide what to study and how to pay for it. This page helps you estimate the cost of study and ways to pay for it.
Student Allowance
The Student Allowance is a weekly payment to help with living expenses while you study full-time (or limited full-time with our approval). You don't have to pay this back.
Student Loan
The Student Loan can help to finance your study. It's made up of three parts - compulsory fees, course-related costs and/or living costs. You have to pay a Student Loan back.
Extra help
StudyLink connects students with financial help for a range of situations. This includes help for health, accommodation, work, childcare, and training costs. There is also help if you can't find work during your study break, help for people with disabilities, help for emergencies, and information about family assistance.
Scholarships
There are many organisations offering scholarships for a wide range of qualifications and students - from a few hundred dollars, to thousands. They may not necessarily focus on academic achievement.
Limited full-time study
Some financial assistance is only available to full-time students. However, in certain situations, if you have to study part-time you could be eligible for what's called "limited full-time status".
Making your application
Find out how to apply for the Student Allowance, a Student Loan, the Unemployment Student Hardship Benefit, and extra help.
Your rights and responsibilities
If you are receiving a Student Allowance, Student Loan or extra help, you must tell us when your study details or circumstances change.
This section also tells you what to do if you disagree with a StudyLink decision.
