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OS-HELP
If you’re studying in a Commonwealth supported place and you’re thinking of completing part of your studies overseas you may be eligible for OS-HELP.
- Overview and eligibility
- How to apply
- What happens next
Overview and eligibility
OS-HELP is a loan available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place who want to study part of their course overseas. OS-HELP can be used for a range of expenses such as airfares, accommodation and other travel or study expenses.
You can receive one loan per six-month study period and two OS-HELP loans over your lifetime.
Eligibility
You can apply for OS-HELP in the six-month period before the start of your overseas study. Your application needs to be for study that you have not yet completed.
You are eligible to apply if you are a Commonwealth supported student participating in a program where study is for academic credit or is otherwise a mandatory component of your current course at the University. This includes:
- an approved exchange or study abroad program
- an overseas professional placement (clinical, community, industry or internship)
- a fieldwork program.
You also need to meet all of the criteria below.
- You’re an Australian citizen, permanent humanitarian visa holder, eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder, pacific engagement visa (PEV) holder (PEV holders became eligible from 1 February 2024), or a New Zealand Special Visa (SCV) holder, or eligible former New Zealand SCV holder who meets the long-term residency requirements and who will be resident in Australia at the time of applying.
- You have not received an OS-HELP loan more than once before, and you will not receive a second OS-HELP loan for the same six-month period.
- You are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and have completed 48 credit points (1.0 Equivalent Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL)) of study in Australia that counts towards your current course in a Commonwealth supported place.
- You will be studying full time overseas and your overseas study will count towards the requirements for the Australian course in which you are enrolled.
- You will have at least 6 credit points (0.125 EFTSL) of your current course left to complete in Australia once you finish your overseas study (usually one unit of study).
- You have a valid tax file number (TFN) at the time of applying.
- You have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).
- You have submitted both the OS-HELP loan application and OS-HELP debt confirmation form through Sydney Student.
- You have read the OS-HELP Statement of terms and conditions booklet.
Eligibility criteria and legislation around OS-HELP can change, so see the Study Assist website for full details.
When you aren't eligible for OS-HELP
You are not eligible for OS-HELP if any of the following apply.
- You are receiving FEE-HELP or SA-HELP but are not in a Commonwealth supported place.
- You have received an OS-HELP loan for the same six-month period (counted from the start date of the overseas study for the first loan). For example, if you have received an OS-HELP loan for overseas study starting on 1 January, you cannot then be selected to receive a second OS-HELP loan for overseas study which begins before 2 July of that year.
- You will complete the credit requirements of your course upon completion of your overseas study.
- You have already completed the program for which you would like to apply for OS-HELP.
How much can I borrow?
In 2026, eligible applicants will be able to select from the following indexed amounts to borrow per six-month study period.
- If you study in Asia*: $2500, $5000, $10,130
- If you do not study in Asia: $2000, $4000, $8442
- Supplementary loan for approved Asian language study: $1345
The Asian language study will need to be an official language of your host location and completed in preparation for study in Asia*. You cannot request the extra loan amount if your Asian language study is part of your course or if you are already using a HELP loan to pay for those units.
* 'Asia' includes these countries:
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
Students need to ensure theydo not travel to or remain in locations where Smartraveller advice is ‘Do not travel’ or ‘Reconsider your need to travel’. For information about thse categories, check the Smartraveller website.
Last updated: 21 January 2026